Center City Scenes: Center city growth hinges on February sales tax vote

The past two years this column has focused on wellness in the month of January. 2009 is an exceptional economic time and the upcoming sales tax vote will determine the future fitness of our city, its core services and the quality of life in Springfield.

Most business owners only work with city departments on an intermittent basis and may not see the myriad ways its staff and programs support economic development. If the sales tax is not approved in February, here are some potential impacts for center city businesses.

Police. The Community Oriented Policing program is a fundamental component of keeping urban areas safe and friendly. The current officers assigned to downtown and Commercial Street deter crime and deal with problem behaviors before they escalate. Maturing and emerging districts cannot afford to lose these services.

Fire. The density of population and concentration of entertainment venues make fire education and prevention a priority. The Fire Department works closely with developers to incorporate safety into the design and then educate restaurant and bar owners on how to avoid overcrowding. There are too many tragic examples of nightclub fires in other parts of the country when safety rules weren't appropriately monitored.

Public Works. The streetscape projects during the past five years have made a significant impact in replacing cracked sidewalks, enhancing lighting and adding promotional banners. These projects are funded by capital improvement dollars but managed and planned by Public Works. They also provide basic services - such as emptying trash cans, sweeping the streets and maintaining the fountain in Park Central Square - to keep center city clean. Loss of these services would place more of a burden on the Downtown Community Improvement District and private businesses to maintain the same level of cleanliness.

Planning. Springfield is recognized across the state and nationally for its ability to identify new programs and utilize a wide array of financial tools. In efforts to maximize and leverage local funds and private investment, the city Planning Department aggressively searches for federal and state dollars in the form of brownfields tax credits, community development block grants, tax increment financing and the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act. City planners also coordinate public engagement efforts to listen to the community and find consensus on future development. Inadequate planning resources will result in other communities beating Springfield to the punch on federal appropriations and private investment.

Building Development Services. Director Nick Heatherly and City Manager Greg Burris are working with developers and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to improve the permitting process. But any additional reduction in staff would only extend the lengthy time needed to review plans, schedule inspections and approve permits.

Parks. Jordan Valley, Founders, Washington Avenue, Grant Beach and Silver Springs are just some of the parks that improve the quality of life in center city. The green spaces stimulate economic development by attracting visitors and new residents through special events such as "An Evening at Artsfest" performance by the Springfield Symphony, Dream Big Festival, Tour of Missouri, Turkey Trot, Festival of Lights and First Night. Generations of children are growing up excited to come downtown to ice skate, play in the Jordan Valley Park fountain and watch movies at Founders Park. Budget cuts could reduce hours, increase rates and eliminate some free community events.

These services represent an interconnected system that works with private enterprise as the foundation for Springfield's strong quality of life. The positive momentum our community has enjoyed the past 15 years would be incredibly difficult to regain if lost.

Rusty Worley, executive director of Urban Districts Alliance, can be reached at rusty@itsalldowntown.com.