Rock Island council approves developer right-of-entry after public objections over Milan Bottoms habitat

The Rock Island City Council approved an amended right-of-entry agreement for the proposed Casino West development on April 28, allowing the developer site access while removing a previously proposed fencing requirement and moving a gate closer to the access point.

Opponents of the project told the council the proposed 10-acre site near the expressway would harm nearby wetlands and important wildlife habitat known locally as Milan (sometimes referenced as Mylan) Bottoms. Council members and staff said the developer, Ahana Ilwa LLC, has signed a contract with environmental consultant Terracon to perform on-site studies to verify wetlands, survey protected species and document compliance with federal laws.

The amended right-of-entry motion, moved and seconded during the meeting, passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor. The amendment removed language about permanent fencing and clarified that the developer may relocate a gate closer to the parcel entrance rather than install the fence described in the initial draft.

Why this matters: Residents and biologists told the council that on-site surveys have been insufficient and that the site is connected to roosting and nesting areas used by bald eagles and may hold state-listed species including Blanding's turtle. Council approval of right of entry grants the developer limited access to perform additional testing while…