Jackson Sq. project gets cleanup funds

A long-stalled part of the massive Jackson Square redevelopment got a boost last month when the City of Boston secured $400,000 in federal grants to clean up contaminated soil.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleanup funds target the future “Jackson Commons” project, a massive expansion of the current Urban Edge building at 1540-1542 Columbus Ave. into a commercial and residential development.

Cleanup and construction may go forward in spring of 2013, according to a City press release.

“These generous grants from the EPA means that we can not only ensure the public safety of these sites in our neighborhoods, but we can also being to revitalize these parcels to create housing, commercial space and a community center in Jackson Square,” said Mayor Thomas Menino in a press statement.

The lots are contaminated with metals and petroleum from former industrial uses, according to the City.

Urban Edge, a nonprofit community development corporation, is one of various partners in the redevelopment of about 11 acres of land in Jackson Square. Another partner, Mitchell Properties and The Community Builders, recently began work on the first project, a housing and retail development at 225 Centre St.

Jackson Commons is slated to include commercial space and 37 housing units, with 29 percent of them priced at affordable rates. Urban Edge is also developing a community recreation center on the site.

From press materials.

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