4th Annual Brownfield Developer Summit in Herkimer, NY

National Experts and Regional Leaders Headline 4th Annual Brownfield Developer Summit in Herkimer, NY

Learn how $3 million in pre-development funding is transforming upstate New York’s most challenging properties into vibrant community assets.

Herkimer, NY — April 17, 2025 — The 4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfield Developer Summit, hosted by the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) in partnership with Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Lewis Counties, will bring together public, private, and nonprofit leaders for a two-day exchange on the power of brownfield redevelopment to fuel economic revival across Central New York.

Dates: April 29–30, 2025

Location: Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY

With more than 22 redevelopment-ready sites and $3 million in active public funding across the Mohawk Valley, the Summit will highlight the state and federal momentum behind transforming underutilized properties into engines for housing, recreation, business, and sustainable growth.

We are proud to announce a powerhouse lineup of speakers for the upcoming 2025 Brownfield Developer Summit, bringing together national expertise and regional leadership in brownfield remediation, economic revitalization, and environmental innovation. From real estate strategy to state policy and on-the-ground environmental remediation, these speakers represent the best of what’s possible when communities come together to reimagine what’s next.

♦ Spencer Levy, Global Client Strategist & Senior Economic Advisor, CBRE
One of the most influential voices in commercial real estate, Spencer Levy brings three decades of cross-industry insight, as well as a compelling media presence through his role as host of CBRE’s The Weekly Take. A powerful speaker with a deep understanding of markets, capital, and place-making, Levy will provide a national lens on brownfield investment potential.

“Brownfield redevelopment is not just an environmental imperative—it’s an economic one,” says Levy. “There is no greater return than unlocking value where others saw none.”

♦ Michael Martucci, Regional Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Former New York State Senator and now the EPA’s top official in Region 2, Mike Martucci brings a rare blend of public policy experience, entrepreneurial leadership, and personal ties to the land. His keynote will explore federal investment strategies and the EPA’s role in enabling local progress.

“The brownfields of today can be the sustainable, vibrant communities of tomorrow,” Martucci shared. “We’re here to make that transformation real, one site at a time.”

♦ Andrew O. Guglielmi, Esq., Director, Division of Environmental Remediation, NYSDEC
As the state’s top environmental remediation official, Guglielmi leads a team of over 300 professionals addressing New York’s most complex cleanup efforts. His experience spans legal, scientific, and community engagement dimensions of redevelopment.

“We don’t just clean up land—we help communities reclaim their future,” said Guglielmi. “When regulatory tools and local leadership come together, the impact is lasting.”

Attendees will explore 22 active brownfield projects across Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Lewis Counties, with site leaders available for one-on-one discussions and Q&As. From the Adler Hotel in Sharon Springs to Rome Cable in Oneida County and McAlpine Elementary in Lyons Falls, this event puts shovel-ready projects and high-impact opportunities on full display.

Summit highlights include:

Showcase of $3M+ in public investment from the NY Department of State and EPA

BOA Program expansion across ten Mohawk Valley communities

Site Tours & Developer Meetups on Day Two (April 30)

Case Study: Newport School Redevelopment

Scholarship Recognition for emerging brownfield leaders

Panelists from SUNY Cobleskill and the NJIT Brownfield Assistance Center

“We are proud to lead the way in environmental and economic renewal,” said Marc Baracco, Chief of Staff, Mohawk Valley EDGE. “From BOA planning to EPA assessment, this is how we turn vacant into vibrant.”

The Brownfield Developer Summit is open to developers, engineers, municipal officials, students, funders, and community advocates. Whether you’re looking for your next investment, a model to follow, or partners to build with—this is where connections are made, and projects take shape.

As the NYS Canal System gets set to open for its bicentennial year, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation are pleased to announce major bicentennial events taking place throughout 2025.