U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
V. Ranking Criteria for Cleanup Grants
1. Community Need
a) Health, Welfare and the Environment: Abilene, Texas is a community of 117,063 residents
situated in west central Texas near the geographic center of the state 1. On January 2, 1883, its
residents voted to incorporate, and in an election held on October 23, 1883, Abilene became the
county seat. In slightly more than 100 years Abilene developed from an almost entirely agricultural
economy to a diversified economy based on oil, agriculture, commerce, light manufacturing, and
service. The oil industry, including the development of exploration, drilling, refining, and oilfield
service industries, expanded significantly after World War II. Manufacturing plants increased from
111 in 1979 to 145 in 1982. Parallel expansion occurred in banking, construction, and retail and
wholesale business. Service employment expanded dramatically, as it did statewide. Per capita
income remained well below the state average until 1950, when figures reflected an 89 percent
increase; afterward it approximated the state figure.
Significant population increases reflect expansions of the area’s industrial capacity. The number of
individuals residing in Abilene rose from 10,274 to 23,175 between 1920 and 1930. Between 1940
and 1950 it increased from 26,612 to 45,570, and then doubled in the following decade to 90,638.
In 1988 the population was 108,157; in 1990 it was 106,654. As in most of West Texas, AngloSaxon Protestants predominate in Abilene. Since the first census in 1890, the percentage of
whites, including Hispanics, has been 93 percent or above. The 1980 census revealed 6.7 percent
black and 12.6 percent Hispanic population.
The former Lincoln Middle School Building and Campus site originally developed as a school in
1889. However, the impressive structure standing today was constructed in 1923 as a high school.
Architect David S. Castle designed the current building to “represent to the world of visitors that
passed by on the train or driving on the Bankhead Highway (South First) that Abilene was a
community that is committed to education.” The Abilene Independent School District later
constructed several additions onto the building to accommodate community growth. For example,
in the late 1920s the school built a new auditorium, girl’s gymnasium, and classroom space. In
1941 a machine shop was added and subsequent decades, particularly the 1950s, 70s and 80s,
resulted in additions to the campus (e.g., football field and tennis courts), plus updates to existing
facilities.
The Abilene Independent School District School Board voted to begin the process of closing the
aging school in 2004 as a result of increasing maintenance costs and the large investment required
to meet the needs of today’s students. The school shuttered its doors three years later in 2007.
The School Board made an attempt to revive the building in 2008 with a referendum designed to
reclassify it as a technology-focused school. The vote failed forcing the Board to make the school
available for sale as part of its Plan for the Disposition of Surplus Property. The School Board did
not receive any credible bids and the property has remained vacant as a consequence.
The closure of Lincoln Middle School created a significant void in the social fabric of the
surrounding neighborhoods. The importance of a school to a local community extends much
beyond the school day. Educational institutions often serve as both a focal point of activity and a
1
2010 U.S. Census
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
neighborhood anchor. Moreover, they frequently host sporting events, meetings, community
events, etc. which help keep families actively engaged in local issues. All of these positive
attributes associated with the school ended abruptly upon its closing.
This situation is especially unfortunate as the former school building and campus occupy a
prominent location within the community. Located on South First Street and adjacent to Interstate
Highway 20, the vacant facility encompasses approximately one-half of a city block along a major
transportation corridor. The facility has become an eyesore and a visible reminder of the area’s
vibrant past.
Beyond these issues, the Former Lincoln Middle School Campus also represents a significant
health concern for nearby neighborhoods. This circumstance is especially troubling when
considering the demographics of the target area. The subject property is located within Census
Tract 117 of Taylor County, Texas. As such, this application uses the area as a comparison point.
The table below highlights information from the 2010 U.S. Census.
% Hispanic or Latino
% minority3
% of individuals under 5
years of age
United States
16.3%
36.3%
State of Texas
36.7%
54.7%
City of Abilene
24.5%
37.6%
Target Area2
39.5%
48.6%
6.5%
7.7%
7.5%
9.0%
Neighborhoods surrounding the Former Lincoln Middle School Campus display considerably
different demographic characteristics than those within the City of Abilene, the State of Texas, and
the United States. This includes elevated levels of several sensitive population groups living in
close proximity to the vacant former school.
