A resolution was approved during the Monmouth City Council meeting to designate a new business district at the November 5th meeting. The proposed district is a section of the south west corner of where US Highway 67 meets West 11th Avenue. The intent of the resolution was – in addition to designating the area – impose a business district sales tax and encourage development. The city wishes to encourage Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores Inc. to pursue plans for the development within the district into a travel stop, convenience store, and possibly a restaurant. According to city council documents, Love’s is anticipated to invest approximately $9 million in the district if the city designates the area a business district. The city will conduct an eligibility analysis to determine and confirm if the area qualifies as a “blighted area” as defined in the Illinois Business District Development and Redevelopment Law. The implementation of the plan will include the reconstruction of 11th Avenue and the installation of water and sewer line to accommodate the additional service load to the area. Additional sales tax will be used to recover planning and implementation expenses. The resolution did not constitute a financial obligation of the City of Monmouth but instead expression of intent.
