Illinois EPA Director kicks off demolition of abandoned housing units posing potential environmental and safety hazards in the Village of Robbins

ROBBINS — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director Doug Scott was on site today in the Village of Robbins to give the green light for the kick off of an environmental and community renewal project.  Director Scott gave his opening remarks just before a wrecking ball began demolition of an abandoned and burned out housing unit, which has long posed environmental and safety problems for village residents.

 

"The demolition of this building is significant for a couple of reasons.  It eliminates the potential environmental, health and safety hazards for residents, and it represents a new era for this community.  I'm hopeful the demolition of this neighborhood eyesore will act as a catalyst for this South Suburban community to revitalize their neighborhood," said IEPA Director Scott.

 

Today's demolition was the first of 14 structures set to be bulldozed in the community.  Local leaders initiated this project out of concern that these abandoned buildings were becoming dangerous play areas for children in the community and gathering places for drug users and drug storage areas.  The debris removed from the demolition activities will be sent to proper disposal facilities. 

 

The demolition was the result of state, county and local officials working together for the greater good for the Village of Robbins.  IEPA provided an initial $200,000 grant from a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which is dedicated funding that is included as part of environmental enforcement case settlements.  This funding went towards a complete asbestos evaluation and development of a plan to remove the structures.  This revenue source allows the IEPA the flexibility and creativity to address some specific project needs that might not fall into traditional grant program categories, such as the abandoned and derelict housing the Village has proposed to demolish and clean up with this grant.  The Cook County Office of Planning and Development provided additional legal assistance at no cost to the community so the SEP funds could be maximized for the actual removal of the structures.

 

"We wish to continue our efforts to secure the health and public safety of our citizens by alleviating the problem of abandoned structures located throughout the Village of Robbins.  Also, we look forward to the continued support of all entities, particularly Illinois EPA and Cook County, who have contributed toward the positive progress and growth of our community," said Village of Robbins Mayor Irene Brodie.

 

Following the demolition, Director Scott toured the neighborhood with Mayor Brodie, and then chatted with local officials at a reception at the Robbins Community Help Agency to celebrate the future of Robbins.

 

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