May 05, 2008 10:15 pm
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By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
MIAMI, Okla. — The Miami City Council on Monday night gave approval for applying for a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund development of a small park adjacent to the Coleman Theatre.
The theater and the vacant space proposed for the park are owned by the city.
Larry Eller, community development director, said one of the state’s objectives is for the project to benefit at least 51 percent of low- to moderate-income residents. A survey showed that 57 percent of the nearby residents fall into that category, he said.
The city would match the grant with the use of city equipment and workers in developing the park, Eller said, bringing the total amount of the project to $150,000.
“In order to do this, you have to have a vision,” he said.
Design plans include large plaques to be mounted near a wall that would honor famous Miamians, including artist Charles Banks Wilson, musicians Steve and Cassie Gaines, football great Steve Owens, and country singer Keith Anderson.
Other proposed design elements include a fountain, trees, benches, and tables and chairs.
The small park area runs the length of the building but is only 18 feet wide.
“It’s a very small space, but it could be an attractive space,” Eller said.
The park would be adjacent to an addition to the Coleman Theatre that is to house an entrance and elevator, Eller said.
Deadline for submission of the grant application is May 16, but the project probably would not be done until next year after the theater addition is constructed, Eller said.
In other business, the council approved spending up to $15,000 for travel and lodging expenses for 10 candidates for the city manager position.
Public Works Director Tim Wilson has been serving as interim city manager since Michael Spurgeon resigned late last year to accept a similar position in St. Charles, Mo.
Councilman Scott Trussler said about half the candidates live within driving distance, including three from Oklahoma.
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