Davenport's Rhythm City Casino is finally headed to land.
In a special meeting Wednesday, the City Council gave final approval to a rezoning request for 109 acres at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 74. The site will house a new, land-based Rhythm City Casino, as well as an entertainment and retail complex.
"We're very excited. You know, it's been a long time coming," said developer Dan Kehl.
Aldermen also approved the final development plan for the casino and the final plat for River 80, the planned commercial development surrounding the casino complex.
Neighbors of the site, who were originally opposed to the location, voiced their support for the project Wednesday, thanks in part to a large number of conditions that aldermen placed on the development plan.
The City also agreed to use TIF funds to purchase land for a park between the Jersey Farms neighborhood and Veteran's Memorial Parkway.
"I didn't know I was going to come up here and say I was really excited about something, but the neighbors are really excited about this," one resident told the council.
Kehl said his crews will hopefully begin mobilizing on the site next week and put footings in the ground in April.
"We're geared up, we're ready to go, so it won't be long before people will start seeing some action going on out there," said Kehl.
Kehl said the new casino could open as soon as Spring of 2016.