At VCU.

We've always been here for you.

You are and always will be our top priority.

We care about your financial health and we are here.

I am VCU as a proud supporter of Wqpt.

Public affairs programing on Wqpt is brought to you by the Singh Group at Merrill.

Serving the wealth management needs of clients in the region for over 35 years.

The beginning of a new era in East Moline.

And making a better experience for bicyclists in the cities.

We'll.

The city's has been undergoing changes on its streets and along its trails to create a more friendly, bicycle friendly community.

The latest move could make a big impact in the city's.

We'll talk about that in a moment.

But first, East Moline has started its ambitious plan to revitalize three of the most important parts of the city the bend and the Rust Belt, which both help transform the area where the old Casey Equipment plant once stood, and downtown that part of 15th Avenue that is seen as the city's main street.

The greater downtown revitalization Project is kicking off its first phase of its reconstruction right now, thanks in part to a multimillion dollar state grant.

We talked with Janelle Wahlberg, the new executive vice president for Redeem, which stands for Revitalizing and Developing East Moline.

Let's start with, the effort to link the band and the Rust Belt and downtown.

Yeah.

And those darn railroad tracks and everything.

So.

So what what is the key component to what is being done in phase one right now?

Yeah.

So phase one, construction has begun in the band.

So the band is going to be, putting in new multi-use lanes, some landscaping and some other amenities along the existing rail road network in the bend.

So and what does that going to accomplish other than pretty?

It's pretty, but it's also going to be, the ability for people to, easily access the different businesses in the region or, you know, within the bend as well as access to the other regions of the downtown, because we're seeing traffic increase in that.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

Because businesses are growing.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

So that's the band.

Then you take the Rust Belt.

That'll be part of this whole bend, Rust Belt and, and downtown.

So you're also working on so called Main Street.

Yes.

So the main street, the fifth Avenue is the main street.

So in the main street it's going to be a lot of you know, new lighting, wider pedestrian walkways that have seating and shade so people can stay and hang out.

There's going to be new wayfinding and safety, elements to the downtown as well.

One thing that's really interesting is they're actually a two block area where they'll be depressed curbs and a more festival like area.

So that'll be a great spot to host events and other festivals in the future in downtown.

So to see such great success, with the Bend and Rust Belt.

Yeah.

And it's always been important for East Moline to somehow be a destination spot.

And that really has helped.

Yes.

Agreed.

Yeah.

I mean, anything that we can do to bring more visitors to the downtown, to the Rust Belt and the band is is the ultimate goal.

Yeah.

You add the hotels.

Absolutely.

I mean, that's huge because it always boggles my mind that and it was true is East Moline had no hotel, no doors for a long time.

Yeah.

And now you've got this whole development.

The downtown area had always been a little depressed.

It was very old.

It wasn't being reinvested in, by by creating this link between an area that is successful, which used to be the case, New Holland, which was all blacktop and empty building.

Right?

To see that renovate so beautifully.

You have some real ideas that downtown could be the same.

Absolutely.

I mean, that is the hope, right?

That people will go to a show at the Rust Belt and then go spend some time in the downtown at a at a local establishment.

So, or have dinner before, you know, so there's a lot of play between the different areas that we're hoping to capture once it's a little safer and a little more accessible to all.

So tell me about the timeline for phase one.

Yeah.

So this first phase.

So it's actually a three year construction right now.

So phase one is the updates to the band as well as the first half of 15th Avenue.

Next year in 2026, we'll see the second half of 15th Avenue, the downtown, as well as 12th Avenue, which runs in front of the bend and the Rust Belt.

So there'll be construction.

Very busy.

It is a busy road.

Yes, exactly.

And then finally, in 2027, there will be the extension of Bend Boulevard through, the park as our final phase, which drives more people up towards the river area.

Absolutely.

And what development do you hope to see throughout that area?

What?

I mean, we're looking way ahead, right?

Sure.

Yeah.

But once again, you build it in the right.

Right.

Yeah.

So, I mean, I think the city would be open to a lot of things.

We're hoping to make it a visitors destination.

So, you know, whether it be more restaurants, retail, it could be additional apartments.

It could be, you know, assisted living, senior housing type apartments.

