South Meadows
CRDA Organizational
A South Meadows Committee was established at the October 16, 2025, CRDA Board Meeting. A development district has been identified in the area that will eventually become another operational aspect of this effort. The subcommittee is tasked with oversight of ongoing work and to map a future course of action. Committee reports will be furnished to the Board during the monthly meetings. The reports will be included in the meeting minutes posted on the Board of Directors’ and Agenda & Minutes web pages.
Site
The facility that dominates the property located at 300 Maxim and 100 Reserve Roads was built in the 1920s as a coal-fired electricity generation plant. It switched to petroleum fuel in the 1940s and was ultimately converted to a waste-to-energy plant in the 1980s. Flood protection systems, railroad easements, underground duct banks, a collection pond, wetlands, and a nearby airport further complicate the area. Substantial information regarding site history and environmental conditions can be found in the March 2025 South Meadows Redevelopment Considerations Study.
Since the power plant’s decommissioning in 2022, the only ongoing activity at the site is Eversource’s operation at its substation and associated transmission line accessed through a 14-acre easement. The property is monitored by security cameras and personnel. Fencing and gates prohibit admittance to the grounds.
Environmental
The Material Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) conducted extensive environmental remediation from 2001 to 2023, reporting that soil contaminants are covered, thereby preventing human exposure. DEEP will continue to review the land use restrictions and engineered controls as demolition and site redevelopment plans evolve. Any additional cleanup and controls will be determined by future use.
Administrative
Three years after the energy plant was shut down, the Material Innovation and Recycling Authority was permanently dissolved. Public Act 25-168 and PA 25-174 transferred ownership, functions, powers, duties, permits, contracts, and licenses related to the South Meadows site from MIRA to the CRDA. The CRDA has hired two former MIRA employees to assist with ongoing engineering and environmental needs at the site.
Funding
MIRA’s approximately $46.4 million in environmental reserve capital has also been transferred to the CRDA to commence cleanup, demolition, and ongoing site management. The escrow account is separate from the CRDA operation accounts. In addition to site conservation, the funds will cover annual operational expenses and support ongoing consultant and permitting work related to environmental laws.