Nearly 40% of the target area identifies as being Hispanic or Latino. This figure exceeds the
percentages for the city (24.5%), the state (36.7%), and the U.S. (16.3%). In fact, the number of
Hispanic or Latino residents in the target area is almost two and a half times the percentage living
within the United States. Approximately 1 in 2 residents within the target area are also minorities.
Although this lags behind the State of Texas percentage (54.7%), this far outstrips the City of
Abilene (37.6%) and U.S. (36.3%) averages.
The target area also contains a significant concentration of another sensitive population. Nearly
one in ten of its residents are under the age of five. This number is higher when contrasted to the
Abilene (7.5%), Texas (7.7%), and U.S. (6.5%) levels. This represents a significant concern as
young individuals are frequently more vulnerable to adverse conditions and often must rely on
others to provide for some form of their care and safety. Additionally, this population cohort likely
spends more time outdoors. This can become problematic if the building continues to deteriorate
potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Collectively, this situation amplifies exposure
concerns related to the former Lincoln Middle School building.
2
3
Census Tract 117 in Taylor County, Texas
Percentage of people not defined as “white and non-Hispanic.”
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
Results of the Limited Site Investigation Report and Asbestos Survey sampling detected
approximately 30,800 square feet of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in various building
components of the former school structure – specifically in the Kitchen/Band Hall Addition, and the
Boy’s Gymnasium. Completion of a Lead-Based Paint Inspection Report also identified LeadBased Paint (LBP) in the interior of the Original School Building as well as the Kitchen and Band
Hall Addition.
Undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. The materials
become hazardous and pose increased risk when they are disturbed, damaged, or are left to
deteriorate. The later situation is the reality at the former Lincoln Middle School site as the
deteriorating building remains exposed to the natural elements. The referenced actions can
potentially release asbestos fibers into the air. Continued exposure introduces fibers into the lungs
potentially causing serious lung diseases including: asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. As
such, residents of nearby neighborhoods are at risk.
Lead is a highly toxic metal which produces a range of adverse health effects especially for young
children. Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause brain damage; affect a child's growth;
damage kidneys; impair hearing; cause vomiting, headaches, and appetite loss; and cause
learning and behavioral problems. In adults, this level of exposure to lead can increase blood
pressure, and can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, nerve disorders, sleep problems,
muscle and joint pain, and mood changes. The exposure pathway for lead within the former
Lincoln Middle School building is through deteriorating paint. The listed potential health problems
are a concern as the building displays evidence of tampering and vandalism which suggests that
children likely access the facility.
Beyond the potential adverse health impacts resulting from the presence of lead paint and
asbestos, the former school also poses a safety hazard to area residents. In their current
condition, the buildings and campus makes the surrounding neighborhood more vulnerable to
destabilizing influences such as vandalism and related criminal behavior. The unattended
buildings provide ample opportunities for unwanted visitors to enter the site. This causes the
building to become an inviting place for curious children to play and more predisposed to
incidences of crime. Previous environmental site assessment activities have noted damages
caused by trespassers within the structure which validates these concerns. Since acquiring the
property the City of Abilene has attempted to address the general lack of security around the
neglected facility by ________
Without the requested Cleanup Grant funding, this site is likely to continue deteriorating. This
situation represents a health and safety hazard for the local population and further compounds the
perception of contamination and blight within the neighborhood. The proposed cleanup initiative
provides the City with an opportunity to proactively eliminate exposure concerns for nearby
sensitive populations while also adding stability to the adjoining neighborhood and community.
b) Financial Need. High poverty rates, along with low individual/household income levels, home
ownership rates, and home values prevail in the target area. The table below highlights socioeconomic data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2006-2010), the
2010 U.S. Census, and the September 2012 Texas Workforce Commission employment study.
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Demographic4
Total population6
Unemployment Rate7
% of individuals below poverty
level
% of families below poverty
level
Median household income
Per capita income
Median value of owneroccupied homes
% of renter-occupied homes
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
United States
308,745,538
7.6%
State of Texas
25,145,561
6.3%
City of Abilene
117,063
5.0%
Target Area5
2,368
N/A
13.8%
16.8%
17.8%
28.2%
10.1%
13.0%
13.7%
23.2%
$51,914
$27,334
$49,646
$24,870
$39,766
$20,826
$25,218
$12,231
$188,400
$123,500
$88,400
$47,200
33.4%
35.2%
41.8%
54.4%
The target area contains 2,368 residents or approximately 2% of the community’s total population.
