Robbins approves MWRD flood‑control land amendment after split vote

The Village of Robbins board voted Dec. 14 to approve a First Amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with MWRD for a flood‑control project along Midlothian Creek, a measure supporters said would advance flood mitigation and economic development and opponents said risked ceding village parcels.

Trustee Ernest Maxey moved the resolution and Trustee Tiffany S. Robinson seconded. The motion passed on a 4‑2 roll call: AYES — Maxey, Brewton, Robinson, Collier; NAYS — Dyson, Jackson.

Trustee George Brewton described the MWRD proposal as “a big deal and very controversial,” and argued the village could receive land that would reduce flood insurance obligations and create opportunities for recreation and future development. Mayor Darren E. Bryant said accepting the agreement could improve the village’s position for development and stressed public‑safety investments are a priority.

Opponents expressed concern about losing parcels and the speed of the transaction. Trustee David R. Dyson and Trustee Gregory N. Jackson voted against the amendment; their stated concerns included potential loss of village land and the long‑term implications of the agreement.

Council also approved a separate agreement with the Cook County Land Bank Authority intended to facilitate parcel transfers related to the Midlothian Creek project. Trustees said the agreements are part of a multi‑year effort first taken up by the village in 2017 to address chronic flooding in the area.

The board did not adopt additional conditions to the resolution on the floor; trustees and members of the public discussed questions previously answered by MWRD representatives, according to the meeting record. The next procedural step will depend on terms agreed with MWRD and any implementation steps the village and partner agencies set in follow‑up meetings.