Improving Communities and Making Ohio a Great Place to Live and Work – The Power of Partnerships | T&M Associates

Ohio is a robust and thriving state — which is why when land is polluted or otherwise unusable, we want to make sure we can revitalize it and put it to good use. Brownfield redevelopment can seem like a daunting task that communities and the state can’t afford, but in many cases, funding for these projects is available from the state and federal government through EPA grants and other funding mechanisms. This provides opportunities for game-changing community improvement that breathes new life into free enterprise and our statewide economy. 

Beyond just the impact on the buildings and land themselves, this work has a profound impact on the surrounding community, spurring development, creating jobs, and increasing property values. In an environment where available land is dwindling and developers are shelling out massive sums for whatever is available, mitigating and cleaning up brownfield areas and creating new development opportunities leads to affordable new housing, retail, and amenities while at the same time removing eyesores and making communities safer. 

Here at T&M Associates, we’re proud to partner with the state and Ohio counties on this issue. We’ve worked to clean up brownfield areas (including former automotive repair and industrial manufacturing sites) throughout the region, creating innovative economic revitalization and development opportunities that have led to the establishment of new manufacturing, microbreweries, food halls and new multi-tenant housing in communities that so desperately need it. And as a Columbus Chamber of Commerce member, we recognize the benefits these new enterprises bring to our statewide economy. 

One example of this work, in Medina, was a historic Farmers Exchange building that is over 100 years old. The structure was in disrepair, with significant building code violations. As part of our work, we came in, assessed the building, and developed a plan for remediation to restore the building. What was once a community eyesore is now a vibrant microbrewery, butcher shop and restaurant. 

Under the auspices of another project, we helped Perry County secure $500,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Building Demolition & Site Revitalization Program. These funds enabled the county to demolish abandoned, decrepit houses in the Villages of Corning, Crooksville, Hemlock, Shawnee, and Thronville and outdated municipal buildings in New Lexington no longer being used. In all, 21 properties were demolished and the sites, encompassing 15 acres in total, were completely restored, improving property values and increasing revitalization opportunities in these communities. 

In Elyria, we took an old automotive repair facility that had been sitting idle for years. After helping the community secure a $400,000 USEPA grant, we worked with the redevelopment team to clean the property up and restore it. Today, the site is home to Unplugged Brewing, a very successful and popular brewery — and once again, new life has been brought to a derelict property. 

We have been grateful for the recognition our work has received in Ohio as a result of our partnership with state and local governments to restore and revitalize communities — including being the recent recipient of a Vanguard Award for Corporate Citizenship, but more importantly, we appreciate being given the opportunity to make a positive difference for residents and businesses in the region. After all, we live and work here too. 

Rob Pfendler, Sr Vice President, Regional Operations Manager, and Donald Pinto, Vice President and Group Manager, are with T&M Associates, a leading national consulting, engineering, environmental, and technical services company with offices in Columbus and throughout the nation.