As evidenced by the statistics in the table above, individuals and families residing near the Former
Lincoln Middle School Campus are economically disadvantaged when compared to others in the
City of Abilene, the State of Texas, and the United States.
The median household income for the target area is only $25,218. This figure is 36.6% less than
the city ($39,766), 49% less than the State of Texas ($49,466), and 51.4% less than the country
($51,914). Per capita income data for target area residents highlights a more significant financial
disparity. This figure is 41.3% and 50.9% less than the Abilene ($20,826) and State of Texas
($24,870) figures, respectively. Further, the per capita income for the area is an astonishing 55.3%
less when contrasted to the U.S. ($27,334).
Low income levels equate to a high degree of poverty within the community. The percentage of
individuals below the poverty level in the target area (28.2%) exceeds the rate for Abilene (17.8%),
Texas (16.8%), and the U.S. (13.8%). The percentage of families living below the poverty level in
Census Tract 117 (23.2%) is higher than both the City of Abilene (13.7%) and State of Texas
(13.0%) rates and is more than double that of the United States (10.1%). Moreover, children
attending the (INSERT) local schools near the former Lincoln Middle School receive either free or
reduced lunch as of (INSERT).
The City of Abilene traditionally enjoys a lower unemployment rate when compared to the national
average. Abilene maintained a not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.0% in September
2012 which is lower than the State of Texas (6.3%) and the United States (7.6%). However,
although no micro-level statistics are available, city officials believe the target area has high longterm unemployment not reflected in the city’s unemployment statistics. The joblessness is likely
due to limited education levels and depressed surrounding conditions. Educational attainment data
for the target area indicated that 14.1% of the population has less than a 9th grade education and
less than 3 of 4 residents (73.3%) are high school graduates8.
All Information below comes from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate unless otherwise noted.
Census Tract 117 in Taylor County, Texas
6 2010 U.S. Census
7 Not seasonally adjusted rates (September 2012).
8 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
4
5
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
Compounding these socio-economic issues are the reduced property values prevalent in the
neighborhoods surrounding the Lincoln Middle School Campus. This circumstance often deters
reinvestment as property owners are unlikely to receive the same long-term appreciation in home
values when compared to the rest of the community. The median value of owner-occupied
housing in the target area ($47,200) is drastically less when contrasted to the City of Abilene
($88,400), the State of Texas ($123,500), and the United States ($188,400), respectively.
Furthermore, owner-occupied housing only accounts for 45.6% of all its housing units. The target
area contains a higher percentage of rental units (54.4%) than the City as a whole (41.8%), the
State of Texas (35.2%), and the United States (33.4%). The target area is the only comparison
point where the percentage of renter-occupied housing units surpasses the percentage of owneroccupied housing units. Because renters are often a more transient population than homeowners,
tenants have less of a stake in their neighborhood which further destabilizes the area.
As indicated earlier, the City of Abilene has 117,063 residents. This limited population size and
subsequent tax base hinders the City’s ability to conduct cleanup planning and cleanup without
financial assistance. This is a stark reality considering a cleanup estimate provided to the City.
The quoted total cost associated with asbestos removal at the former school building was
$250,980 (this figure does not include demolition costs involving two structures on this campus).
The City recognizes that “building demolition” is not an eligible expense for cleanup funding;
consequently, the City will use other non-EPA funds to address this capital need.
