"We're working hard to try to keep East Moline on the map." That was the message Thursday from Mayor Reggie Freeman during his annual State of the City address to members of the Rotary Club.
He says The Bend development, with its Hyatt Hotel, event center, and restaurants, plus concerts at the nearby Rust Belt, are bringing more people to his city, and more investment. And he's pleased with all the improvements downtown.
"We work hand-in-hand with the Main Street Downtown Business Association. We meet monthly, working with them, not only to bring in new businesses but also looking at trying to upgrade some streetscapes down in the area."
Improvements are also underway in the Watertown neighborhood and the I-5 Corridor, and John Deere plans a major investment in the Harvestor Works.
Mayor Freeman says city leaders are also starting to work on a new long-range plan that will strengthen East Moline's finances and encourage even more development in the future.
