The first public meeting of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project group is set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at East Moline’s Bend Event Center.
The group was launched last June and funded, in part, through a federal RAISE grant. The project builds on continuing investments in East Moline’s riverfront, including redevelopment between 12th Avenue and the Mississippi River.
The Feb. 21 meeting, presented by the city of East Moline, will focus on presenting plans for The Bend area, and give the public a chance to talk with the project team and ask questions.
“East Moline’s residents are the foundation of our community, and their input and involvement throughout this project are of utmost importance. This investment has the potential to transform our downtown, and all residents and business owners are encouraged to weigh in on the details of these exciting improvements,” East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman said in a news release.
Plans in the works
The City of East Moline is working with a design and engineering team to create a more beautiful, walkable, and bikeable downtown with seamless connections between 15th Avenue/Main Street, The Rust Belt, and The Bend. Proposed improvements include: pedestrian-friendly amenities, improved railroad crossings, new landscaping, more outdoor event space, and wayfinding that enhances and connects the community.
This work is made possible by a $23.7 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. Those funds can only be used for work included in the city’s grant application to improve downtown.
Designs for the proposed improvements will be presented at four public meetings in 2024, each covering a different portion of greater downtown. The first public meeting focuses on streetscaping improvements at The Bend.
The Bend consists of the area north of 12th Avenue between First and Seventh streets, including Bend Boulevard and Mississippi Parkway. Additional public meetings will discuss specific improvements for 15th Avenue, 12th Avenue and Seventh Street near The Rust Belt, and the eastern portion of The Bend.
The Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project is part of the city’s vision of fostering connections between the greater downtown areas. It builds upon the city’s Greater Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, which was completed in 2020.
The city aims to begin construction on the downtown improvements in 2025.
