Village of Robbins Blackballs the Southland Journal Newspaper for Months, Mayor Bryant Responds to Denying Permit of Dr. Darden
Village of Robbins Blackballs the Southland Journal Newspaper for Months, Mayor Bryant Responds to Denying Permit of Dr. Darden (Robbins, IL) – The Southland Journal Newspaper has been “blackballed” by the village of Robbins since the new administration took over in May of 2021. No press releases, media advisories, etc. have been sent to the Journal. The owner of the Southland Journal is Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. who is a Robbins native and is seeking to build a home in Robbins as well as build a headquarters for the Southland Journal in the village.
“The Southland Journal is providing a niche service to the community. Why this administration decided to blackball Robbins’ own newspaper from the beginning is unsettling,” said Darden.
Below is the official statement released the morning of January 28th, 2022 by Mayor Darren E. Bryant of Robbins on official Village letter-head. According to sources Mayor Darren E. Bryant was asked for an official letter at a recent public meeting. That letter was not sent to the Darden family, nor the Southland Journal as the Village of Robbins has been blackballing the Journal and has not sent any press releases or media advisories.
Mayor Bryant Responds to Denying Darden’s Permit for a Family Home
- A Developer submitted plans on behalf Mr. Darden for residential development.
- Currently the Village has several major legal issues with that developer.
- The Mayor and Council have decided that until we come to remedy and resolution with that developer, any future projects submitted by that specific developer will not proceed. The corporate authorities preserve that right.
- Mr. Darden was given different avenues to obtaining a permit to build in Robbins. He was asked to seek alternative developers to ensure that his project stays on timeline, or he can wait until resolution is determined.
- In regard to ownership of parcel, Cook County records show that neither party (the developer Mr. Darden) currently has the legal title deed of ownership recorded. Records also show that ownership belongs to an individual not name(sic) Darden, nor the developer. As of yet, the Village hasn’t been provided with any proof of ownership. According to the Robbins Code of Ordinance Chapter 5. section 5-3 “The permit shall be accompanied by written consent of the owner or the lessee of the premises.” (Re-read statement #2)
- Once Mr. Darden saw no progress towards his endeavors, he was advised to seek legal assistance with his efforts. At that time, Mr. Darden violently left the Mayor’s office swearing and throwing his coffee-filled cup across the administrative office.
- The Village Robbins respects the confidentiality of all clients. However, this is a response to the public statements issued by Mr. Darden and the Southland Journal.
Thank you,
Mayor Darren E. Bryant
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Village of Robbins Blackballs the Southland Journal Newspaper for Months, Mayor Bryant Responds to Denying Permit of Dr. Darden
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