Chicago Southwest Development Corporation (CSDC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Brownfields Cleanup Grant for its Focal Point Community Campus project. CSDC is the only Illinois applicant to receive a Cleanup Grant this cycle from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The US EPA awarded $54.3 million through 221 grants to organizations nationwide, which will have an impact on over 144 communities. In 2016, the US EPA completed an assessment of a portion of the Focal Point campus and found hazardous substances present in the soil. The funding from the US EPA will allow CSDC to initiate critical cleanup and remediation efforts on part of its 32-acre Focal Point campus. Moving forward, CSDC will continue to explore and apply for additional cleanup funding opportunities at Focal Point. Here is what our elected officials are saying:

“This grant is an important step in the realization of the Focal Point Campus and addresses the environmental issues plaguing North Lawndale and Little Village that have stalled development,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “I remain committed to supporting federal investments for this community and others like it that have been ignored for far too long.”

“This award will enable site remediation that will allow CSDC’s Focal Point Campus – one of Chicago’s largest redevelopment projects in some of its most underserved neighborhoods – to continue moving forward,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “The Focal Point Community Campus is a significant part of the future of the west side of Chicago, and I look forward to seeing this area turned into a place for retail, recreation and human services for Chicagoans with the greatest need.” 

“Receiving this grant provides significant support in addressing the environmental hazards that impact the underserved communities of Chicago’s southwest side,” said Guy A. Medaglia, President and Chief Executive Officer for CSDC. “Focal Point has the power to change neighborhoods at their core, but it takes a serious commitment. We are grateful to work alongside the US EPA and our elected officials to help build this first-of-its-kind sustainable community development.” To learn more about this grant, please visit www.epa.gov/brownfields or contact CSDC at 773.484.1882.