So we're we're open to a lot of different things.

And having the riverfront there and having accessibility to the river is going to be a great selling point to future development.

I mean, I just still remember case being at all that, asphalt.

Sure.

Just an eyesore.

And, and what that area has become is really amazing and is almost a model for other communities that have to do some of this work that have similar type property.

Sure.

Yeah.

I mean the team worked for years.

Between the city redeem our office and the developers.

And it really was a team effort and it was it's a great success story.

So how do you capitalize upon that?

I mean, you you have to sell the idea of outsiders to invest, but also local people to invest in this region.

Sure.

So we have seen a lot of local investment so far in the site.

And I think that we're open to, to anyone who's interested in that development, to join us in East Moline.

There's another thing is because you always think of that sign, where East Moline says we're one of the.

I know, and let's underline that because there's a bit of a chip on the shoulder of East Moline, understandably.

The channel that goes from Moline to Bettendorf to, Davenport.

There's no East Moline stops there.

That's a big deal to is to create a channel for those who don't know, it's the water taxi on the Mississippi.

Is to create a dock in East Moline.

Yes.

Yes.

So we're, we're thrilled that Metro Link is working with the city of East Moline to create a new dock at the bend.

It'll be near the hotel.

And it will be serviced by their new electric ferries that they will be adding to their fleet next year.

So, in 2026, they will be building the dock, and it'll just be a new avenue, that people can come to East Moline and enjoy our downtown spaces.

The key really is amenities.

Yeah.

It's to make it's it's to make an area more friendly for for visitors and for residents to rediscover.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

I mean, and that's part of the goal is to bring more visitors to the region, in addition to the safety and, accessibility aspects, not only more visitors, but, I mean, and in general.

Guess I could do this, of course, but but also more housing.

Each of the communities, and every community throughout the US, it seems, has some issue as far as affordable housing.

How does redeem try to tackle that issue in East Moline?

Yeah.

So redeem has been working.

One example is, there's new residential development at the quarter, which is located just upstream from, the abandoned the Rust Belt area.

Redeem that previously had owned the property and worked with the developer to, now build, upwards of 80 new residences, in the East Moline riverfront area.

So what does that mean, 80 new residences?

Because when I think of, when I think of the quarter, I think of condos, and, and multi hour, which will become multi housing units or whatever you want to call them.

So they're all except for one, they're all duplexes.

So 40 different buildings, 80 new residences and round numbers.

So, that's a great new, investment in East Moline.

And so that will bring some new tax revenue and residences, which are all great things.

What is the timeline for that expansion?

Yeah.

So he is on his final.

The developer on his final lot.

So we're looking at, I think 14 new, locations there.

And then he will be all fully built out.

We're talking about a new developer.

Let's talk about some of the older areas and, East Moline Avenue.

The city's.

That's a stretch of commercial that has been successful for the cities.

Yes.

Yes.

So, you know, there are some additional, retail and, residential developments that are looking in the area.

The city's actually looking at a potential new Tiff area to accommodate and to kind of take advantage of some of those new developments that are coming.

So we hope to have that up and running by the end of the calendar year to start working after.

Those tips are also somewhat controversial, because it's tax money that's just staying in that area is not necessarily going out to other it's not shared by the whole city.

What do you hope that the Tiff will be able to help as far as development in the avenues in the city?

Yeah.

I mean, so, you know, if there were a, residential development, extending infrastructure to each of the residences can be expensive.

So helping to spur those residential developments is a great use of TIF funding.

You know, street updates, you know, infrastructure and intersection updates, all those things that will make traveling through the, avenue, the city's and visiting the businesses along there a better experience for all.

One of the other areas of East Moline that sometimes in that area, you got a couple communities going on to make quite sure where the East Moline city boundary is.

Yeah, but you have control basically of the southern interchange of Interstate 80.

That's a huge development possibility for East Moline.

Yes.

So the city did annex the the area south of Interstate 80 in the early 2000.

So there is the possibility for future industrial development out in the 88, 80, 88 interchange area.

Yes.

So, we do have a site there.

It's a thousand acres.

And it's got great transportation access and most utilities are to the site.

