By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

NEOSHO, Mo. — If anyone has a good vantage point for downtown Neosho, it’s Diane McCleland.

McCleland, a regular vendor at Neosho’s farmers’ market, sometimes spends up to six days a week downtown during the warm-weather months.

“This year has not been good at all,” she said of business, speculating that the slump might be tied to the national economy.

McCleland’s spot along the county courthouse sidewalk usually has her facing a pair of vacant storefronts across the street. Most of her customers, she said, are people who work downtown.

“It’s hard to say,” she replied when asked what she thought would attract more visitors, then suggested a greater variety of small niche shops.

It’s the same question explored by a housing study conducted this summer.

Addressing issues

The study, undertaken as part of the state’s Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri program, focused on downtown Neosho. The study was conducted by PGAV Urban Consulting in concert with the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Weaknesses that the study noted included a lack of businesses, parking, signs and residential population. Strengths included the momentum generated by ventures, a “large amount” of vacant or underutilized buildings, historic structures, and the downtown’s role as the seat of local and county government.

City officials said they hope the number of infrastructure projects that are either under way or planned will address issues such as parking and access, and foster a business-friendly environment for downtown.

“We believe the number and magnitude of projects that we have will weather the national economic crisis,” said City Manager Jan Blase.

Over the next year, the city will see about $390,000 worth of infrastructure projects in the downtown area. The work entails new pavement and lighting for seven municipal parking lots, and reconstructed sidewalks on Spring Street, from Big Spring Park to Wood Street. The new sidewalks also will be accompanied by new lighting. The city awarded a contract for the project last month, and a state grant will pay for 80 percent of the cost.

More recently, the city announced late last week that it is seeking bids for the design of proposed streetscaping work in the downtown square. The city plans to apply for a Community Development Block Grant and for assistance from the Missouri Development Finance Board to pay for the work. A cost estimate for the project is still to be determined.