From 1940 to 1975, the property had been used as a Naval Reserve Armory and for typical shipyard activities. In the early seventies the U.S. Navy discontinued operations at the site. The Armory was demolished between 1975 and 1977 and the site remained vacant and unproductive for twenty-five years. In 2002, the property was purchased and designated as a Brownfields Area. Through a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), it was established that past activities had contributed to soil and groundwater contamination. A subsequent Phase 2 ESA identified a previously unidentified underground storage tank as well as other associated contamination.

Removal of the storage tank confirmed the presence of a localized benzene plume in the groundwater. In addition, test samples showed conclusively that there was widespread arsenic in the soils. Through the State Brownfields program, a Brownfields Site Rehabilitation Agreement (BSRA) was developed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Initial remedial actions included removal of excessively contaminated soil, followed by placement of an oxygen release compound in the excavation and dual-phase pumping of the groundwater and vadose zone gas to accelerate cleanup. Through a Natural Attenuation Monitoring Program, benzene concentrations were observed to decline until the benzene issue was closed.

The development plan called for up to four feet of fill and the entire site was destined to be covered by impervious surfaces after development. Therefore, through the efforts of the new owner and the owner’s attorney, while working within the terms of the BSRA, construction commenced.

With a multi-million dollar private investment, and access to community redevelopment funding acquired through the Federal Government and the State of Florida, revitalization and beautification of a magnificent waterfront is on the verge of accomplishment. Commercial activities have already increased in the form of new hotels, restaurants, and shopping. A brand new marina has been established and hundreds of new jobs are being created. In addition, the value of the property is multiplying substantially, subsequently expanding the community tax base.

< Return to Success Stories