(Original version)
Tonight, the city council will consider a staff recommendation to accept the offer from the company which has been mining the land for decades. It's located in the southwest part of Rock Island, near Bally's Quad Cities Casino and Hotel.
Miles Brainard, Community and Economic Development Director, says it's essentially a donation. And only a few pieces of land may be available for traditional development. One of them is located across the street from the entrance to Bally's.
The rest of the land is marshy and mostly designated wetlands. Brainard says staff will recommend establishing a large conservation area for hunting, boating, and other recreational activities.
About one-third of the land is already within Rock Island city limits.
Tonight's vote will be the first of two readings, with the final vote in two weeks.
