Calumet redevelopment will have a positive economic impact, says local contractor

Brian Mullins, president of the Illinois Black Contractors Association, said he hopes the village of Homewood moves forward with redevelopment plans for Calumet Country Club, due to the positive economic impact it is projected to have on the area.

"There are currently two Amazon fulfillment centers...and when you look at what this trucking hub could provide, I think it would be a boom in jobs and employment and opportunities to become truck drivers," Mullins said in an interview with South Cook News.

Mullins said the trucking job at the country club would be a major employment producer for the area.

"I believe the economic impact and tax base — they’re saying $1.7 million tax revenue coming in — that’s over half of one of these city’s budgets," Mullins said. "I think for the future, they’ll have other money in the general fund to do things. I think in these times, when development is pretty slow and stagnant, to not stand with a job-producing development would be the wrong thing."

Mullins said of the four villages — Markham, Hazel Crest, Homewood and Harvey — three are very low-income.

"You’ve got four villages that really cross streets that divide them all and three of those are very low-income areas that definitely need jobs," Mullins said. "You have people in those areas currently traveling farther away from home for the same type of logistical warehouse jobs, so why not let them have one in their own community?"

Mullins said it would mean less of a commute for many area residents.

"The commute, when you have people that need to get on a bus and go an hour each way to work, that takes a toll on the household and the individuals," Mullins said. "I believe this [redevelopment plan] is a good idea."

Mullins said it was also important to note there is a CSX rail yard in the area as well.

"You’ve got CSX railings spewing out diesel fuel all day long, so it’s funny to me that I kept hearing the complaints about diesel trucks," Mullins said. "I’m thinking, yeah but nobody is saying anything about the rail yard? So, I get it, but let’s not act like it’s not industrial anyway."

Mullins said the village should move forward with the project.

One resident during the most recent meeting said he supported the project for economic development and the ability to bring jobs to the area. He said the redevelopment would bring much-needed jobs to residents.

"When you talk to people of Hazel Crest, the people of Homewood, we all know employment opportunities are lacking for a lot of people," the resident said.