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Robbins mayor, RTA present transit‑oriented zoning recommendations; board to consider Oct. 28
Summary
At a Oct. 14 special meeting, Mayor Darren E. Bryant and RTA representatives outlined proposed transit‑oriented development (TOD) zoning near the Robbins Metra station, including an overlay approach and a four‑story height guideline; the board deferred a vote to its Oct. 28 meeting.
Mayor Darren E. Bryant convened a special meeting of the Village of Robbins Board of Trustees on Oct. 14, 2025, to hear recommendations from the Regional Transportation Authority on zoning for a proposed transit‑oriented development (TOD) area around the Robbins Metra station. The board did not take final action and agreed to consider the TOD portion of the agreement at its Oct. 28 meeting.
The RTA team led by Alex Waltz and Todd Vanadilok presented amendments that would add an overlay to the village’s existing map rather than redraw parcel boundaries. Waltz said the recommendation is to use dotted lines to show overlay boundaries on the current map and that the proposed amendments are “working off the premise that the flooding issue will be mitigated because of the MWRD project.” He told trustees the changes aim to build on existing transit service and allow more mixed‑use development near the station.
Trustee David R. Dyson asked about redevelopment trends where rail service exists, noting Robbins’ mix of industrial and residential parcels. “Since this is a mixture of industrial and residential areas, what is the trend in cities with a rail system?” he asked. Waltz responded that mixed‑use zoning typically allows greater housing density and commercial uses around commuter rail stations and said the amendments “will allow flexibility to have this type of development.” He also stated that the proposal would allow up to four stories for new buildings.
During public comment, resident Ms. Ratliff asked, “what exactly is TOD (transit‑oriented development)? Where can I check this out?” and said she would support TOD if it is advantageous to the village. The mayor said the board would move the item to the Oct. 28 meeting to give trustees and the public more opportunity to review the materials; he clarified that the board would be voting only on the TOD portion of the agreement at that time.
The meeting closed with a procedural motion. Trustee Thomas Harper moved to adjourn, Trustee Ernest Maxey Jr. seconded, and the board adjourned at 6:32 p.m. following a unanimous affirmative vote.
Next steps: The board will revisit and vote on the TOD portion of the agreement at its Oct. 28 meeting. Materials referenced at the Oct. 14 presentation — including the overlay approach and the RTA’s assumptions about stormwater mitigation tied to the MWRD project — will be available for trustee and public review ahead of that vote.