The City of Abilene does not have the necessary financial resources to eliminate the health/safety
hazards associated with the former Lincoln Middle School in order to protect nearby sensitive
populations. The Cleanup Grant provides the City with a unique opportunity to convert a historic
vacant structure into a community asset which will serve traditionally under-represented residents
and become an anchor for neighborhood revitalization. In the absence of this funding, the school
and campus will likely continue to remain underutilized as a consequence of the high cost of
required asbestos abatement and lead-based paint removal activities prior to site redevelopment.
Project Description and Feasibility of Success
a) Project Description: The historic Former Lincoln Middle School and associated campus has
remained vacant and underutilized since its closure in 2007. An asbestos survey completed by a
qualified asbestos inspector noted that approximately 30,800 square feet of ACM is located within
various building components of the former school structure – specifically in the Kitchen/Band Hall
Addition, and the Boy’s Gymnasium. A Lead-Based Paint Inspection Report also identified LBP in
the interior of the Original School Building as well as the Kitchen and Band Hall Addition. This
situation represents a health concern for area residents while simultaneously providing a
redevelopment roadblock due to the high costs of abatement/remediation.
Site remediation activities to be completed with the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant are the
removal of ACM and LBP mitigation. The City does not anticipate requiring any institutional or
engineering controls as part of the cleanup plan. As discussed in Section III.4.a, the City of
Abilene will secure the service of environment consultant experienced in similar asbestos removal
projects to provide technical support through the competitive procurement provisions of 40 CFR
31.30. The environmental contractor will prepare a Quality Assurance Plan, finalize the Draft
Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives, the cleanup specifications and prepare the necessary
bid documents.
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
The City intends to expedite cleanup activities once the funding is awarded. The City’s goal is to
begin activities within 6 months of the grant award allowing time to complete competitive hiring
processes for both the environmental consultant and the asbestos removal contractor, plans and
documents listed above. The City will, of course, engage the EPA and TCEQ to review of
applicable documents and approve the removal permits. The asbestos will be removed by a
contractor qualified and licensed by the State of Texas.
The completion of the referenced cleanup activities will allow the City of Abilene to repurpose the
facility into a productive reuse. In fact, this cleanup and redevelopment project is the direct result
of a grass-roots effort initiated by local citizens, and the Abilene Preservation League, a non-profit
organization established to preserve historic structures and perpetuate their use. (INSERT
PARAGRAPH REGARDING DECISION/PROCESS TO REDEVELOP SCHOOL INTO A
___________) CITE ACCCOMPLISHMENTS REGARDING PLANNING FOR REUSE, HOW
SPACE WILL BE PROGRAMMED, FUND RAISING EFFORTS – PARTICULARLY FUNDS THAT
WILL OR HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO THE PROJECT.
Ridding the community of a hazard and transforming the former school into a ____________ is a
significant venture for the City. This action will help strengthen and stabilize an at-risk
neighborhood populated by elevated percentages of low income individuals/households, minorities,
and extremely young children. Moreover, the City’s commitment to improving the well-being of
area residents and providing a central public gathering place is rallying the community. The
Abilene Preservation League has already launched a capital fundraising drive, engaged a project
architect, and defined purposes for the former school buildings and grounds.
The local desire to sustainably redevelop this facility stems from its extensive history in the
community and a strong determination to preserve the unique architecture of the building. In fact,
the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 2012.
The conversion of the former school will also help the City satisfy its three board goals cited in the
Master Plan for South Downtown Abilene. Specifically, the sustainable re-use of the former of the
Lincoln Middle School Campus will: create a sense of community; create a sense of place; and
create a sense of value.
b) Budget
i)
Project Tasks
Budget
Categories
Personnel
Travel
Equipment
Supplies
Contractual
Other
City of Abilene, Texas
Community
Involvement
Site Cleanup
Cleanup Planning
& Interagency
Coordination
$2,000
$200,000
$18,000
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Subtotal
Cost Share
Total
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
$200,000
$2,000
$2,000
$200,000
$18,000
$40,000
$58,000
Task 1 – Community Involvement: The City will assume full responsibilities for various community
outreach activities. These efforts will include hosting public meetings, soliciting input on cleanup
alternatives, preparing and disseminating project progress reports via a newsletter and website.
