Resident to stump for farmers’ market

February 14, 2009 11:42 pm

— By Debby Woodin
dwoodin@joplinglobe.com
Another resident will ask the Joplin City Council to establish a farmers’ market.
Christie Barnhart, 2199 S. Oakcliff Ave., has asked to speak to the council at its meeting Tuesday night. The council normally meets on Monday but has moved its meeting because Monday is a city holiday observing Presidents Day.
Barnhart said the topic came up when she was talking to her dentist, Dr. David Sweeney. Sweeney previously appeared before the council requesting that a farmers’ market be formed. She said he encouraged her to voice her support of the issue.
“I expressed that I would like to see one in Joplin,” Barnhart said. “That is one of my childhood memories is I used to go with my dad on Saturday morning and get fresh fruits and vegetables.”
In other action, the council will consider authorizing payment of a condemnation award for right-of-way the city will buy from the Roy L. Beavers Revocable Trust near the intersection of 26th Street and Connecticut Avenue. Property is being acquired there for a street-widening project and the construction of a railroad overpass.
The Beavers trust wanted $241,300 for the property the city wanted to buy. The city offered $11,600. The dispute went before commissioners, who ruled that the property is valued at $16,250.
Another acquisition for a different street project, one at 20th and Main streets, also will be considered.
The public works department proposes to buy a strip of land from Perry Management Co. at the southwest corner of the intersection for $4,200, the site of a Snak-Atak convenience store.
Several requests to demolish dilapidated properties also are on the agenda.