Every community has its share of abandoned gas stations. Every community also faces the challenge of somehow removing these eye-sores and developing the sites as something more beneficial to the community. Who would purchase these blighted parcels and how could they be redeveloped? The biggest problem is the petroleum contamination that will have to be removed. Generally, the sites are not that attractive, and the cleanup costs can sometimes be equal to or more than the value of the property.

The City of Clearwater recently faced such a problem. They were stuck with a rundown former gas station in a minority-populated neighborhood that was economically challenged. There were liens against the property and no one was interested in pursuing such a risky investment.

Fortunately, with remarkable determination, a community group was assembled to initiate a project that would convert the property into a much needed healthcare facility. Certain members of this group had some knowledge about the benefits being offered by a new federal program called Brownfields Redevelopment. The first thing they did was have the area designated as a Brownfields. Following the designation, the delegated Brownfields committee successfully applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for a Brownfields Environmental Assessment Grant. With these grant funds, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) were conducted.

With a good knowledge of the environmental issues that would need to be addressed, the group acquired State Brownfields Redevelopment appropriations to clear the title of the property and resolve existing liens. Through the same financial resources, four underground storage tanks were removed as well as hydraulic lifts that were used for auto repair operations. In addition, 450 tons of contaminated soil was removed and disposed of. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding was acquired to demolish the rundown structure and, because the project was relative to public health issues, Florida State Tobacco Settlement funds were appropriated for the construction of a new Health Care facility.

Upon completion of the Willa Carson Community Health Resource Center, the community was able to provide quality healthcare to a medically underserved neighborhood. In the first year of operation over 7,000 patients were served. New jobs were created, a contaminated site was cleaned up, a neighborhood was revitalized, the community realized an improved quality of life, and an undesirable property became a valuable community asset.

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