Keystone C.O.R.E. Services, Inc. (KCS) C.O.R.E. stands for Community Oriented Real Estate
Program Background
In 2009, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) created a subsidiary nonprofit organization called Keystone C.O.R.E. Services, Inc. (KCS). C.O.R.E. stands for Community Oriented Real Estate, which is based upon the community-initiated real estate intervention process developed by Donovan Rypkema for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center. KCS is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a separate IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
Mission
The mission of KCS is to act as a redevelopment partner for the reclamation and rehabilitation of blighted and deteriorated properties in which the private sector has not reinvested or redeveloped. KCS is led by a nine member board of directors, which is never comprised of more than 49 percent of PDC board members.
Conservatorship Act
The passage of the Conservatorship Act by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Legislature, as well as the passage of the Blight Bill, have further strengthened PDC’s belief that a more direct role in real estate redevelopment (with local organizations that have an interest in but reluctance to intervene in their local real estate market) is increasingly necessary in order to assist in the integration of real estate development in local revitalization programs across Pennsylvania.
Keystone CORE Services, Inc. Operating Philosophy
KCS BOARD MEMBERS
BOARD CHAIR:
- Andy Walker, Allegheny College
TREASURER AND CORPORATE SECRETARY:
- Bill Fontana, PDC Director of Strategic Initiatives, Emeritus
ASSISTANT TREASURER AND ASSISTANT CORPORATE SECRETARY:
- Julie Fitzpatrick, PDC Executive Director
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
- Donn Henderson, City of Washington
- Kim Kmetz, Greater Easton Development Partnership
- Betsy Kramer, SEDA- Council of Government
- Sam Thrush, Venture Lititz
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania does not define the term “Brownfield,” but rather uses the US Environmental Protection Agency definition, which is: “A property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”
Two things need to be noted about that definition. First, there is not a size requirement to be a Brownfield. Brownfields can be a 1/8 of an acre to 2,000 acre’s. One of the largest Brownfield sites in the country is the Bethlehem Steel Site in Bethlehem PA which comes in at 1600 Acers. The site won the Environmental Excellence Award and is now the home of Bethlehem Casino.
Second, the potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant is enough for a site to meet the definition of a Brownfield. Actual defined contamination is not required to meet this definition.
An Environmental Impact Assessment EIS is an assessment of the impact a development will have on the environments. It addresses storm water runoff, habitat fragmentation, etc. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is an inquiry into the site and the buildings on the site to determine if there is a potential for contamination.
No. A Phase I ESA is not required to transfer properties. However, a Phase I ESA helps define potential contamination and its associated liability for clean up. Therefore, depending on the type and history of a property, lenders will require a Phase I as a stipulation to financing in order to limit future liability.
How it Works – Implementation Strategy
KCS will work to carry out its mission through two general services categories – pre-development and development. Below are examples of activates that KCS will undertake as a PARTNER with a local revitalization organization:
- Site assessments
- Site feasibility studies
- Acting conservator
- Site acquisition
- Project adviser
- Technical Services Menu
- Download Pre-Application for Assistance
- Keystone CORE Services, Inc. Operating Philosophy
KCS WILL ENGAGE IN THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
- Lendor
- Equity Partner
- Developer
- Advisor
Become a Member and Strengthen Your Community
Join the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and access a wide range of resources and support to help your community flourish. As a member, you’ll enjoy discounted services, stay informed about funding opportunities, and connect with a statewide network of dedicated professionals working to revitalize Pennsylvania’s downtowns and neighborhoods.