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From Obstacles to Opportunities: March Networking Luncheon

Joanne Campanile, Loan Management Solutions

On March 28, 2012, CREW Chicago hosted a networking luncheon program at the East Bank Club entitled:  From Obstacles to Opportunities. The event gave participants an opportunity to learn about brownfield sites in the Chicago area.

(Photo left to right) Jennifer Tammen - The Tammen Group,
Renee Cipriano - Schiff Hardin,
Reggie Greenwood -  Chicago Southland Economic Development Corp,
Keith Oswald - V3 Companies,
Angelica Marks - Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives,
Margie Lathrop

The discussion was moderated by Renee Cipriano, a partner in Schiff Hardin’s Environmental group.  Renee is also a past Illinois EPA Director.  Members of the panel included Keith Oswald, Director of Environmental and Geosciences at V3 Companies ; Reggie Greenwald, Director of Economic Development for South Suburban Mayors and Manager’s Association and Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation; and Angelica Marks, Vice President of Real Estate for Chicago Neighborhoods.

The panelists portrayed brownfields as an area of opportunity for property owners and municipalities.  They discussed the challenges of environmental contamination and clean up, government approvals, liability issues, financing challenges and marketing perceptions.  Although challenging, these sites can be successfully developed, a fact that was illustrated by an overview of one of Chicago’s most historic brownfields, Pullman Park, 180-acre mixed use project in the historic Pullman neighborhood.