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1. What economic development activities are occurring in Downtown Rock Island?

The City is working with the non-profit Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) to create a retail incubator at Second Avenue and 17th Street. The incubator will offer rental assistance to entrepreneurs who wish to set up a retail shop. For more information, contact the Development Association at (309) 788-6311.

2. What are the future development plans for Southwest Rock Island?

The City received a grant from the US Economic Development Administration to create a small lot business park with access from Ridgewood and Andalusia roads. Construction of the park, expected to begin in 2012, will include sustainable practices such as low-energy lighting, permeable paving and natural planting areas. Lot prices within the park will be based on the degree of sustainable features incorporated into building design.

3. What is planned for the large vacant lot on the east end of the former International Harvester property on the Rock Island-Moline border?

MetroLINK purchased the site for its $34 million, state-of-the-art maintenance facility. Construction of the 140,000-square-foot building will begin in 2012 and is expected to create 125 jobs. Design of the facility incorporates many sustainable features: a photovoltaic solar system to generate electricity; a geothermal heat pump system; a solar hot water system; a clean-water-recycle bus washer system; and a compressed natural gas fueling station.