By Ted Fischer
July 14, 2008

Founder and CEO of Cherokee Investment Partners Tom Darden spoke to the mayor’s on the importance of Brownfields and the carbon challenges affecting cities.

"In the face of increasing financial depression within our economy, I offer a ray of light for all of your cities offering future growth and resurgence," Darden said. "Growth and revitalization is obtainable and can create jobs, a stronger tax base and improve your cities sustainability."

According to Darden, the current projects owned and operated by Cherokee will save a collected 18,000 acres of green space within the cities they serve. Outside of Toronto, Cherokee is redeveloping a site on an existing transit line reducing the opportunity for urban sprawl and the cities carbon footprint with fewer cars on the roadways. Darden also highlighted projects in Charleston and Charlotte that are being developed on Brownfield sites and feature an improved carbon footprint and sustainable multipurpose uses.

"It is a tough time to redevelop real estate. Banks are in trouble and credit is tight and every real estate developer and city has projects that are suffering. There is always an opportunity within the middle of these difficulties. Sustainable redevelopment within urban areas is achievable and Cherokee Investment Partners will be there to help make your dreams more of a reality," Darden concluded.

For more information on Cherokee Investment Partners, visit their website at http://www.cherokeefund.com/.