So, we are working with the city to try to figure out what's feasible on that site because you look at some of the I-80 interchange.

You definitely look at Middle Road interchange.

And that has happened for the city of Bettendorf that's exploded.

Is that that doesn't seem to be the same vision East Moline has for the I-80 interchange, because you're talking more industrial.

Yeah.

So I think the vision is industrial warehousing.

Some of those heavier things that are away from residences but need great access to interstates and railroads and things like that.

So all of those things are possible on this site that we're looking at.

You're relatively new to the job.

Yes.

So tell me, as far as your concern for redeem, what is your short term goal?

And also what's the long term goal that you're hoping?

Yeah.

So I mean, short term short term is really, you know, continuing to meet business leaders, understand the businesses in the region, and other stakeholders in East Moline.

On the a little bit longer.

I mean, obviously we have some grants that are working, through the city.

So there's, a site readiness grant on the site that we discussed out at the 8088 interchange.

So we'll be, involved in that process with the city.

The the greater Davenport.

Davenport, the greater downtown, redevelopment project that we talked about at the bend, the downtown, continuing to stay involved in those and then obviously working through, potential development opportunities as they present themselves and seeking those out to be responsive to those.

So those are kind of our big buckets of work.

And the other thing that I know you're not totally actively involved in this, but yeah, when it comes to East Moline, you're also creating more events that draw people, to downtown.

I think of the 4th of July parade and the huge number of people that are there, the Firecracker Run and Runners Park that's downtown, which is a a huge amenity with the bandshell that allows for, concerts that are scheduled throughout.

Right.

How important is it as far as you're concerned, as far as the economic and regional development of East Moline, how important is this whole amenities and improvement of lifestyle?

Yeah, I mean, I think that's it's it's key, right?

In economic development, it hasn't always been a top tier effort.

But it really has become something that we have to focus on.

And, having an inviting place where people want to live and want to spend time, make friends and place roots, we have to have those amenities in place.

So, I mean, it's become extremely important to, to economic, but it's also been paramount with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.

And and it's also, downtown developments have been important where, where they have, people that are in Rock Island in Bettendorf and in Davenport.

How important is it to redeem, to have partnerships with groups like, the chamber or the other economic development groups that are throughout the city?

The whole city area.

Yeah.

So, I would say that redeem thrives on partnerships, right?

We work closely with the city.

The Quad Cities chamber is probably the next closest ally that we use.

East Moline Main Street Association, right next door to my office.

So we're we're always, talking about ways to collaborate as well.

So, partnerships for us are key, and it's really what makes, projects work.

So Our thanks to Janelle Wahlberg, the executive vice president, for redeem in a moment, a boost for bicycling in the cities.

But first, here's some events that may be perfect for you, your family and friends.

Thanks to visit Quad Cities.

Check out the things to do this week in the Quad Cities.

Teachers and nurses show your badge at Vibrant Coffeehouse on May 7th.

To receive a $1 energy drink all day, then you can enjoy Fridays at Hallberg.

Or you can meet friends and tour of the mansion from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 9th.

Next, you can have a blast at the Putnam Palooza, or there will be activities, live music, and food trucks on May 10th.

Next, join Quad City Symphony Orchestra and experience an immersive concert experience at the Adler Theater.

And finally see Blippi live at the Adler Theater on May 11th from 2 to 4:30 p.m.. For more events like these, make sure you head to our events calendar at Visit Quad cities.com.

Over the last decade, the city has gone to great lengths to create and to strengthen its system of bicycle trails, and it makes sense on many different levels.

Not only can local bicyclists enjoy safer routes in the city, but the trails are also being developed to link up with other bicycle routes that form a network of trails linking all of America north to south, east to west, and through the cities.

Now there's a new development underway, so we're joined with Moline Manager of Community Engagement Ashley Smith.

So phase one of the construction is over.

You had the ribbon cutting.

Tell me a little bit about the importance of bicycling in Moline.

In particular.

Yeah.

So, a big priority of our mayor, and our council is to increase our multimodal transportation.

And so having a path that can accommodate that, North-South connection, is very valuable.

Our community is very proud of the fact that we go East-West, and that is unique.

And fun.

