Glen Carbon’s STAR Bond Project could mean big changes to village’s western flank

By Kathy Turner • Changes could be coming to the western side of Glen Carbon should its STAR and NOVA district projects move forward. Notified in May about approval, the village will now wait for the next steps.

In April, trustees approved a resolution to sign a master development agreement with Destination Illinois, LLC. That move was made at the urging of the state departments reviewing STAR Bond applications. Sean Flynn attended that meeting and spoke on their ideas for a project should they move forward with a final agreement. The ideas are many but all center around venues to draw large numbers of visitors.

The village has not committed to any particular plans should final approval be given. The program is, however, designed to bring tourism, entertainment and visitor services to regions that might be underserved. NOVA districts, which stands for New Opportunities for Vacation and Adventure, do just that – offer attractions that will draw people to the region.

The property identified by Glen Carbon is well-versed for this type of development. The more than 1,500 acres is situated among Illinois Routes 157 and 162, Interstate 255 and Interstate 270. That means easy access throughout the metro-east and Missouri. And just 20 minutes or so from the airport, it also will serve as a location accessible by tourists from anywhere.