Rock Falls City Council to consider approving Love’s Subdivision

ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls City Council will vote on an ordinance to finalize the creation of a subdivision to house the city’s new multimillion-dollar travel center.

The petition to approve the preliminary and final plats of subdivision for the Rock Falls Love’s Subdivision will take place during the next City Council meeting on Jan. 7. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 603 W. 10th St.

The Love’s Travel Stop will be located just northeast of the state Route 40 and Interstate 88 interchange. It is expected to bring 55 full-time jobs and amenities that include gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant, convenience store and over 80 short-term overnight parking spaces for long-haul truckers.

City Administrator Robbin Blackert said that about 20 months ago, the Industrial Development Commission reached a deal for 30 acres of city-owned land near Interstate 88, known as the Schmitt Edition. Since then, Love’s has signed an agreement to build an $18 million travel center on 14 acres of the site.

Blackert said the city expects construction to begin in the spring and for the travel center to be open by the end of 2025.

The City Council will also vote on an amendment to the Rock Falls Municipal Code that would permit and regulate the raising and keeping of chickens for personal use within city limits.

Under the proposed amendment, an annual permit would be required and owners would have to adhere to animal enclosure guidelines and other restrictions.

The initial application requires a non-refundable fee of $50 with subsequent application fees costing $25. Permits are valid from May 1 to April 30 of the following year.