Officials in Lincolnwood and Niles believe their communities are taking a step toward clean energy by installing electric vehicle charging stations on public property.
Niles and Lincolnwood were two of 21 Illinois communities set to receive grants for community-driven clean energy initiatives, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus announced last week.
As was the case with many of the other communities, Lincolnwood and Niles intend to use the grant funds for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
In Lincolnwood, the grant will be used for a charging station at the Morse Avenue parking lot, close to Proesel Park and the Village Hall campus, according to village officials.
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“We look forward to incorporating this charging station into the parking at Proesel Park for the benefit of Lincolnwood residents and all park users. This also shows the Village’s interest and commitment to green initiatives,” Village Manager Anne Marie Gaura wrote in an e-mail.
Public Works Director Nadim Badran said this would be the first village-owned charging station in Lincolnwood.
“We are hoping to have these installed by the summer of 2023,” Badran added. “The grant will cover $7,500 of the total cost which is expected to be closer to $35,000. Funds are available for the village’s share of this project.”
In Niles, the charging station is set for Golf Mill Park. Village spokesman Mitchell Johnson said it would be the first public station on Niles property. He expects it to be operational by mid-September.
Johnson added the ComEd $10,000 grant would cover about half the cost of the station with the rest of the funds already approved through the ongoing Greenwood Stormwater Basin Project.
“Niles is continuing its efforts to prioritize a green future,” Mayor George Alpogianis said in a statement. “We’re proud of this project as it is our first of what will be many more charging stations to come. We extend our gratitude to ComEd, as this grant will help us continue our efforts and accomplish our sustainability goals.”
Overall, 21 Illinois communities received the grants totaling over $171,000 intended for clean energy and public safety initiatives.