Robbins board tables Midlothian Creek flood-control land-acquisition agreement amid resident concerns

The Village of Robbins on Nov. 23 tabled a resolution to approve a first amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) concerning acquisition of parcels for a flood-control project along Midlothian Creek.

Attorney Fountain read a letter from MWRD noting roughly $2.5 million had been spent on the project so far and warned that MWRD has eminent-domain authority in matters it deems for the public good. Trustee Michael Collier raised concerns that the transaction could proceed regardless of Robbins' position and asked whether the Cook County Land Bank Authority might later transfer property in ways the village did not intend.

Mayor Darren E. Bryant raised concerns about excavation spoils, specifically dolomite, and asked for written assurances from MWRD about control over spoil disposal. Trustee Ernest Maxey moved to approve the resolution but the motion failed for lack of a second; Trustee George Brewton then moved to table the item, seconded by Trustees Sharon Dyson and Gregory N. Jackson, and the motion to table carried on a roll-call vote with ayes from Maxey, Dyson, Brewton, Robinson, Jackson and Collier.

During public comment several residents said they were unhappy with the board's decision to table the matter and questioned whether tabling would jeopardize required deadlines; Dr. Darden said he "didn't like the threatening tone from MWRD" and said he believed $1 million in EPA funds had been used to address creek remediation.

The board also tabled a separate resolution approving an agreement with the Cook County Land Bank Authority for the purchase and sale of parcels tied to the same project. The items will return to a future meeting for additional consideration and, according to the attorney's remarks, have funding and eminent-domain implications that may affect timing and village leverage.