The proposed new Brownfield Area could cover many properties along Ulmerton Road from Seminole Boulevard to Roosevelt Boulevard.

The state of Florida created the Brownfield program to help local governments with redevelopment projects.

The new Brownfield Area could encourage economic development along the corridor and additional investment in the area.

"Brownfield sites are typically abandoned, idle, or underused industrial or commercial properties," said Largo Program Planner Jesus Niño.

Environmental conditions sometimes slow the development of the properties.

"The expansion, redevelopment or reuse (of the properties) may be complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination." Niño said.

The centrally located  four-square-mile area has many industrial and commercial properties that have "high job creation potential due to zoning, land use, parcel sizes and geographic location," according to a city report.

The Ulmerton Road Opportunity Corridor Brownfield Area could potentially allow businesses access to financial and regulatory incentives:

• Environmental site assessment and technical assistance
• Tax Incentives
• Job Creation Tax Credits ($2,500 in state tax credits per new job created)
• Loan Guarantees
• Sales Tax Credits
• Liability Protection

For more information:

The first public meeting on the proposed Brownfield Area is June 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street North, Largo.

For more information on Brownfields visit www.largo.com/redevelopment or www.floridabrownfields.org