Parchment City, Michigan - Small City, Big Brownfield!

After the closure of the Parchment Mill in 2000, the City of Parchment, Michigan, was left with a contaminated 30-acre brownfield, declining property values, and increased crime. Its 2,000 residents now face the challenge of redeveloping this vacant site located near a middle school, homes, the Kalamazoo River, the interstate, and downtown. Vacant buildings - some nearly 300 feet long - range from one to five stories alongside two vast fuel tanks. The site, which affects the entire city and surrounding communities, holds great potential for housing, businesses, public spaces, recreation, and a new city entrance. Following failed redevelopment attempts, the city acquired the property and, with EPA, state, and local funds, began cleanup and demolition to prepare for revitalization of Parchment Mill.

Presenters outline the interesting history of the Parchment Mill, which operated from 1909 to 2000, and its long-lasting influence on the city. They cover contamination and safety issues, funding struggles, and methods to involve the public and address equity, and present a webpage specifically developed for public engagement and input. Learn about historic site development challenges while envisioning a new development.
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