The budgetary allocation for supplies includes the cost of printing a project newsletter, and the
proportional expense of updating the website.
Task 2 – Site Cleanup: This task includes securing the services of a certified Asbestos disposal
contractor and environmental consultant to implement the corrective action plan. These funds are
supplemental not match funds.
Task 3 – Cleanup Coordination & Interagency Coordination: A professional environmental
contractor will prepare a Quality Assurance Plan, Finalize the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup
Alternatives, the cleanup specifications and prepare the necessary bid documents. Interagency
activities include coordinating with the Taylor County Health Department and TCEQ to ensure that
appropriate steps are being taken to prevent exposure of contaminants and protect human health
and the environment. The City’s financial commitment will result from acquisition of properties
necessary to complete the cleanup activities and secure the buildings and site.
ii) Tracking. The City of Abilene will develop a detailed schedule and work plan for implementing
planned tasks under this proposed cooperative agreement. The work plan will detail key milestone
dates within the grant period for documenting and communicating outputs and outcomes to the
public, EPA Region 6, and other partners in this redevelopment effort. The City will also detail
outputs and outcomes in quarterly progress reports to EPA Region 6.
iii) Leveraging. The City of Abilene is aggressively seeking outside funding to contribute towards
the additional work required as part of the cleanup and redevelopment of the former school building
site.
The table below highlights all funding sources received or pending by the City of Abilene.
Funding Source
Amount
Secured?
Project
City officials realize the importance of continually seeking additional funding to supplement the
money already received. LIST SPECIFIC FUNDS AND HOW THEY CAN USED FOR THIS
PROJECT – INCLUDING LOCAL FOUNDATIONS.
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
c) Programmatic Capability and Past Performance. i) Programmatic Capability. Although the City of
Abilene has no prior experience administering EPA Brownfield Grants, city staff has the requisite
experience in reporting and management of federal funds.
The City of Abilene’s _______________, will manage the grant. ____________ managed HUD
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and ____________. WCTCOG will assist
_________ and the City with the implementation of the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant and will
provide coaching on project implementation. WCTCOG is current managing one Brownfield
Assessment Grant received to assist with redevelopment in the 19-county area they serve. The
City of Abilene has been an active participant in the grants.
The City will retain project leadership, should an employee turnover occur, by relying on support
from the __________________, the hired environmental contractor, and the EPA Region 6 Project
Officer until a replacement is found and fully informed on the project status.
Consistent with the requirements of this program, the City of Abilene will conduct a competitive
selection process and engage a qualified environmental consultant to conduct cleanup planning,
interagency coordination and cleanup implementation. The City will consult with the EPA to
confirm that the procurement of private contractor services comply with competitive procurement
requirements of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 31.36. The City also has an
expectation that the selected environmental consultant will manage the Cleanup efforts and
maintain appropriate quality assurance/quality control records as well as prepare and file
necessary reports.
_______________ will work with the project EPA Project Officer and draw on the experience of the
environmental consultant to assure the City of Abilene complies with all reporting and grant
management responsibilities.
ii) Adverse Audits. The City of Abilene has not had any adverse audit findings associated with a
state or federal grant.
iii) Past Performance. The City of Abilene has never received an EPA Brownfields Grant.
However, the City has received other federal assistance agreements including: (INSERT).
The City has successfully managed and performed all of the referenced agreements including
meeting and complying with reporting requirements, submitting final acceptable technical reports,
and reporting on making progress towards achieving the results under the agreements.
2. Community Engagement and Partnerships
a) Plan for Involving the Affected Community. The City of Abilene has a very proactive community.
In fact, the proposed re-use of the former Lincoln Middle School was the direct result of a grassroots effort initiated by the Abilene Preservation League. The group has a stated mission of
preserving historic properties and promoting preservation.
The Abilene Preservation League identified the vacant school for its redevelopment potential and
has worked tirelessly to advance the cause.
