“Two Bronzeville projects to improve food access and environmental sustainability are moving forward as part of a city program to support developments near public transit.
“Food Matters and the Overton Center for Excellence were among 11 community projects that received grants in the city’s Equitable Transit Oriented Development pilot program in October. Food Matter received $15,000 and Overton got $20,000.
“A key part of the city’s program is to reinvest in public transit, but it also aims to spur economic development and bring affordable housing, community centers and cultural venues to areas near train and bus lines.
“Overton, once a closed elementary school, is being transformed into a community hub where neighbors can shop, play basketball or view art installations. The former school, in the midst of a $14 million renovation, also is home to a rain garden installed with the help of Greencorps Chicago and the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
“With the city’s grant, the Overton team created environment-friendly demonstration projects to draw investors to the site, 221 E. 49th St., near the Green Line and the King Drive bus. (Nesbitt Golden, Block Club Chicago, 3/30/22)