ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday decided to provide $200,000 to support the construction of a new McDonald’s at the northwest corner of West State Street and Springfield Avenue.
Supporters of providing the tax subsidy to developer First Midwest Group, which owns the land through an LLC, say McDonald’s can serve as a catalyst for further economic development in the area. Opponents say the restaurant would have been built without taxpayer support, and the area needs healthy food options rather than a fast-food drive-thru.
City Council members approved the subsidy by a 9-4 vote. Aldermen Chad Tuneberg, Kevin Frost, Janessa Wilkins and Mark Bonne voted against it. There was no discussion on the council floor before the vote…