Neighborhoods

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $5.5 million in Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) grants to accelerate the cleanup of polluted sites across the state of Ohio. With these funds, EPA is investing directly in American communities to cleanup and redevelop blighted properties, delivering on the Trump Administration’s commitment to ensure that clean air, land, and water goes hand-in-hand with economic growth and opportunity.

“EPA is focused on delivering practical results that transform contaminated properties into clean, valuable spaces that spark economic growth and that directly benefit American families,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management Thomas Croci. “Addressing environmental contamination and reusing brownfield properties revitalizes neighborhoods, drives local job creation, and unleashes new economic opportunities. EPA is proud to partner with local communities to ensure they have the cleanest air, land, and water as we power the Great American Comeback.”

“Brownfields grants empower communities to revitalize sites that have long strained local economies and wasted valuable recreation and retail space,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “Addressing these sites gets rid of dangerous pollution, but it also unlocks economic opportunities, allowing redevelopment and job growth.”

Clean air, land, and water for all Americans is the first pillar of President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative. These grants put that commitment into action while simultaneously powering economic growth in communities across the country.

Below are the selected applications for the 2026 Brownfield Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants in Ohio:

Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation was selected for a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to: conduct 16 Phase I and 12 Phase II environmental site assessments, develop six cleanup plans and support reuse planning, and community engagement activities.

Lorain County was selected to lead a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant to: conduct 32 Phase I and 24 Phase II environmental site assessments, develop cleanup plans, and conduct community engagement activities. 

Muskingum County was selected for a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to: conduct 10 Phase I and six Phase II environmental site assessments, develop five cleanup plans and five reuse plans, and support community engagement activities. 

Stark Economic Development Board was selected to lead a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant to: conduct 22 Phase I and 12 Phase II environmental site assessments, develop a brownfield site inventory, 10 cleanup plans, and one community involvement plan.

Toledo was selected for a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to: conduct 14 Phase I and 11 Phase II environmental site assessments, develop nine cleanup plans and support reuse planning, and community engagement activities. 

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation was selected for a $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to: conduct six Phase I, one limited Phase II, and two extended Phase II environmental site assessments, support community engagement activities, and clean up a former service station.

To read the full article from the United States EPA, click here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that $5.5 million in brownfield grants will be going to six Ohio communities to accelerate cleanup of polluted sites across the state.

The grants will fund environmental assessments and cleanup plans for brownfields, which are blighted sites that strain local economies and limit development opportunities.

The funding aims to transform these properties into spaces that can support economic growth and job creation.

The Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation was awarded $500,000 of the grant money. Funds will be used for environmental site assessments, developing six cleanup plans, and to assist with reuse planning and community engagement.

Primary beneficiaries include the 60-acre former National Acme Manufacturing site in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland, as well as a 25-acre former General Electric light bulb plant and a 40-acre former brick-making operation, both in Collinwood. Several other vacant industrial sites and a rail corridor are also the focus of assistance.

A $1.5 million award is headed to Lorain County. Money will be applied to environmental site assessments, as well as cleanup, resuse planning, and community engagement.

Main areas of attention include the nearly 2-acre former Eastwood School, a roughly 1-acre former Dollar General store and an almost 1.5-acre former gas tation, each in Oberlin. The nearly 9-acre vacant McKinley School in Elyria is also among the grant recipients.

“EPA is focused on delivering practical results that transform contaminated properties into clean, valuable spaces that spark economic growth and that directly benefit American families,” said Thomas Croci, acting assistant administrator for land and emergency management.

The Stark Economic Development Board also received a $1.5 million award. The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation is in line for $1 million, while Muskingum County and Toledo will be getting $500,000.

To read the full article from Cleveland.com, click here.

Monday, June 29, 2026

On June 24, YNDC was awarded a $1 million USEPA Brownfields Multipurpose Assessment and Cleanup Grant. 

The grant will fund Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental assessments and cleanup of vacant lots on Glenwood Avenue to address legacy contamination from previous businesses that may have used chemicals or petroleum-based products on the sites. This project is being completed in partnership with the City of Youngstown and other project partners. 

Huge thanks to the USEPA for the award!

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. received a $1 million federal grant to clean up at least two contaminated sites on Glenwood Avenue and do testing on others on the South Side street.

To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here.

A local non-profit organization will receive $1 million from the federal government to assess and clean up contaminated properties on the south side of Youngstown.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation for a Brownfields Multipurpose Grant. The money comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It is part of a larger $5.5 million federal investment to clean up polluted sites across Ohio.

To read the full article from WFMJ, click here.

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation just got major funding from the state.

To read the full article from WKBN, click here.

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation just got major funding from the state.

To read the full article from WYTV, click here.

Monday, June 29, 2026

Loretta became a Glenwood Fresh Market member in 2023. Before her membership, she said she didn’t prioritize her diet as much as she should have. “They really helped me with getting fresh vegetables throughout the month. I’m diabetic, so it really helps.” After consistent access to fresh produce, she noticed a difference in her health. “Overall, I feel a lot better than 63. I'm up walking around a lot better. My skin and hair are a lot more luxurious too." 

Loretta’s membership has ended, but she loved the market and shared her experience with others. Now, she still visits the market with current members who are friends and family. When she was a member, Loretta enjoyed Susan’s cooking demonstrations the most, and she plans to continue to attend non-member activities like Chair Aerobics to continue prioritizing her health. 

Loretta said besides free fruits and vegetables, the Fresh Market is an invaluable source of information. During a recent visit, Loretta learned about The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, which she said she would not have known about without the Fresh Market. “That's the best part about it. I hope everyone else gets the message because it's more than just fruits and vegetables. You know what I mean? It's good for the whole community.”

YNDC's Executive Director, Ian Beniston, joined Lindsay McCoy from WFMJ to discuss the $1 million USEPA Brownfield Multipurpose Assessment and Cleanup Grant awarded to YNDC.

To watch the segment from WFMJ, click here.

Over the coming weeks, surveyors from the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) will be conducting a city-wide property conditions survey throughout the City of New Castle.

To read the full article from New Castle News, click here.