Lake Co. Communities Receive State Funds to Clean Up Blight, Vacant Properties

State funds have been awarded to several Lake County communities to clear blight and stabilize neighborhoods in both communities. 

Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this month announced a $7.2 million investment to help clean up neighborhoods throughout the state, including $755,000 for Lake County communities. Of that funding, Grayslake will receive $50,731 and Round Lake Beach will receive $75,000. 

The funds are meant to bring vacant properties to productive use to advance the economy, according to a news release from the Office of Pat Quinn. 

“We are starting programs to reinvigorate our economy and strengthen communities in the wake of the national foreclosure crisis,” Governor Quinn said. “This support will give local governments the tools they need to stabilize communities throughout Illinois.”

The investments for today’s announcement come from the new Abandoned Property Program, which is administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and funded through filing fees paid by financial institutions. 

A total of 53 municipalities, counties and land banks have been approved for the first round of funding based on need, capacity, impact, budget, cost reasonableness and readiness to proceed. 

Eligible uses for the grants include maintaining weeds and grass, trimming trees and bushes, installing fences to protect the public, and repairing or demolishing abandoned property.

The Lake County communities receiving Abandoned Property Program funds include:

• Beach Park, $60,000