Nature’s Treatment of Illinois (NTI) has experienced significant success in Milan, prompting plans to expand and establish a larger facility in Rock Island. Environmental advocates are closely monitoring the $12 million development next to Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel to safeguard local wildlife and wetlands.
“We’re thrilled about NTI coming to Rock Island,” developer Jeff Hughbanks stated during a press conference at Rock Island City Hall on Friday. “Our current location no longer meets our needs. The new facility will feature a smoking lounge and an outdoor food-service area for entertainment. We took considerable time to design this development to blend well with the surroundings.”
The 10-acre undeveloped site appeals to developers (led by Jeff Hughbanks of Rymak Construction Group and Matt Stern of Stern Beverage) for its potential to host a large dispensary, including a spacious consumption lounge with scenic views and a gas station to benefit local commerce along Andalusia Road and passing travelers, according to Rock Island’s community development director, Miles Brainard.
Brainard pointed out that the city has wanted a cannabis dispensary for a considerable time. Hughbanks confirmed that NTI, based at 973 Tech Drive in Milan, is Illinois’ top-performing dispensary among 244 licensed locations, contributing over $2 billion in sales in 2024. “These establishments are known for generating substantial sales-tax revenue, which would greatly enhance the city’s financial standing,” Brainard remarked. The developer has requested assistance from Rock Island to construct an access road and extend utilities to help mitigate their building costs.
Development Agreement Overview
According to Mayor Mike Thoms, no taxpayer funds will be utilized for city incentives, which will primarily rely on sales taxes from the site. The development agreement stipulates selling the land to the developer at its appraised value of $270,000, which may be funded using existing TIF resources. The project must be completed within three years, qualifying for up to $6 million in sales tax rebates. The city only commits to reimburse for approved expenses, limiting the total financial incentives to either $6 million or 50% of the project’s overall costs.
Environmental groups have raised their voices against the proposal, citing a petition with over 2,756 signatures urging the city council to reconsider the project’s potential impact. Activists are advocating for relocating the planned truck stop away from this sensitive area and shrinking the proposed TIF district to exclude wetlands and designated floodplain regions, as established by FEMA.
Concerns About Wildlife and Wetlands
Mayor Thoms has met with representatives from local environmental organizations, promising to consider their concerns. The city is pursuing a new conservation easement that would protect the remaining 528 acres from development. A task force comprising conservationists, city officials, and the developer will be formed to contribute to conservation efforts and wetland management strategies. The council’s upcoming meeting will initiate the formation of this conservation easement, aimed for completion within six months.