But to have the North-South connection really helps us get across that Mississippi bridge connecting the American Discovery Trail.

It's very important just to have the option for either walking, biking, just the multimodal.

Piece of it is something that we really have a lot of value in.

Well, you go through history and you think of, the railroad bridge.

One of the first to cross the Mississippi River.

And it made a huge link between east and west, of course, and the Quad Cities being right there.

Then you think of I-80, which does it for automobiles, a huge, link east and west.

But bicycling now has it as well.

And it really has drawn people to the cities.

Yes.

Oh, yeah.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

We have a really large and strong, proud bicycling community.

So to be able to give them more options and more efficient routes has been a big deal.

I know that we've received a lot of praise post the ribbon cutting and a lot of people reaching out, just wanting more information about phase two and phase three.

So there's a lot of interest there.

A lot of value.

And yeah, it's just another form of transportation that we want to be able to accommodate so that we make sure that everyone is able to get where they need to go safely.

So we're talking east, west, also north, south, the crossroads.

And that's where the development really is needed.

And you've got a three phase program in order to make a north south route more viable through the cities.

Yes.

That's correct.

Yeah.

So, the phase one was from Avenue of the city's, down to, River drive, getting you onto the path there.

Phase two, was going to be from the avenue to 36th Avenue.

And that is going to be funded by the Illinois, Transportation Transportation Enhancement Program funding.

I'm rambling.

No, no, you're doing great.

And then the third phase is the third phase would be south 36 south to the Rock River.

And that one will be constructed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

And we're talking construction.

I mean, how is it different than what's going on right now?

You're getting people off the streets.

The key is safety here.

Yeah.

Safety accessible, giving people the option.

Everybody travels by car.

We want to make sure that we're culminating all of our citizens.

And.

Yeah, just making sure that, safety is key.

Number one like that is absolutely priority.

When I've been talking about, like, people that are from out of town, doing either east west router, hopefully now the north south front and there's, there's groups that do it throughout the year, which is amazing.

What about local bicyclists?

I mean, I guess as a car driver, you get so used to seeing the extra lane or the painted, bicycle logo.

It's been a commitment to make the entire city more bicycle friendly.

Yes, it has.

It has.

Once again, just emphasizing the multimodal piece.

That is a priority of ours.

We want to make sure that, to get through the area, it's accessible to all.

Cycling once again, does have a large following in our community, and we just want to make sure that we are, cultivating an environment that accommodates that type of transportation.

And one other thing is Bike to Work week, which you wanted to talk about because in a way Moline kicks that off.

Yeah.

So bike to work week begins May 12th.

And typically we know that, the city of Rock Island has done a great job of hosting their own bike to work day.

And so we have begun working in collaboration with them.

We will bookend that week.

So, City of Moline will kick off that week on Monday, May 12th, from about 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.. Will be at Bass Street Landing.

We'll have breakfast.

We'll have resources, for cyclists or even people that are curious about cycling.

We chose Bass Street Landing.

It's just enough off the path, bikers can get to as well.

So if you're not a cyclist but you want to learn more, you can pull up, walk up.

We want to make sure that everybody is able to access this event on May 12th.

And let's be honest, I mean, as you were saying, safety is such a huge issue, but urban cycling, bicycles inside the city is becoming far more common.

And, and, and, you know, in so many different ways, you do have to make it safer and more convenient.

Yes, absolutely.

The, we're very interested in becoming a more walkable city that is, terminology that we use quite often within the city.

We want to make sure that people are able to get to and, you know, from where they need to go.

Once again, we understand that having a vehicle is can be a privilege that everybody has access to, that not everybody wants to take the bus.

So we just want to make sure that everybody has a safe route of getting where they need to go.

Our thanks to Moline manager of community engagement Ashley Smith.

On the air, on the radio, on the web, on your mobile device and streaming on your computer.

Thanks for taking some time to join us.

As we talk about the issues on the city's.

I am VCU.

We've always been here for you.

You are and always will be our top priority.

We care about your financial health and we are here.

I am VCU is a proud supporter of Wqpt.

Public affairs programing on Wqpt is brought to you by the Singh Group at Merrill, serving the wealth management needs of clients in the region for over 35 years.