Tuesday, May 15, 2007

City given $1 million to help clean Park Hill area

By James Bruggers
jbruggers@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

The second time was the charm for Louisville's effort to secure a federal grant to help clean old industrial sites in the Park Hill area.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials yesterday announced that Louisville will get $1 million for a revolving loan fund that will support cleaning sites contaminated by hazardous materials.

A similar grant proposal last year was denied.

"Park Hill is potentially a great redevelopment area," Mayor Jerry Abramson said, with roads and railroad lines "already in place."

"The biggest challenge is environmental issues."

The money, and an additional $200,000 from the city, will be used to offer low-interest loans to pay for assessing environmental conditions on property and cleaning it up, said Susan Hamilton, who oversees handling of industrial redevelopment for the city's Economic Development Department.

The grant fits in with the city's Park Hill comprehensive planning effort, which includes studies on a master plan for mixing housing and industry, improving transportation and a market analysis, she said.

"All the pieces are there," Hamilton said. "This helps us move them forward."

The area proposed for improvements borders on Broadway to the north, Algonquin Parkway to the south, Seventh Street to the east and 22nd Street to the west.

For much of the 20th century, it was the heart of the city's manufacturing district, Hamilton said. She said officials envision residential and retail on the edges, surrounding light industrial and commercial uses.

Also yesterday, the EPA said it would give Louisville $200,000 to help the city pay for three to five site assessments of gasoline-contaminated dirt.

Louisville's grants were among dozens in 38 states announced by the EPA, totaling $70.7 million.

Reporter James Bruggers can be reached at (502) 582-4645.