East Moline is preparing to take the next step in the development of the former Case I-H plant property. Monday night the city council will hold a public hearing on the River Bend redevelopment project.
The 76 million dollar project includes a nine-story Hyatt Hotel and apartments.
Mayor John Thodos says holding the public hearing means the project is almost ready to start.
"There are a lot of people in the Quad Cities who are very familiar with that site. But everybody I talk to, they ask when's it going to happen, is it going to happen ? My response is yes it is. We're moving it forward as we said we would in the original agreement."
The city will spend 4.2 million dollars on infrastructure improvements, including roads, sewer and water lines, and electricity hookups.
Because East Moline is not a home rule city, Thodos says the city will not be able to use the sales or hotel taxes. But he says he'll propose that if re-elected as mayor in April.
"I think it's high time to resurrect that, and educate the public why it's a good thing for them. Obviously if you have a hotel generating a hotel tax, you can use it for fixing roads or beautifying parks or other things. I think it's a good deal."
There is no word on when ground will be broken at the former riverfront factory site. But, the project is expected to be finished by the spring of next year.
