Residents and scientists tell Rock Island council TIF expansion risks bald eagles and local biodiversity

Rock Island City Council advanced amendments to the Parkway I‑280 tax‑increment financing (TIF) redevelopment plan on July 14 despite repeated public warnings that proposed development in Milan Bottoms could harm wintering bald eagles and other wildlife.

Wildlife biologist Kelly McKay told the council her six‑year field study shows Milan Bottoms supports “the largest night roost that’s ever been documented in the Lower 48” for wintering bald eagles and that the proposed truck stop, car wash and cannabis dispensary financed by the TIF would “cause devastating and irreversible damage.” She said her surveys documented at least four threatened or endangered species in the area and more than 160 terrestrial vertebrate species in standardized surveys.

Why it matters: Public commenters said the site’s wildlife value, and the presence of several eagle nests within a mile of the proposed development, could trigger review under federal protections and that…