This includes maintaining a website
(http://www.abilenepreservation.org/lincoln/index.html) that provides an in-depth history of the
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
property, making presentations to various groups about potential adaptive re-use options for the
site (http://www.abilenepreservation.org/lincoln/ppt/Lincoln-2011.pdf), and keeping the community
informed about recent news related to the site (e.g. formal city council actions, listing on the
National
Register
of
Historic
Places,
etc.)
through
a
blog
(http://abilenepreservation.org/blog/?cat=27). What’s more, the group has extensive experience in
repurposing similar historic properties in the community. Examples include participating in the
restoration of a Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks lodge originally constructed in 1913 and a
2-acre Spanish Colonial Revival home. The group owns and operates both facilities which are now
available for public use. As such, the City will continually engage the Abilene Preservation League
as a key stakeholder in its cleanup decision and re-use planning discussions.
The City of Abilene is also making a concerted effort to engage the remaining local population in its
cleanup efforts and re-use planning. DESCRIBE THIS PROCESS. This technique, combined with
the Abilene Preservation League efforts, will encourage a high level of participation which
guarantees the project will be well-received by the affected population.
The City will communicate project progress through a variety of different methods. The proposed
cleanup grant budget includes money for a project newsletter and website. The City will update the
informational tools as major project milestones occur throughout the entire project period. Further,
the City, its environmental consultant, and the EPA will periodically hold public outreach meetings
to keep the community informed of the status of the City’s EPA Brownfield redevelopment
initiatives. The City of Abilene will publish notices in the Abilene Reporter-News, post them on its
website, on its Facebook and Twitter webpages, and in public buildings. The City will also send
announcements to the neighborhoods surrounding the project area prior to each meeting. Finally,
all technical reports associated with the project will be available for public review at City Hall. This
extensive combination of outreach efforts will ensure the affected population remains informed.
Approximately 16.5% of the community speaks a language other than English at their home
according to a 2011 American Community Survey One-Year Estimate. This includes 13.3% which
speaks Spanish as their primary language. As such, the City of Abilene will retain a translator for
public meetings and ensure that translated copies of all materials are available for public review.
b) Efforts to Develop Partnerships.
i.) As indicated earlier, the City of Abilene participated in the EPA Brownfields program through an
Assessment Grant awarded to the WCTCOG. As such, the City established a relationship with the
local council of governments (COG), Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and EPA. The City of Abilene envisions a
continued relationship with these agencies focusing on providing information, reports, and other
work products.
The City will perpetuate existing relationships with the referenced agencies during the project
period by forwarding a copy of work products, project updates, and invitations to referenced
meetings. These on-going communication mechanisms will help build a deeper relationship and
understanding about this program and project progress. (ADDITIONAL DETAILS)
ii) The City of Abilene will engage the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
as part of its cleanup project. As an Entitlement Community, the City receives Community
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds annually. The City received $875,546 and
$390,322 in CDBG and HOME entitlement funds in 2012, respectively. The City’s Office of
Neighborhood Services (Planning and Development Services Department) will work with HUD to
utilize these funds to (INSERT) in accordance with its most recent One-Year Action Plan. These
investments will directly benefit the area’s low-to-moderate income households.
iii) No environmental job training programs are currently available within Abilene. However, the
area is home to three private 4-year universities, one junior college, and one vocational school
dedicated to providing higher education opportunities. These tools will allow provide area residents
with the skills necessary to potentially link them to employment opportunities.
c) Description of Key Community-Based Organizations. The Abilene Preservation League has been
actively engaged in the proposed __________ project since its inception.
The table below provides a summary of the key community-based organizations and their
respective involvement with this project. Attachment 5 includes a letter of support from the
referenced organizations.
Contact
Phone Number
Agency/Association
Abilene Preservation
League
Neighborhood Association
Historic Preservation
Commission
Organization’s Activities
3. Project Benefits
a) Welfare and/or Public Health. The proposed re-use of the former Lincoln Middle School site as a
_________ will directly benefit the welfare and health of the target and the entire community. This
is especially true for local sensitive populations.
