Some projects proposed by Joplin’s master developer, including restoration of the historic Union Depot, would incorporate funding from more than $45 million in Community Development Block Grant funds given to Joplin for tornado recovery.
The proposed plan to spend the money still must be approved by the federal agency that awards the grants — the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
David Wallace, chief executive officer of Wallace Bajjali Development Partners, has asked the Joplin City Council to authorize $8 million of those funds to be used for land purchases related to future projects, though those projects are subject to further study and economic analysis along with consent from the city before they are firm.
The Joplin Redevelopment 353 Corp., a city board that in the past has bought right-of-way for city street projects, would make the land purchases.
The bulk of the remaining grant money would go to three housing projects, city infrastructure improvements and renovation of the Union Depot.
The depot has been offered as a future home to the Joplin Museum Complex, but the museum boards have not committed to that move. If the museum does not want the site, Wallace said they have made contact with a company that would consider operating two restaurants in the building.
Restoration costs for the depot are estimated at $5.4 million.
A restored depot also is part of the SPARK (Stimulate Progress through the Arts, Recreation and Knowledge of the past) plan outlined by City Manager Mark Rohr before the May 22, 2011, tornado.
Other proposed uses of the block grant money include:
• $12.75 million for down payment and other forms of assistance to Joplin homebuyers who need help getting back into a home. Wallace said the goal is to build 400 houses that will cost about $100,000 each to help replace tornado-ravaged houses that were valued at about $60,000 but cannot be built now for that amount. The grant money will help homeowners bridge the gap.
• $9 million toward construction of multi-family housing in Joplin, both at market rate and for families that need assistance.
• $1.5 million for the repair of single-family homes.
• $6.5 million for city projects to repair or build infrastructure and to provide sidewalks and walking trails in the rebuilt tornado zone.
• $1.674 million in grant administration consultation costs and $453,000 for city administration of the grant. Rohr said grant costs are related to research in determining potential uses for the money. The money has to be audited to assure its uses are confined to those authorized by HUD.
Local News
City outlines plan for CDBG funds
- Local News
-
-
Donations being accepted for Moore tornado survivors
Joplin residents and area nonprofit and relief organizations, remembering the devastation sustained two years ago in the Joplin tornado, are rallying today to send help to residents of Moore, Okla.
-
Globe reporter describes scene in Moore, Okla.
Joplin Globe Reporter Andra Stefanoni said the tornado-damaged town of Moore, Okla., is eerily reminiscent of Joplin on May 22, 2011.
-
Hearing slated for Joplin East Middle School teacher set for Thursday
An East Middle School teacher who was removed from his classroom last month following an investigation by district officials will go before the Board of Education this week.
-
Catholic Charities puts out call for donations to fill two trucks for Oklahoma tornado survivors
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is requesting donations to fill two box trucks with needed supplies for the tornado-devastated region of Moore, Okla.
-
Crowder College president to head to MSSU
Alan Marble, who announced Monday that he would retire as president of Crowder College in June, has been hired as special assistant to the president at Missouri Southern State University, MSSU officials announced Tuesday.
-
Farmers Insurance teams up with Rebuild Joplin
Farmers Insurance announced Tuesday that the company will team up with Rebuild Joplin for an initiative to help the community complete its recovery efforts. The company already has placed one of its executives in Joplin, and it is pledging additional funds and volunteer hours by company workers to go toward the city’s recovery.
-
Joplin man continues struggle to recover two years after tornado
As the Joplin tornado passed overhead, sweeping the house at 2430 S. Pennsylvania Ave. away in its wake, there was a moment of calm. Delbert Mcguirk was on his back in the basement, where he had sought shelter along with his wife, daughter and two grandchildren. In that moment of relative quiet, he stared up into the eye of the tornado.
-
Crowder president to join MSSU staff
Alan Marble, who will retire as president of Crowder College in June, has been hired as special assistant to the president of Missouri Southern State University. “With his long experience in higher education administration and his intricate knowledge of the needs of students, we knew Dr. Marble would be a great fit at MSSU,” President Bruce Speck said in a statement that announced the transition.
-
Mike Pound: Husband helps pull off surprise for Carl Junction teacher
Keri Keckley said the key to pulling off the Sunday surprise was the deceptive minister.
Boy, if that isn’t a great opening line for a crime novel, I don’t know what is. But in this case, the line doesn’t belong in a crime novel. It belongs in this column. -
Via Christi Health to cut up to 400 positions across state; Pittsburg impact uncertain
Via Christi Health announced Today that it would cut up to 400 positions within its system across the state of Kansas to compensate for financial challenges as a result of declining hospital and physician visits.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Donations being accepted for Moore tornado survivors
