A two-mile stretch of Rockford's West State Street is getting a major chance at redevelopment, with a 30 million dollar price tag. Several homes and businesses will be relocated to make way, but despite the disruptions, many residents say they're hopeful for what the changes could bring.

"I grew up over here and I remember when this was a drug store across the street," says West State resident Dean Bell.

Bell is hoping his deteriorating neighborhood will soon make a turn around. He now manages a used tire shop on West State Street and he has high hopes for a 30 million dollar reconstruction project planned for this area, even if it means moving shop.

"I have no problem relocating at all. This side of town, particularly this area of West State could use the face lift," says Bell.

Local leaders are hoping for a similar reaction from 50 to 60 other nearby property owners, invited to an open house Wednesday night. The city is planning to buy their homes and businesses, pay to relocate the displaced and then clear the land.

That would make space to widen West State to four lanes lined with green space. The corner of West State and Central is designated as a business district. But it's unclear if that's where all the displaced would go.

"We want to make sure that our businesses are well taken care of. Where are they going to go right now? We're not exactly sure. But ultimately we'll work with them. We want them to stay in the area," says Rockford Capital Projects Manager Patrick Zuroske.

The clock is ticking to find relocation space. Project managers hope to begin construction on phase one in 2011. That's West State from the edge of downtown to Independence Avenue. Phase two extends from Independence to Pierpont Avenue.

The full project is expected to be done in five years and many nearby residents are looking forward to the end result.

"I would like to see some of the old homes and buildings that have been vacant to be torn down and maybe more businesses and more homes developed in that are," says West State Resident Sherquenia Hayes.

"I think if a person feels good about where the live, the morale of the people would improve," adds John Senter, a pastor at the West State Church Faith Walkers Assembly.

Many homeowners also say they're confused about whether or not they'll have to move. Project directors say only those living in the phase one area, downtown to Independence, are being asked to relocate so far and you should have already been notified.

The city will spend a million dollars buying homes and businesses along the reconstruction zone, matched by three million from the state. Illinois Department of Transportation representatives say West State Street's current condition is ranked the worst in the state.