Learn about East Moline progress in upcoming meetings

The first public meeting for the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project will be Wednesday, Feb. 21.

All residents and community members are invited and encouraged to attend an open house at The Bend Event Center (any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to hear more about the overall plans for greater downtown, view proposed improvements to The Bend, 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,” Mayor Reggie Freeman said in a recent release. “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.”

The city of East Moline is working with a design and engineering team to create a more beautiful, walkable, and bikeable greater downtown with seamless connections between 15^th 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 RAISE grant, which 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 will focus on streetscaping improvements at The Bend.

The Bend consists of the area north of 12^th Avenue between 1^st Street and 7^th Street, including Bend Boulevard and Mississippi Parkway. Additional public meetings will discuss specific improvements for 15^th Avenue, 12^th Avenue and 7^th Street near The Rust Belt, and the eastern portion of The Bend.

Mayor Freeman is also scheduled to give his annual State of the City address at a luncheon Thursday, March 7 at The Bend Event Center, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person and RSVPs are due by March 4 to or 309-752-1599.