The effort to reclaim "brownfields"- unused or under-used industrial sites - is one of the most exciting and promising trends in urban planning and real estate development.

From the steel towns of Pennsylvania to the timber towns of Oregon, old industrial sites are standing unused or under-used. In their present state, these sites are impediments to economic development in rural and urban communities across our nation, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But redeveloped, brownfields can be catalysts for community revitalization.

Because industrial plants tended to locate near water, brownfield sites often occupy scenic areas next to lakes, rivers and harbors are some of the choicest real estate in their communities. They also often are located in or near the downtown area, adding to their desirability. TimberMill Shores, for example, is on a lake right next to downtown Klamath Falls.TimberMill Shores is just that.

Reclaiming brownfields discourages urban sprawl and conserves farmland and open space by reducing the need to develop in "greenfields" previously undeveloped land. It also brings fresh vitality and economic activity to the downtown core.

Did you know?

Environmental contamination can be an obstacle to brownfield redevelopment. Fortunately, the amount of contamination on the TimberMill Shores site is relatively small, and the developers have entered into a voluntary cleanup program with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to ensure the site complies with all applicable state and federal environmental standards.

As of July 2005, TimberMill Shores is proud to announce that they have completed its studies regarding environmental cleanup for all of the remaining lots within Phase One. The Department of Environmental Quality has issued a No Further Action (NFA) for lots 6-14 (1-5 have already sold) which is important for the financing and eventual development of the remaining TimberMill Shores’ lots. For a copy of this letter please view this PDF document

The developers of TimberMill Shores are proud to be part of the brownfields reclamation movement and look forward to making an important contribution to the livability and economic vitality of Klamath Falls and the Klamath region.

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