Brownfields of the Mohawk Valley - The Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit 2025

Learn How Capital Stacking Drives Redevelopment in the Mohawk Valley

Register for the 4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit

April 29-30, 2025 at Herkimer College, Herkimer, NY

Herkimer, NY – March 2025 – The 4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit is set to take place on April 29-30, 2025, at Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York. Organized by the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) in collaboration with economic development agencies from Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and “partner in grime” Lewis Counties. Capital Stacking, the financial structure of a real estate deal, has become a necessity to deliver viable projects. New York State and utility partners are still interested in public-private brownfield redevelopment investments.

In 2024, an announcement from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC) claimed 61 brownfields were certified as cleaned-up sites by the New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP). Thirty-five of the 61 are planned for the creation of thousands of affordable housing units across New York City and the state.

“We are inviting investors to better understand the opportunities available in the Mohawk Valley,” enthused Heather Devitt, Deputy Director of the Mohawk Valley Development District (MVEDD). The Brownfield Summit Site Story Map features 22 properties prime for redevelopment.

Brownfields are former industrial or commercial sites that may be contaminated due to prior use, often presenting complex histories and environmental challenges. These properties can be more difficult to redevelop compared to undeveloped land, or “greenfields.” Despite these challenges, brownfields offer significant potential due to their strategic locations, often situated near critical transportation infrastructure such as highways and railways. Additionally, many brownfields already have access to essential utilities, including water, wastewater, and energy lines, making them prime candidates for revitalization.

The capital stack is one of the most important concepts for investors interested in evaluating real estate risk and projected rate of return. Real estate values in the Mohawk Valley are appreciating but brownfield sites are viewed as the land of opportunity. Often needing incentive to pencil-out as a good investment, utility companies offer incentives for planning and upgrading systems while New York State offers grants and tax credits to clean-up contaminated ground and blighted buildings into highest and best use for a new generation of users. The Mohawk Valley Brownfield Summit offers an in-person chance to connect with partners, attend expert-led sessions, and be part of transforming the region’s underutilized properties into thriving economic assets.

The 4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit, featuring a keynote by Spencer Levy of CBRE Global and US Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Director, Michael Martucci who were invited to share economic trends and insights on development. The Summit will offer a more diverse agenda with panels on economic development, legal issues, capital resources, site assessments, and community preparation for redevelopment.

The Capital Resources Session will feature panelists who provide practical advice on how to creatively combine various funding tools to finance complex brownfield redevelopment projects.

Capital Resource Panelists, 2025:

Ronald Peters, President & CEO, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Inc.
Danny Lapin, AICP, Revitalization Specialist 1, Office of Planning, Development, & Community Infrastructure, NYS Department of State
Heather Devitt, Deputy Director, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District
Scott LaMountain, Program Director, NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Brian Anderson, Program Director, National Grid
Kristi Schwebke, Director Industry Development, Empire State Development

Key funding resources will feature, but not limited to:

New York State
- Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA): A significant community resource to investigate blighted properties and underutilized lands to better understand the financial incentives and supports for the revitalization of underutilized industrial legacy properties that may be thwarting vitality.
- Brownfield Cleanup Program Tax Credit (BCP): Tax credits to encourage private-sector cleanups of brownfields and to promote redevelopment as a means to revitalize economically blighted communities.
- National Grid Brownfield Redevelopment: Grants to fund utility related infrastructure improvements and other costs that are necessary to progress the redevelopment of a brownfield site or vacant building.
Federal
- Mohawk Valley EPA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF): Learn about this critical program that offers low-interest loans to assist with the cleanup of contaminated sites, and how it can be paired with other funding sources for comprehensive project financing.

Rounding out the two-day Brownfield Summit, case study presentations (video feature by HRP) slated as DEC Brownfield Cleanup Program Lifecycle, Newport School Redevelopment and Success Stories of Alternative Brownfield Funding will bring project incentives to life. And, with over 40 networking and resource tables, participants will have ample opportunities to engage with all experts and partners to explore more resources and strategies for brownfield redevelopment.

“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their ongoing support and commitment to the future of brownfield redevelopment in the Mohawk Valley,” said Ron Peters, President & CEO of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth and MVEDD Director. “Their support, along with immeasurable insights from our panelists and contributors, makes it possible for us to offer an event that continues to provide crucial resources to those working to revitalize our region.”

The 2025 Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit is made possible by an impressive roster of sponsors, including NYSERDA, National Grid, HRP Associates, Inc., Hodgson Russ, LLP, LaBella Associates, AC Power, LLC, Herkimer County IDA, Herkimer College, Fulton County IDA, NBT Bank, Advanced Institute for Manufacturing, C & S Engineers, Knauf Shaw LLP, Delta Engineers, Architects & Surveyors, CS Arch, Weston & Sampson, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC), Eurofins Environmental Testing, LLC, Bohler Engineering, Naturally Lewis, Amplified Geochemical Imaging, and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. Their generous contributions are integral to the success of this transformative event. The summit is also proudly supported by key partners such as Empire State Development (ESD), the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the NYS Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).

Event Details:

Dates: April 29-30, 2025
Location: Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY
Register now to secure your spot and gain access to invaluable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities: MVEDD Summit Registration Page

About MVEDD:

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) is dedicated to enhancing the economic development of the Mohawk Valley region through strategic collaborations with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector. MVEDD is committed to supporting brownfield remediation and redevelopment, sustainable growth, and job creation across the region.

HRP Video Promo: Brownfields of the Mohawk Valley – The Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit 2025

4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit

April 29-30, 2025

Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY

Register now to secure your spot and gain access to invaluable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities: MVEDD Summit Registration Page