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CDBG Programs - Economic Development Grant Application
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program was established by the U.S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 ("HCD Act"). The programs assists Illinois communities that do not receive a HUD direct entitlement allocation with meeting their greatest economic and community development needs.
Through the Economic Development Grant Program, local governments may request a maximum of $1,000,000 for gap financing to assist businesses locating or expanding in the community.
Illinois Greenhouse LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BrightFarms set out in 2011 with a mission to make a segment of the produce industry healthier, more local and more sustainable. It built a 40,000 sf greenhouse in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania and added 20 farm staff to a small executive staff of five. Its model of growing fresh local lettuce and herbs shipped to retailers within 24 hours for longer shelf life and much smaller carbon footprint proved successful, allowing it to raise additional capital and launch its next phase of growth. They would like to build a greenhouse in the City and will require sewer infrastructure to do so.
The City is applying for $1,000,000 of CDBG support for this public infrastructure project in the form of a sewer extension. This infrastructure will enable BrightFarms to pursue the project and invest the private capital in a large local job-generating high-tech greenhouse. It is shown through the City’s audit that the financial gap is present and without the grant assistance, the City would not be able to fund this large-scale infrastructure project.
The City of Yorkville will hold a public hearing on January 11, 2022, at 7:00 pm, in City Hall (800 Game Farm Road) to provide interested parties an opportunity to express their views on the proposed Community Development Block Grant project. The following is facets of the application for the program that will be discussed during the January 11th meeting: