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After a second unsuccessful application for grant funds to buy land for the proposed New Lenox Commons project, other financing options are needed, a village official said recently.

The village had applied last year and this year for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to buy the acreage south of U.S. Highway 30 and west of Vine Street, so a common area with a park, public buildings and shops could be created.

“Grant funds are drying up,” Village Administrator Russ Loebe said.

With less grant money available, projects that deal with wetlands and other ecological areas are taking priority.

Village officials want to show the landowner their plan for the area and begin planning ways to come up with the purchase price.