Macomb will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 on its proposed STAR Bond District. The hearing will be held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
The city and its partners are seeking the bonding to help pay for an economic development project anchored by a sports complex.
Mayor Mike Inman said this is part of the process.
“It’s not a done deal. We’re still very much doing our due diligence on bringing this whole project together and being able to pay for it at the end of the day with no impact on property taxes and no impact on the city’s ability to provide basic services,” the mayor said.
The bonds would be repaid with sales tax revenues generated in the bond district, the business development district, and the east side TIF district.
The city council this week approved a resolution to establish the 103-acre STAR Bond District. However, that’s not a guarantee the project will receive the funding.
The city must submit its STAR Bond application to the state by January 1, 2027.
City council support
During their Oct. 12 committee of the whole meeting, city council members expressed support for the development project.
John Vigezzi emphasized there is more to it than the sports complex. He said it should also draw hotels, restaurants, and retailers, all of which will give people more things to do in the community.
“This is building on a future for Macomb. This is a very positive thing that we’re doing here,” Vigezzi said.
Byron Oden Shabazz said he believes the project will bring Macomb into the modern era of what’s available in bigger cities.
“So you get the hometown feeling with modern accommodations,” Shabazz said.
Dave Dorsett said Russell Development Company LLC, which is the master developer for the project, has handled any number of major projects, including the Rock Island Federal Building, the state of Florida office park, the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, and more.
“We’re dealing with heavy hitters here because we need heavy hitters on our side,” Dorsett said.
The project would be built on a 30-acre site at the southwest corner of East Jackson Street and Bower Road on the city’s far east side.
Sports Facilities Companies, which completed the feasibility study for the project, estimated a price tag of $58.4 million in development costs to build the facility.
The city believes the sports complex would attract youth sports tournaments and generate economic activity.
In addition, Inman has the project will also offer activities for local residents. He said the complex will include a 25,000 square foot family entertainment center.
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