ROCHELLE — The latest downtown developments as well as future priorities of city officials were presented to members of the Downtown Rochelle Association during their annual meeting last week.

Guest speaker Jeff Fiegenschuh, Rochelle City Manager, relayed the results of the last strategic planning sessions earlier this year with city staff, which includes identifying strengths and opportunities within the city.

In his presentation Fiegenshuh said some of the short term goals identified focus on the plan to replace/repair infrastructure, implement a 20-year capital improvement plan, and create a cooperative task force of all community partners.

“It is important to create an environment to foster development, including industrial growth,” Fiegenschuh said. “One of our biggest assets is our fiber optic network.”

He said city staff is working to nominate the downtown to become a historical district, which would give a 20 percent tax credit for the rehabilitation of certified historic structures. The National Park Service administers the program with the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices.

Fiegenschuh briefly discussed the new retail advisory board, comprised of a dozen members that will work to expand and diversify the commercial and retail base of Rochelle businesses. He also spoke about the latest private development including Kennay Farms Distilling. The Kennay family is investing $2 million in the 10,000 square foot facility, slated to open later this year.

Several future priorities identified include hiring a tourism/downtown manager, establish a small business incubator, upgrading streetscape and lighting, and working with Sauk Valley and Kishwaukee College to expand the small business development in Rochelle.

Naomi Baldwin, DRA President, remarked on the informative presentation.

“We have such unique buildings in our downtown,” Baldwin said. “It’s nice to see everyone that attended the meeting…more people are taking an interest in our downtown and coming up with different ideas.”

The latest project is the barrel contest, sponsored by the DRA. A total of 34 barrels throughout the downtown are tended to individuals and businesses, with many incorporating a theme. Judging takes place the week of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Fest.

Several of the downtown historical points of interest were discussed including programs at the Flagg Township Public Library, events with the Flagg Township Museum, the Rochelle Firehouse Museum, and the Filling Station.

About the DRA

Baldwin encourages new members to the DRA, which meet on the second Wednesday of every month. The DRA statement of purpose is to “create a healthy and pleasant shopping and resident environment in the Downtown; promote the historic preservation, protection and use of the Downtown area, including commercial, civic, religious enterprises and residences; take actions to eliminate the physical, economic, and social deterioration of Rochelle’s traditional Downtown; promote the interests of preservation, history, culture, architecture and public use of Rochelle’s traditional Downtown; and hold meetings, seminars, and other activities to promote building rehabilitation and design, economic restructuring, and developing a management that promotes the preservation of the Downtown.

“I’m always excited about what’s going on in the downtown,” Baldwin said. “Our meetings are positive, fun, and relaxed.”