As evidenced earlier, the target area is economically disadvantaged when compared to others in
the city and the State of Texas. These circumstances require individuals/families to often make
difficult choices concerning their expendable income. Little money remains for items often deemed
as “non-essential.” The public facility will serve as a resource for disadvantaged persons by
providing programming and recreational opportunities at a reasonable cost. This situation
guarantees facility accessibility for the underprivileged. Moreover, a regional transit and paratransit system, Northeast Texas Community Action Corporation – Transit, serves Taylor County
which will help the facility meet the needs of families with limited transportation options and/or
physical disabilities.
Because the _____________ will be municipally-owned, the facility will be dedicated to meeting
the demands of the local community. This may include providing resources, such as health care
classes for infants and young children, geared towards the residents of the target area. In fact, the
City will give potential users of the site an opportunity to participate in a survey dedicated to
identifying the specific desired sites amenities and services at some time during the project period.
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
(INSERT), it will also empower traditionally disenfranchised people through education to help them
take control of their personal environment.
The City of Abilene will ensure nearby sensitive populations are protected from contaminants
during cleanup work conducted on the property. A qualified and licensed asbestos abatement
contractor will remove all asbestos under State of Texas regulations. The City will require all
asbestos abatement contractors to have a license issued by the State of Texas. The abatement
contractor will complete daily monitoring as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality.
b) Economic Benefits and/or Greenspace. i) Although the proposed ____________ will not directly
increase the local tax base, it will have a positive impact on the surrounding property values. As
discussed earlier, nearby properties have depressed valuations as a direct result of their proximity
to the blighted structure. In fact, the adjoining privately-owned and developed residential
properties are assessed at an average of _______. The assessed taxable value of the former
Lincoln Middle School building is only ________. Transforming this former school into a
____________ will improve the existing conditions within the neighborhood. This situation
translates to increased property values and additional revenue to the local tax base.
A second positive impact of the ___________ involves its ability to draw users from surrounding
neighborhoods. This situation will help stimulate the local economy as individuals/families are
more likely to frequent area businesses such as the restaurant, shops, etc. on their respective trips
to Abilene. This is extremely important considering the proposed facility’s location with respect to
the community’s business district. A recent windshield survey of the downtown area indicated
approximately 50% of the street level spaces within commercial structures are vacant. A
strengthened business district would be beneficial to Abilene through an increased local tax base
and a larger variety of services/goods provided.
Finally, city officials estimate the new facility will create ___ jobs including ___ full-time and
___part-time.
ii) The primary use of the new ______________ will be on the amenities and features within the
facility. However, the site will also incorporate a significant amount of greenspace into its site
design. The dedicated open space will help expand the community’s nearby recreational complex
which includes playground equipment and baseball fields. Users of the facilities will be able to
walk between each.
The City of Abilene’s aggressive acquisition of property will simultaneously remove health concerns
and blighted conditions from the neighborhood while also creating an important community
resource for the town. The resulting greenspace and recreational area will improve the area’s
quality-of-life.
c) Environmental Benefits from Infrastructure Reuse/Sustainable Reuse. HAS THE CITY ADOPTED
ANY SUSTAINABILTY RELATED POLICIES OR PRACTICES (E.G., A REQUIREMENT THAT
ALL NEW CITY BUILDINGS BE DESIGNED TO A LEED STANDARD, OR RELATED
DIRECTIVE???)
City of Abilene, Texas
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U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Proposal
Former Lincoln Middle School Buildings & Campus
As indicated above, the City will incorporate sustainable design elements into the proposed
_________. This will improve performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings,
water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship
of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. As such, the ____________ will become a shining
example of sustainable development intended to conserve natural resources.
Another benefit associated with redeveloping the former Lincoln Middle School building property is
the adequate availability of city services to serve the property. Essential infrastructure such as
roads, water, sewer, etc. already serves the property located within the town’s core. Re-using land
within the developed portion of the community will allow the City to avoid costly infrastructure
extensions often required by construction occurring in the urban fringe. This situation is especially
desirable for the community as it prevents it from embarking on major capital improvements,
extensions, etc.
A final benefit associated with the cleanup project involves re-using the clean brick debris as
general fill. Taylor County officials intend use the fill during culvert work and as a road base. This
practice will help avoid sending unnecessary amounts of demolition materials into the local landfill.
City of Abilene, Texas
12