By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — City officials are working to attract their own “dream team” to serve on a board of directors to guide the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown.
The city was selected in 2008 to participate in the state’s Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri, or DREAM, Initiative, which provides assistance for downtown revitalization efforts.
About 15 to 16 residents will be selected to serve on the board that will be charged with writing a mission statement, selecting a chief executive officer, providing financial oversight and ensuring adequate resources for downtown revitalization, said Chuck Surface, economic development director, at a public meeting Tuesday night.
Patrick Hanlon, senior project manager with PGAV Inc., a St. Louis-based architecture, design and planning firm, outlined the steps for the program and the areas that should be the focus of the mission.
“Studies indicate businesses locate in communities that have been revitalized,” Hanlon said.
Hanlon’s firm will work with the city for the next three years on efforts to attract new business, revitalize existing buildings and increase housing in the downtown area.
Participation in the DREAM program allows the city to receive preference for financial assistance from state agencies and professional help with plans.
The effort won’t happen overnight, Hanlon said.
“It takes a long time to revitalize, and it took a long time to get in this state,” he said.
As for financing, Hanlon said, the nonprofit organization needs to find sustainable funding and to draft measurable goals that are attainable.
Hanlon discussed recent work with the city of Hannibal on a downtown revitalization plan.
“Sixty-six percent of sales occur after 5 p.m. and on Saturday,” he said. The firm recommended that Hannibal’s downtown retailers change their hours to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Among the projects that help to revitalize small to mid-size communities is the revitalization of second-story buildings for residential housing, Hanlon said.
Other efforts focus on attracting unique retailers, he said. “We’re never going to be competing with Wal-Mart,” he said.
This spring, Hanlon said, a survey will be conducted to gauge visitors’ reactions to the downtown.
A total of 36 communities are participating in the state program, and have received more than $170 million in state grants to revitalize, rebuild and rejuvenate downtowns. Private investment has been nearly $300 million.
Resident Marti Pittman said she attended Tuesday’s meeting because of an interest in seeing an improved downtown.
“This is my town,” she said. “I’m proud of it.”
Volunteers
Chuck Surface said anyone who is interested in serving on the DREAM Initiative board may contact him at City Hall.
