CRA sets aside $20,000 for environmental study of Baker’s gas station site

The Newtown CRA Advisory Board voted March 11 to set aside up to $20,000 to fund an environmental study for the Baker’s gas station site, a property identified as a brownfield that previously received a "no further action required" finding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Staff told the board that a Phase I environmental assessment would likely cost up to $5,000 and that a Phase II assessment could be necessary and would add incremental costs (staff estimated roughly $15,000 for a Phase II if required). The family that owns the property attended the meeting and said they are open to exploring redevelopment options if the environmental constraints are understood.

Why it matters: The study would determine whether and what remediation is required before active redevelopment can proceed. Because the site’s brownfield status restricts disturbance of soils, the assessment is a precondition to determining realistic reuse scenarios, including potential grocery, laundromat or other retail uses discussed by the board.

What was decided: A motion to set aside $20,000 for the assessment was made, seconded and approved by the board. Staff said if the board approves, staff will move forward with procuring the assessment and will return to the board with results and any needed next steps.

Next steps: Staff will procure an environmental consultant, complete the Phase I and (if indicated) Phase II assessments, and report findings to the board to inform next steps or potential grant support for remediation or redevelopment.