Members from the Rochelle Brand Leadership Team remain very optimistc that a new image for the community is coming in the near future.
They have been working with Roger Brooks International for several months dealing with changes in the dowtown area. This would include a plaza and food market along with an entertainment stage and an ice rink/splash pad area for the kids.
During this week's program "Let The People Know", Brand Leadership Team Chairperson Tricia Wagner talked about the response they have received from students at RTHS about the project. She said many of the students said that after attending college, they would return to Rochelle and start a family if this project is completed. They would also commute their their job if needed.
Jenny Thompson, City Marketing and Public Relations Manager, said that they have received interests from developers about the downtown area in the future.
Renovation work has already started on the Hub Theater along with a building on 4th Avenue.
Later this month, the Brand Leadership Team plans to attend a City Council Meeting and talk about money for engineering costs for the project. Some construction could possibly begin late this year or in 2017.
"Let The People Know" is heard on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 on Newstalk 1060 and rebroadcast Saturday morning at 6 on Newstalk 1060 and Sunday morming at 6 on "The Coyote".
Next week's guest will be Ogle County State's Attorney Eric Morrow.