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Developer lays out waterfront, food‑access and industrial concepts as Robbins pursues ARPA and state funds
Summary
Mc Laurin Development presented a range of economic-development concepts to Robbins trustees on Sept. 27, urging the village to pursue waterfront projects, a multimillion‑dollar grocery and industrial reuse while leveraging ARPA funds and state commitments; trustees heard updates that $1 million for village hall improvements had been secured and that roughly $7 million in DECO commitments remain to be released.
Mc Laurin Development presented a suite of economic‑development concepts to the Village of Robbins Committee of the Whole on Sept. 27, urging the village to align realistic projects with available county, state and federal funding.
"The goal is to create sustainability and accessibility," Mr. McLaurin said during the presentation, citing ideas such as a Bronzeville lakefront, a life‑science masterplan, an Englewood connection project, a restored firehouse repurposed as a commercial kitchen and food hub, and a potential athletic center near the water tower.
Trustee David R. Dyson introduced the presentation and asked specifically about attracting a grocery operator. Mr. McLaurin recommended beginning with a farmers market to demonstrate consistent demand and to build toward a full grocery: "Businesses want to see consistency and the support of the community," he said, and suggested the village leverage its industrial workforce (8–10 hour shifts) and proximity to transportation corridors to make a stronger case to investors.
Mayor Darren E. Bryant said the village has received American Rescue Plan Act funding and has a plan for how to use those funds. He encouraged the development team to submit formal proposals and said the village has been in contact with a Black‑owned grocer that could potentially locate in Robbins. "We have received American Rescue Plan Act funding and have a plan on what the funds will be used for," the mayor said.
Discussion also addressed physical constraints and opportunities. Speakers noted that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) controls land along the waterways, limiting direct barge access, and that transit‑oriented development opportunities could be promoted by soliciting builders with canal access in mind. Participants emphasized returning vacant and tax‑delinquent properties to the tax rolls as an economic priority.
Meeting notes recorded outreach to state officials: officials said they had secured about $1 million from Springfield for village hall improvements following discussions with state lawmakers, and that approximately $7 million in capital improvement commitments from an entity listed as DECO are held in Springfield but require additional steps to be released.
No formal votes were taken on development proposals at the meeting. Trustee Michael Collier moved to end the Committee of the Whole meeting; Trustee Gregory N. Jackson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m.
