2008
At a time when communities across the country are struggling with the burden of foreclosed and vacant properties, two municipalities in southern Cook County are partnering to find solutions to their shared challenges. The Village of Robbins is collaborating with the City of Blue Island to acquire and develop property around its Metra station, applying for collective federal funds to support the site’s redevelopment. If approved, these funds – from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) – will be allocated to an interjurisdictional housing collaborative of 17 communities in Chicago’s south suburbs, which in turn will apply the NSP dollars to targeted areas like the Robbins Metra station.
This interjurisdictional partnership is in keeping with recommendations from MPC’s recent report, “Robbins: Economic Development Vision and Strategy,” which examines Robbins’ current land uses and market potential, and offers planning and development strategies to prepare for future reinvestment. The report is the most recent effort of MPC’s Community Building Initiative, and reflects the recommendations of a panel of real estate lawyers, stormwater professionals, architects, and other land use experts. They recommended Robbins partner with neighboring Blue Island to develop around the Metra station, because – as it lies on the border between and serves both communities – they could streamline development with shared regulations and permitting, and would have a common interest in any new business activity and development. Additionally, the report suggests such a partnership could give developers confidence in the commitment and vision of the two communities, thereby simplifying the process and offering them more security to take on the project.