ROCKFORD, IL — A City Council committee is backing a proposal to annex 166 acres of agricultural land south of the Chicago Rockford International Airport and rezone it to allow a business park to develop there.
The proposal from Rosemont-based Venture One Acquisitions could mean hundreds of jobs in the warehouse, shipping and distribution industries. It requires the city to rezone agricultural land I-3, airport industrial, in an area designated for industrial in the city comprehensive plan and adjacent to a designated airport noise area.
The property is located along Edson Road near 11th Street. The changes would allow shipping, distribution, warehouse, cargo handling and similar facilities to be built on the property, taking advantage of its location near highways, a railroad and the airport.
The land would be part of a Tax Increment Financing District that is also being considered in the area.
A stipulation in the annexation agreement includes a prohibition on the development of a data center on the property.
Mark Goode of Venture One told officials that the development could mean millions of dollars in property taxes and hundreds of both permanent and union construction jobs.
It now goes to the full City Council for consideration.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford eyes 166 acres for new industrial park near airport
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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By Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
