By Dylan Parker, Rock Island, Fifth Ward Alderperson
On July 21st, you published a letter to the editor regarding a proposed development at the Casino West site in Rock Island, Illinois. I appreciate the opportunity to provide additional perspective. The subject matter is nuanced and complicated and deserves close attention due to the important needs of both environmental conservation and needed economic development for an economically disadvantaged community.
To begin, the Casino West site is not a wetland, nor is it in a flood plain nor the nearby officially recognized Milan Bottoms reserve. Prior to the City of Rock Island gaining ownership of this land, it was owned by Riverstone, a construction materials producer. The site has been used for commercial and industrial use, including quarrying, materials storage and hosted a construction equipment rental business. Importantly, however, it does neighbor wetlands, floodplains, and the Milan Bottoms reserve, which I understand is home to bald eagle roosting sites.
There is significant opposition to the project, with many from the local environmental conservation and advocacy communities opposing the proposed development. Ultimately, this is a matter of listening to all viewpoints and balancing often contrasting public needs.
To that end, the City is taking action on a number of fronts: firstly, going above and beyond what’s dictated by law, the City is obligating the developer to consult with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on any potential negative impacts the project may pose to the surrounding environment and wildlife. I have committed to opposing the project should said consultation identify negative impacts that cannot or will not be mitigated by the developer. Secondly, in addition to the Casino West site, the city also owns over 500 acres of the surrounding Milan Bottoms wetland; the City Council has initiated the process to place those acres of wetlands into a conservation easement, permanently barring development in this vital ecosystem.
Ultimately, we don’t have all the answers yet. Regulations exist to protect stormwater runoff, endangered species, and a variety of concerns the public raise. They are being explored and will be properly addressed. The public is right to be concerned about negative impacts to our wetlands. I encourage patience and a willingness to let the process play out.
