LAWRENCE — Three eyesores are getting cleaned up and repurposed with $1 million in federal funding for areas designated as polluted, abandoned and in need of development.

After the overhauls, the city can use the properties for economic redevelopment or recreational purposes such as parks, housing for workforce, officials said.

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Westford, Environmental Protection Agency regional manager David Cash, Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena and other officials gathered to celebrate the grant award last week.

The $1 million grant was awarded through the EPA’s Brownfields Program, which distributes funding to support the identification, assessment, and clean-up of contaminated sites that can be redeveloped to benefit communities, according to information provided by Trahan’s office.

The three Brownfield sites in Lawrence are:

- Bennington Triangle: A vacant, undeveloped triangular shaped parcel of less than an acre that serves as an informal park. The city has decided to redevelop the lot into a small formal park with shade, landscaping, and domino tables where community members can gather.

— Florence Street Garage: Four sites located along Florence Street totaling 0.6 acres and containing a vacant, 10,360 square foot former auto repair business. The city wants to clean up the site and market the property for workforce, housing, or to support the nearby rail trail.

— Anchor Auto: A 1.5-acre parcel of land where Anchor Auto junkyard previously operated, also along Florence Street. The site abuts the rail trail corridor and is intended to be acquired by the city to establish a neighborhood connection to the rail trail and expand Bourgoin Park to increase the size of the park’s soccer field.

A longtime proponent of the Brownfields Program, Trahan said she voted in 2021 to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested an additional $1.5 billion in funding to support brownfield projects across the nation.

“Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for Lawrence’s families, businesses, and economy by finally repurposing contaminated sites for recreational and economic development projects. I’m proud that this federal funding from the EPA will develop Bennington Triangle into a formal park, revitalize abandoned lots along Florence Street and expand Bourgoin Park.” Trahan said.

“Lawrence has continued to punch above their weight in securing federal infrastructure funds because of the successful coordination and tireless efforts of local officials. After visiting today’s sites, I cannot wait to see how much the city and the region will benefit from these projects,” she said.

DePena praised Trahan for taking “the time to see firsthand our needs for brownfields improvements.”

“This EPA Grant will allow for planning, site assessments, and cleanup all in one at multiple sites. By combining these steps, the multipurpose grant will help turn brownfield sites into valuable spaces, boosting the local economy and improving the environment and quality of life,” said DePeña.

“Brownfields grants are game changers—they turn polluted, abandoned sites into thriving community spaces. This isn’t just about cleaning up the environment; it’s about revitalizing neighborhoods, creating good jobs, and ensuring healthier living for everyone—it’s a win-win-win-win-win-win,” Cash said.

“This additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping to transform contaminated properties into valuable community assets, making a real difference for Massachusetts families, especially in the areas that need it most,” he said.

State Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, said the process is “about reclaiming and revitalizing spaces that belong to the people of Lawrence.”

“With this $1 million grant, we’re turning neglected areas like the Bennington Triangle and Florence Street into thriving community hubs where our children can play, our families can connect, and our neighborhoods can flourish. This effort is about more than just environmental cleanup; it’s about building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Lawrence. I’m proud to be part of this transformative work that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” he said.

State Rep. Frank Moran, D-Lawrence, said the “critical funding will allow the City of Lawrence to continue its efforts to reinvigorate blighted properties within our community, so that we may utilize every asset available to us to expand workforce development, increase access to housing, and more.”

Similarly, State Rep. Estela Reyes, D-Lawrence, “is more than deserving of funding toward redeveloping public spaces.”

“Cleaning up these three sites not only protects our environment, it in turn supports the health and wellness of those in the surrounding community, and provides economic development opportunities,” she said.