2019/10/14 - Mayor's Column: Update on Mid America Commerce Center
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Several months ago, we were deeply engaged in an opportunity that could help propel O’Fallon into the future. Working with O’Fallon’s schools, Township and other taxing bodies, we were able to create the Mid America Commerce Center and the opportunity to develop approximately 1,500 acres north of Scott Air Force Base.
Development of this area would benefit the community in several ways:
- Creation of jobs
- Diversification of our economic base
- Additional financial support for our schools
- Potential tax relief for homeowners
A lot has happened since the last time we provided an update on this project. Since then, we have been finalizing our plans, annexing property, and working with St. Clair County, Mid-America Airport and Scott Air Force Base to make sure the long-term plans are not going against or interfering with their mission and needs.
We have also been working hard to recruit and market this development opportunity. There are many things that this development and our community have to offer companies and their future workforce.
Development of this area would be a big positive for our City. Not only could it offer good jobs for our residents, it will also help to further diversify our economy. The more diversified a community’s economy, the better it can ride through the economic downturns that will occur from time to time.
In June, I was asked to take part in a presentation in Washington D.C. to a group of Japanese manufacturers that had shown interest in developing facilities in the Mid-West. The visit was successful, as it resulted in a visit last week of the Consul General of Japan and representatives from some of these manufacturers to O’Fallon to learn more about the community and the surrounding area.
We have their interest in continuing additional discussions. I know from my own personal experience in helping to develop over a dozen facilities around the United States and in other countries that these types of developments do not occur over night. But I’m pleased that we were able to have them come and learn more about our community less than 4 months after our initial discussion.
On a separate note, I also want to mention that the next Town Hall meeting will be at 6:30 PM on October 23 at City Hall. We will be covering many topics including construction, Council priorities, Capital Improvements Plan, and upcoming projects. I hope to see all of you there!
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!