Last Friday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill sponsored by Rock Island State Representative Mike Halpin that puts the city first in line when the state sells excess property.
Alexandra Elias, President and CEO of Renew Moline, says there are 16 parcels of varying sizes, that were once part of the old bridge or turned out not to be needed for the new bridge.
"So the parcels on their own are probably not that valuable, but when you start to plan new public spaces and address adjacent properties, and then create new opportunities for development using some of these parcels, it really just changes the game. There's a lot of possibilities available both for public space and for private space."
Elias says the city and Renew Moline have worked with the Urban Land Institute to consider possible uses for the land - from the river to 7th Avenue, and between 19th and 23rd streets. They include a skate park, new downtown housing, and an arts district based at the Spiegel Building.
The new Illinois law takes effect in January.