ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford’s Midtown District residents gathered Wednesday at the VFW building on Seventh Street to review two redevelopment proposals for their neighborhood. The meeting was the third in a four-part series organized by the Region One Planning Council as part of its Livable Communities Initiative.
The initiative is a community-driven program that uses local and private partnerships to improve neighborhoods through targeted investments. Tim Verbeke, director of planning for the Region One Planning Council, said the goal is to hear from residents before any final changes are made to the district. The council also manages the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which oversees transportation and long-range planning for Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties.
Neighbors reviewed plans to either redesign the Broadway corridor or beautify Railroad Avenue. Verbeke said the Broadway proposal includes helping small businesses invest in outdoor seating, planters and facade improvements. “We’re also looking at Railroad Avenue, and looking at beautification of that corridor. So that’s what the neighbors will be deciding between.”
The initiative focuses on what the council describes as “middle neighborhoods,” which Verbeke said are areas at a peak where a small investment could lead to success. “The LCI partners are a variety of different private and nonprofit foundations from around the region that are looking to improve neighborhoods.” The program is in its second year, following a project in Keith Creek where construction on a flood park is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The Midtown proposals were informed by research conducted by the Dharma Foundation between March 2023 and August 2025. Findings presented by Alderman Salgado showed that while more than 10 million cars travel the Broadway corridor, many do not stop due to a lack of lighting, safety, appeal and infrastructure. The research suggested creating a cultural corridor to reflect the diversity of the ward and noted that the area shares the same 61104 zip code as City Hall.
Residents also heard a presentation regarding a free weatherization program designed to improve energy efficiency in local homes. Kevin, a program representative, said the initiative provides air sealing and insulation upgrades for the attic, basement and walls at no cost to qualifying homeowners. The program acts as a study to determine how efficiency enhancements can lessen financial energy burdens on residents and reduce the load on the local gas system…