|
|
Published July 14, 2008 11:15 pm - SARCOXIE, Mo. — It took something falling apart to make things start to happen. A couple years ago, one of the oldest and tallest buildings in Sarcoxie’s downtown collapsed. Others would follow if something wasn’t done soon. Two years later, Gary Turner, Sarcoxie’s new director of economic development, said something is finally happening. “I think we’re finally moving in a good direction here,” Turner said.
Sarcoxie planning for future
By Melissa Dunson
mdunson@joplinglobe.com
SARCOXIE, Mo. — It took something falling apart to make things start to happen.
A couple years ago, one of the oldest and tallest buildings in Sarcoxie’s downtown collapsed. Others would follow if something wasn’t done soon.
Two years later, Gary Turner, Sarcoxie’s new director of economic development, said something is finally happening.
“I think we’re finally moving in a good direction here,” Turner said.
Along with help from Dick Largent, recently retired city of Joplin planner, and his consulting firm, Community Development Solutions, Sarcoxie just finished a master plan for the city’s future. The council should vote on a final draft of the plan soon during one of its upcoming meetings.
The preliminary plan for Sarcoxie’s future focuses on its history, Turner said, and specifically the downtown area. For years, Sarcoxie has touted itself as the oldest town in Jasper County and highlighted its Civil War history, especially the fact it is supposedly the first Missouri site to fly a Confederate flag.
Turner said the plan includes getting a historic designation for the city’s downtown, and hopefully, providing some funding for renovation projects to buildings on the square. He said it would also include streetscaping projects to improve sidewalks and street lighting that would go along with the historic theme.
The city recently formed the Sarcoxie Foundation, a nonprofit organization to help fund the renovation project. Turner said several individuals have already donated money to the fund, as well as the Sarcoxie Chamber of Commerce and the city of Sarcoxie.
The city is working to make Sarcoxie more marketable in the world of economic development. Turner said the city is voluntarily annexing some land to the east and west of the city, and a site north of Interstate 44.
Sarcoxie also is setting up a large enhanced enterprise zone. If the zone is approved, Turner said he would like to see more light manufacturing move into the area.
“At this point, we are preparing our infrastructure, so when we go out to market the community, we can say we have these places,” he said.
Turner said the city is also looking to play up its location near two major highways and three surrounding states. The hope is to attract logistical and transportation-related companies that will put smaller satellite offices in Sarcoxie.
“We don’t want to bring in one large industry,” Turner said. “Our objective is to bring in four to five smaller companies with 25 to 50 employees each.”
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED
for local construction project, must have CDL and experience on construction site belly dumps. 417-206-0930....>MORE
See all ads |
|
1999 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
4x4, leather loaded, $3500. 417-850-0731....>MORE
JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE SPORT
JEEP, 2000 Cherokee Sport, 6 1/2” lift, 35” foggers, locked front end, welded rear end, off road use, winch not included...>MORE
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, sharp, loaded, automatic, air, CD, extra nice, $2600. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE
1993 CHEVROLET LONG BED
runs good, 4.3 V6, new transmission, needs body parts, $400. (417)438-2508...>MORE
2001 DODGE RAM 1500
SLT/shell, 71,000 miles, 5.9l V8, tow package +, super condition reduced $7690. 417-358-5395....>MORE
1999 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE
Delegance, Michelin tires, Northstar, vinyl top, loaded, $3900/or offer. (417)850-0731....>MORE
2005 FORD FOCUS
4 cylinder, 5 speed, 134,000 miles, $3495. 417-434-0925...>MORE
1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
removable hard tops, automatic, air, CD, sharp, $2500. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
1998 CHEVROLET S10
4 cylinder, 5 speed, high miles, $1750. 417-214-0022....>MORE
See all ads |
|
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
3 ACRES
3 ACRES more/less with pond. Nice park-like setting, just minutes from Range Line. Close to area of newer homes. $19,900...>MORE
525 E. 41ST, JOPLIN, MO
to be sold at auction December 5th or before. Lovely all red brick home on large corner. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, double...>MORE
See all ads |
|
MALTESE PUPPIES
2 gorgeous AKC males, 8 weeks on 11/30, all shots/vaccines, $200 each. 417-325-4340 ...>MORE
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
5TH WHEEL
5TH WHEEL, 2004 Prowler Regal, 26’, 2 slides, loaded, nice. (620)674-2127....>MORE
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE
SCHNAUZERS
one white puppy, one registered silver adult female, one white adult male. (417)437-0300....>MORE
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE
REWARD $50,000 REWARD
Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged ...>MORE
I WANT TO BUY
6’ t-post, 5’ wire. Call for details. (417)396-1339...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|