Mining limestone beneath Robbins

Massive quarry, underground limestone mine planned in Robbins

A west suburban developer is looking to acquire massive swaths of land in Robbins and turn it into an industrial megaplex complete with a quarry, an underground mine, asphalt and concrete factories and a therapy horse ranch, according to an agreement village officials quietly approved this year.

If the plan comes to fruition, such a deal would radically alter the face of one of the south suburbs’ poorest communities and give control of more than 320 acres — including its underground limestone — to Riverside-based ALM Resources for redevelopment. The plan calls for acquiring both vacant land and large blocks with homes on them…Please click here to read Casey Toner’s story in the Sun-Times.

Rush says he’ll stand with Robbins residents against mine

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush vowed Sunday to fight with Robbins residents to block the state from using quick-take powers to condemn their homes for a mining and quarry project that would take 20 percent of the town.

“I am here to stand with the residents of the village of Robbins,” Rush, (D-1st) said as dozens of residents crowded in around him in the driveway of a home in the path of the mine. “I know injustice when I see it.”…Please click here to read Cindy Wojdyla Cain’s story in the Southtown Star.

Robbins residents grill developer of proposed quarry, mine

Robbins residents showed up in force Monday night to demand answers from the developer seeking to create a limestone quarry and underground mine in the village. The project would require the acquisition of about 50 occupied homes.

Hundreds of residents packed the Robbins Community Center and spoke out about the project, most in opposition, during a nearly four-hour public meeting.

“The deal you have given us is not right,” Robbins resident Welton Jones Sr. said. “This thing came about in a way that we were bamboozled.”

The town hall meeting was held a day before the village board is set to vote on whether to support using “quick-take” authority to acquire the property needed for the massive development. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the community center…Please click here to read Casey Toner’s story in the Sun-Times.

Judge denies injunction against Robbins industrial, quarry plans

A circuit court judge on Monday said she could not grant an injunction against one south suburban village’s plans for developing a large portion of its land into a massive industrial complex.

The development would bring much-needed revenue to an impoverished area of Robbins. The judge said she cannot stop legislation from going to the General Assembly.

There is a lot of anger amongst the residents of Robbins over this proposed plan. They say it was agreed to behind their backs, and they have not received any information from the village as to what is to happen to their homes, how they will be compensated and whether any compensation would even be enough for them to find someplace else to live…Please click here to read or view Michelle Gallardo’s story on ABC 7 News.

For a map of the proposed mine development project, click here.