Knowledge Bank

Brownfield properties are properties wherein future use is inhibited either by the presence or perceived presence of harmful pollutants. As a consequence, these properties are difficult to develop and prospective developers require sufficient positive incentives in order to be attracted to these projects. To investigate the extent to which public transit can act as an amenity for these properties, this study examines the relationship between commuter rail transit stations and brownfield property redevelopment rates in Mecklenburg County, NC using both a linear probability model and a propensity score matching approach. The analysis results indicate that there is indeed a relationship between light rail and brownfield redevelopment, but the direction of the relationship depends on the analysis technique used.