Business group submits 'wish list' for Bettendorf downtown/riverfront corridor improvements

The downtown Bettendorf business owners that are part of the Bettendorf Business Network have submitted an 11-point list of improvements they hope the city will undertake to upgrade the area.

The list, submitted Tuesday (10/28) as part of the city's update of its comprehensive plan, encourages the city to:

• Demolish and re-purpose three empty and derelict gas stations on State Street.
• Demolish and re-purpose the Twin Bridges Hotel, and allocate property for a new Ross' restaurant.
• Create a uniform and attractive system of street lighting on both Grant and State streets.
• Bury utility lines running through the downtown area.
• Create an outdoor venue for downtown events near new city "Town Square," between Grant and State and 20th and 21st Street.
• Demolish city-owned buildings adjacent to Leach Park and expand the park.
• Develop a gateway beautification projects at both ends of the downtown area.
• Develop an extended "streetscaping" plan to run through the entire downtown area.
• Implement a plan to replace systematically downtown sidewalks.
• Actively support the inclusion of the downtown in the Main Street Iowa Program.
• Encourage the construction of attractive housing projects and niche retail stores within the downtown district.

As part of the comprehensive planning update, the city held an open house Tuesday to seek input on the future direction of the downtown/riverfront corridor. CLICK HERE for more information on the plan update process.