Lackawanna First Ward Brownfield Opportunity Area

Bethlehem Steel’s facility in Lackawanna, NY, was the country’s second largest steel manufacturer during the height of its operation, but in the years after its demise the plant was declared a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As part of the implementation plan for Step 3 of the New York State Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, AKRF was instrumental in developing a revitalization strategy that included the former Bethlehem Steel site and Lackawanna’s disadvantaged First Ward. We prepared a market assessment and assessed prevalent demographic segments, growing industry sectors, and real estate trends in the study area. We also identified specific challenges and opportunities to the revitalization and set forth recommendations for future development that will encourage local job growth, attract businesses, and increase overall quality of life.

(Images courtesy of Sasaki)