A second public meeting has been set to get public input on proposed work to 15th Avenue in East Moline, which is part of a larger plan to revitalize parts of the city.
That meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Whiskey Stop, 726 15th Ave., East Moline.
During the open house, people will get to look over proposed improvements to 15th Avenue, a key part of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project.
“This is an opportunity to shape 15th Avenue into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly asset in our community. I encourage residents to get involved and share their thoughts. Together, we can build a greater downtown that reflects the spirit of East Moline and enhances our quality of life,” East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman said in a news release.
The city is continuing to work with a design and engineering team to make 15th Avenue more pedestrian-friendly, accessible, and connected to The Rust Belt and The Bend. The 15th Avenue project area is located between Sixth Street and 13th Street in East Moline.
Proposed streetscaping improvements include pedestrian-friendly amenities, improved accessibility, new landscaping and wayfinding signage that enhances and connects the community.
Residents may also visit the project website at www.downtowneastmoline.com to learn more about the plans, sign up for updates, and share comments and questions via the online comment form.
The project is made possible by a $23.7 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. It aims to build upon the City’s 2020 Master Plan to improve connectivity, safety, and accessibility between 15th Avenue, The Rust Belt, and The Bend.
The first public meeting for the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project was held in February to discuss proposed improvements to The Bend. Additional public meetings this year will discuss specific improvements for 12th Avenue and Seventh Street at The Rust Belt, and the eastern portion of The Bend. With input from the public, the project team will refine proposed improvements and develop final designs by the end of 2024.
The Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project represents a major milestone in the city’s vision of fostering connections between the greater downtown areas.
The goal of the project is to make improvements to East Moline so the city is more walkable, bike-friendly and beautiful. The project – which could start construction next year and be complete in 2027 – will include new landscaping, more outdoor event space, improved railroad crossings and much more.
