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Lincoln Parking LLC was to be the first property cleaned up, but the
first logistics of that site have caused them to reconsider. The
downtown property is intended to be used only for parking. A
representative for the company said that initial research into the
project revealed that the property, which was a gas station, had two
other gas stations within a block. They were told that it might be
difficult to stop the cleanup where their property ended. The city
only gets so much in grants for this. "We don't want to use it up,"
Jim Drew said. Additionally, they couldn't guarantee how much it
might cost us, he said.
So, in the interest of what is best for them and the city,
Lincoln Parking has withdrawn. The parking lot will still be built.
The state of Illinois is offering the
brownfield grants for a limited period of time in an effort to help
communities. Their reasons for doing this are threefold:
- Protect public health and the environment.
- Help the community get properties back on the tax rolls.
- Increase the quality of life.
The state offers up to $240,000 in 70-30 grants to
municipalities. The municipalities choose the properties that will
be served by this funding. They may be public or private properties.
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 The state covers 70 percent of the costs. The city assists
property owners in getting the grants. Any in-kind services that the
city provides during the process can be deducted from the remaining
30 percent.
The property owner will be kept informed of expenses as the
project proceeds. The property owner can also stop a project for any
reason with no negative consequences at any given time. The goal is
simply to get as many properties cleaned up as possible.
Other property owners with interest are encouraged to contact
City Hall, Alderman Crane or any other alderman. [City
officials contact information]
[Jan
Youngquist] |
