The Village of East Davenport is one of the oldest areas in the city and a plan to take the village into the future is being discussed. The city is working with a development group on a master plan for the village and they want the public to be apart of the planning process.
"The village is a huge, excellent outdoor museum of sights to tell that story," says Karen Anderson.
The Village of East Davenport has numerous stories; the majority of them involve the city's history. However, people who attended the master plan public hearing want the village to have another chapter that includes improvements to the area.
"It's such a small, but pivotal area," adds Anderson, "It's really important to have the right kind of development here."
The public meeting is being held by "Winter and Company", the development group chosen by the city to upgrade the village. The plan for the village will be decided by both city leaders and the public, because feedback gathered at the meeting will be used in the master plan.
"I believe the village is a natural asset to the Quad Cities," says Jolene Keeney, "I am very concerned, I want them to leave the value of what's here and not modernize it."
The idea is to improve the village by giving buildings a similar look and building new structures that are compatible with the historic area. Some ideas people have for the village are to utilize the river and encourage more economic growth.
Anderson adds, "Helping and encouraging small businesses in the village is a priority. One of the main attributes for any business is having many businesses next door."
The development group handling the village's master plan will hold another meeting in September. A final plan will be presented to council and the public in March.
