By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
City leaders in Moline are looking to breathe new life into SouthPark Mall.
Moline City Council members will discuss designating the mall "a redevelopment area." That means it will become a tax increment financing district meant to draw in more potential business.
They're hoping to fill some of those empty storefronts that are plaguing the area. Shoppers we spoke with say it's a grim sight at the mall right now.
"The walk ways between the stores are looking a little decrepit," says shopper John Baldwin.
The ordinance will offer tax breaks for restaurants and stores. After the Joint Review Board called it quote blighted, city leaders are looking to turn around the old mall.
Shoppers and city leaders alike say it's about time something is done.
"I think it's a big impact for Illinois," says shopper Sharon Hanson. "Why should we spend all our money in Iowa when we should have it here?"
"Moline is in a position where it can attract new growth and development and we want to be competitive," says Lew Steinbrecher, Moline City Administrator. "It's an opportunity to see property values reverse and start to increase rather than decrease as they have been over the past several years and to strengthen the tax base of the community."
The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Moline City Hall.
