There are new businesses coming to the city of Bettendorf this year. Although construction has not started yet, the plans have been made. There are two locations that will undergo changes in order for these new businesses to be built: the open lot by the intersection of Crow Creek and Middle Road and the area around apartment complexes near Middle Road and 53rd street.

The new lots are still undergoing zoning, meaning it is still unknown what businesses will be built there. Scott Webster, Alderman for District 5, said, “There will possibly be gyms and coffee shops. It is expected to stay small and commercial. Middle is going through zoning a bar, restaurant and dry cleaner.” There are high hopes for the upcoming businesses.

These new plans for the lots will definitely bring more money into the city of Bettendorf. However, some residents close by are worried about the businesses. “Residents are required to hold neighborhood meetings. The two lots have been zoned for commercial use forever,” said Webster. One resident near the lot on Crow Creek, Carter Christisen, senior, said, “I feel like I’m not going to like having the new businesses because it will bring a lot of traffic near my house, and the noise will also be annoying. It will be convenient if I need a drink, though.”

Some residents have a lot of fear regarding what types of establishments could be built. They fear their living conditions will worsen due to the businesses. Webster addressed this concern. He said, “This isn’t going to satisfy everyone. I also wouldn’t want a McDonald’s in my backyard.”