Now that the building has slowed, many communities are taking a step back to identify areas straining under the weight of urbanization.

“We know the slowdown isn’t going to last forever,” DeVivo said. “Now is the perfect time to focus our attention toward protecting our natural environment.”

The environmental survey of Long Run Creek, released late last year and funded by an $80,000 state grant, revealed a creek under assault. Researchers documented garbage dumps similar to what DeVivo had seen, but also areas of the creek where natural buffers have eroded, contributing to a loss of native plants and insects.

Will County officials have begun talking about the need to build a permanent hazardous waste site for household goods and are already exploring ways to extend the life of the county landfill built just a couple of years ago.

Other towns in Will County and southern Cook County are expanding bicycle lanes and encouraging public transportation as a way to reduce vehicle emissions and ease congestion on crowded roads.

“These are issues that, ultimately, impact our quality of life,” said Channahon Mayor Joe Cook, whose town has limited density from 3.5 homes per acre during the boom period to 2.5 homes today. “Now that we’re in a period of slowdown, it becomes important to brand your community, to figure out what kind of community you want to live in.”