Sun, Sep 07 2008
|
|
Published July 17, 2008 11:03 pm - Residents who wanted to meet members of the Joplin City Council because they see them on television, business promoters, and supporters of the city’s homeless summit were among the visitors Thursday night at City Hall in the Park. Council draws visitors to park By Debby Woodin
dwoodin@joplinglobe.com Residents who wanted to meet members of the Joplin City Council because they see them on television, business promoters, and supporters of the city’s homeless summit were among the visitors Thursday night at City Hall in the Park. Council members gathered at 6 p.m. at Spiva Park as an informal way of visiting with residents. The session was part of “Discover Downtown,” a summer series that on Thursday featured an art walk, storytelling at the library, music in the park and other activities. Peter Siegel, chief executive officer of Landex Companies of Linthicum, Md., introduced himself to council members and some members of the city staff. He said his company is an owner of Oak Meadows Apartments, 1502 S. Michigan Ave., and is preparing for a renovation of the buildings. “We want to preserve them as affordable housing for the 138 families we serve,” he said. He wanted to ask the council for a letter of support for the project as part of the effort to obtain financing, including tax credits and loans, through the Missouri Housing Development Commission. “I want to make sure that what we’re looking to do fits with the fabric of what the city wants to do,” he said. He praised the informal venue. “I wish they did these back home,” he said. A Joplin resident, Donna Thrasher, was another person who visited with some of the council members. “I was talking to them about the homeless situation,” she said. “I asked that they do what they can.” Thrasher volunteers twice a week in the kitchen of Watered Gardens, a downtown ministry that provides services and goods to the homeless. The city last week held the first of a series of meetings it plans to have to try to coordinate and better address services to the homeless. Thrasher said she feels the work to serve the homeless is important because anyone can become displaced. “You could have a major health problem and lose everything you have,” she said. “I know someone that happened to.” Mike Withers, a representative of Executive Limousine Service, came to the session to promote his business. He said the company is looking for markets for shuttle service and currently is providing ground transportation from the Joplin Regional Airport to the Kansas City airport while Joplin is temporarily without airline service between the two airports. Liz Sappington, a resident of Spring River Christian Village, came with some other residents of the retirement home as an outing to shake hands with council members and attend the “Discover Downtown” event. “We wanted to get acquainted with our council members,” she said. “We see them on TV, but it’s better if you know them.” Mayor Gary Shaw said he believes the event was worthwhile. 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the Local News section
Opening of feed store hailed as symbol of spirit of area
Area clerks say increased registration could translate to large voter turnout Former ball player to discuss role of parents in athletic development Kansas water commissioner to discuss water rights, Pittsburg permit request |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
Donors hoping to sway presidential race w/ link to search for political campaign contributions
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
The Joplin Globe Publishing Company 117 East Fourth Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Using our site is your agreement to the terms and conditions. News: news@joplinglobe.com • (417)623-3480 Advertise with the Joplin Globe Copyright © 2006 The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO All rights reserved. |
Popular Business directory links - Joplin Apartments | Joplin Attorneys | Joplin Auto Dealers | Joplin Auto Parts | Joplin Auto Repair | Joplin Beauty Salons | Joplin Car Rental | Joplin Dentists | Joplin Doctors | Joplin Flowers | Joplin Hotels | Joplin Insurance | Joplin Loans | Joplin Mortgages | Joplin Movers | Joplin Pizza | Joplin Realtors | Joplin Restaurants | Joplin Storage | Joplin Tax Preparation | Joplin Travel | Joplin Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |