New Developments Will Create Jobs and Improve Recreational Facilities

COLONA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of $5 million for park development and improvement projects in Colona and Geneseo. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase opportunities for recreation, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"It's important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle," Governor Quinn said. "These investments will give these Henry County communities upgraded facilities to be enjoyed for years to come. The Colona Community Center and the Geneseo pool projects will help improve the health of the people of Illinois and create new jobs for hardworking local residents."

The Colona Park District will receive $2.5 million to construct a fitness center on Colona Road with a swimming pool, indoor walking/jogging track and multi-purpose rooms. The total estimated cost is $4.5 million.

The Geneseo Park District will also receive $2.5 million to construct an outdoor aquatic center on East North Street. The project includes a new activity pool with a zero depth entry, a four lane lap pool with slides and a new bathhouse. The total estimated cost is $5 million.

"I commend Governor Quinn for this announcement of capital investment for the Geneseo Park District. This grant was made possible because of the Governor's leadership in passing a capital bill. This is an excellent example of positive things that can happen when we have a partnership between local and state government," State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said. "A project like this is a win-win for Illinois as it creates jobs for the construction of this project and improves quality of life and recreational opportunities for the Geneseo area residents. We strengthen our economy with job creation and have the opportunity for healthier, active lifestyles. Healthier lifestyles are one of the ways to reduce healthcare costs. Grants from the Illinois Jobs Now! program are funded with their own dedicated revenue stream, not general fund revenues."

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "These new facilities in Colona and Geneseo will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

The park projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

On Monday, October 20, 2014, Sergeant Thomas Gibbs has been appointed the new chief deputy for the Scott County Sheriff's Office. This appointment was created with the retirement of former Chief Deputy Mike Brown.

"Tom Gibbs has played a vital role in recent technology upgrades that have occurred in Scott County, including the New World Data Management System that was implemented in Scott County and the State of Iowa's new EDMS Court Paperwork System" says Sheriff Conard. "His knowledge and expertise helped make these two upgrades work for the Sheriff's Office. As law enforcement progresses into the 21st Century, Tom Gibbs' knowledge, expertise and work ethic will help guide the Sheriff's Office, as we continue to embrace modern policing practices."

Thomas Gibbs, originally from the Coralville/Iowa City area, was sworn in as a deputy with the Scott County Sheriff's Office on February 9, 2004. Mr. Gibbs is a graduate of Iowa City West High School and joined the U.S. Air Force where he worked as a law enforcement canine patrolman. He was last assigned to Andrews AFB in Maryland where he provided explosive detector dog support to the Air Force One Mission and Support Complex. After separating from the U.S.A.F. he worked briefly as a security officer at the Library of Congress, and then joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. While working for the Scott County Sheriff's Office he is a member of 

the Emergency Services Team, a Field Training Officer, and was the Sheriff's Office first canine handler. He was previously assigned to Sheriff's Office Administration assiting with technology and other projects as assigned. Tom is married to Heather Gibbs (Huffman) who is from Bettendorf. Together they have two daughters Abigail and Sydney and currently reside in Davenport.

227 LeClaire Street
Total Investment: $25 million (Est.)
Total Public Investment:TBD - TIF reimbursement/Potential Brownfield Grant
Jobs Created: TBD
Status: Demo in December of existing hotel building, construction in 2015

Two well-known developers and one of the Quad-Cities largest construction firms are teaming up to replace one of Davenport's worst eyesores with a gleaming new downtown development.

Riverwatch Place, a six-story mixed-use office and retail development, is the name of the winning proposal for replacement of the dilapidated Howard Johnson's property at the central city's eastern gateway. The developers are Bush Construction and Ruhl Commercial Investors, BLDD Architects.

The empty  hotel on the site has sat empty since 2009, earning it the dubious distinction of being one of downtown's most notorious blighted properties. By contrast, the glass-encased new building will contain 60,000 square-feet, with most dedicated to Class A office space. Plans also call for a sixth-floor restaurant reminiscent of the old Davenport Club, and other retail and/or restaurant uses on the first floor.

Property owner Demolition Davenport, through the Downtown Davenport Partnership, will continue to be the steward of the property until a final closing.

The developers intend to demolish the building by the end of the year, with their sights set on spring or summer construction. City staff is working on some property consolidation and a draft economic development agreement. Bruce Berger, Davenport's Community Planning & Economic Development Director, said the major incentive used will likely be a Tax Increment Financing reimbursement of the increased assessed value of the site, at a percentage to be determined.

Kyle Carter of the Downtown Partnership said the time is ripe for new office development downtown. For one, most of the downtown building stock is older, historic businesses which are often difficult and expensive to convert into modern office use. Secondly, while the massive increase in new downtown market rate apartments has been good for business, office space drives up demand for daytime retail and commercial uses even more.

"New construction offers developers a blank slate;  we have a real opportunity to add more variety to our commercial offerings downtown to suit users that are seeking more open space."

Berger said completion of both this project and the pending Dock at Davenport project will breathe new life into downtown's east side.

"Adding amenities like new restaurants as well as Class A office space show that downtown Davenport is vibrant and a great place to do business," Berger said. "It makes our job of attracting new investment and new businesses easier."

This is a follow up to the news release provided earlier today by Major Don Schaeffer with the Davenport Police Department.

The deceased subject involved in the incident has been identified as:

James Allen Cave, age 54, a resident of Davenport.

An autopsy for Cave has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospitals.

The incident is on-going and is being investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office along with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

There is no additional information being released at this time. Thank you.