Watch this excellent video from ABC-7 to learn how the City of Blue Island, Ill., in south suburban Cook County, is energizing community members to help reduce flooding in one city neighborhood. Known as the Blue Island Blue Water initiative, this Illinois Millennium Reserve model project is using native gardens, rain barrels, and other green infrastructure to reduce the frequency and severity of costly sewer and basement back-ups, all while beautifying the neighborhood and empowering local residents.
MPC is among a slew of project partners, who are lending diverse expertise to help Blue Island achieve its stormwater management goals, and MPC Program Director Josh Ellis is featured in the segment along with Blue Island staff. “Stories like these are so important for Blue Island,” Jason Berry, special projects manager and zoning administrator, Blue Island, told us when the story aired. “We are working hard to change what it means to live an historic, sometimes forgotten, inner-ring burb. MPC has done lots to help us appreciate what a great place Blue Island can really be, which is why we love working with you.”
We love working with you, too, Blue Island! Kudos for a well-deserved day in the sun.