EASTON - Nov. 12, 2010 - Sometimes to figure out where you're going you need to understand where you've been.

That was the gist of Pennsylvania Rep. Robert Freeman's (D-136^th, Northampton County) address to Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) investors entitled "Infill and Urban Redevelopment: The Next Frontier" during Friday's Legislative and Governmental Relations (LGR) Committee Breakfast program at The Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel.

Using his trademark casual speaking style, the amiable Rep. Freeman shared a history lesson of the 20^th century's evolution of thinking that he said saw a mainstream embrace of energy dependence. He placed the past into the context of how it can assist our strategies and actions in environmental planning moving forward.

"Over the next few years I would like to see our region rekindle a sense of place, a sense of community that fosters a vibrant quality of life," Rep. Freeman said. "...A more holistic approach to where we put our investments."

Rep. Freeman spoke about the benefits of mixed use development planning that would enhance the entire community. In his model, investments would be targeted to provide additional housing options, extended families and amenities within walking distance that are less dependent on adding to the suburban sprawl that manifested itself during the 1950s and 1960s.

Choosing to view the glass as half full rather than half empty, when Rep. Freeman turned his comments to brownfield redevelopment, he saw "an exciting opportunity" to start anew instead of focusing on the eyesore brownfields can sometimes become after years of neglect.

"There are many examples of brownfield redevelopment that turned these properties into a very successful venture," he noted. "We have to keep in mind that older buildings and properties are an asset and can be adapted for reuse. In particular, older architecture lends itself to adaptive reuse."

LVEDC implements the remediation of brownfield sites through the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative (LVLRI). LVLRI is funded primarily by Lehigh and Northampton counties and is an initiative of LVEDC.

Brownfields are old-industrial properties that have a real or perceived environmental problem. Currently the inventory of brownfield sites in the Lehigh Valley numbers about 100 properties. Factors used to evaluate projects include community support and developer interest.

In April LVEDC's commitment to the remediation of brownfield sites received an unprecedented boost as the United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $1,000,000 grant for the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties across our region.

"Cities are the new frontier for economic sustainability and can tap into a changing demographic and the inherent strength in our diversity," Rep. Freeman said.

Rep. Freeman also noted that small businesses "create about two out of three jobs" and how in his model of urban renewal, they will play a vital role in creating a strong quality of life for Lehigh Valley residents.

LVEDC administers the SBA 504 loans for Lehigh Valley businesses. The SBA 504 loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing to small businesses to acquire real estate, machinery or equipment for expansion or modernization. Typically a 504 project includes a loan secured from a private-sector lender with a senior lien, a loan secured from the SBA with a junior lien covering up to 40 percent of the total cost, and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the borrower.

The LGR breakfast series is organized by LVEDC's LGR Committee who hosts meetings throughout the year to keep investors apprised of various legislative issues. The Legislative Breakfast Title Sponsor is Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Gold Sponsors for Rep. Freeman's address were Bohler Engineering and PPL Corp.

For more information, please contact Stephen Althouse at 610.266.3817 or salthouse@lehighvalley.org.