Robbins board approves conditional rezoning for 47‑unit townhouse development

The Robbins Town Board approved a conditional rezoning to R‑8 for a town‑center parcel to allow a proposed 47‑unit townhouse development. Planning staff told the board the site has multiple sewer and water access points so public utility extensions would not be required and that the project aligns with the Robbins Master Plan principles on safe, affordable housing and walkability.

Staff presented projected fiscal figures: the parcel currently generates modest property tax revenue (stated as about $661), and staff said the proposed development could add an estimated $11,000,000 in assessed value—generating roughly $77,000 a year in property tax revenue, according to the figures presented on the record. Staff also noted a local housing gap and cited a county‑level shortage of homes at the relevant price points.

Kevin Lindsey, an engineer for the design firm working with the owner Ron Jackson (introduced in the meeting), described the townhouse floor plans (garage on the ground floor, living space and bedrooms above), access points intended to limit curb cuts onto public streets, and buffering to preserve neighborhood appearance. He said added residents would benefit downtown businesses and help address low water‑use problems in the area by increasing local utility consumption.

Board members asked about sidewalks and market demand; the applicants said sidewalks exist along parts of the site and that they had inquiries from prospective renters including nurses. The board adopted required consistency statements and approved the rezoning by voice vote; specific roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the public transcript.

Next steps noted on the record included finalizing rezoning documentation and recording the adopted conditions.