Neosho approves construction of Lowe’s store

Lowe’s could break ground within two weeks, according to a city news release. The store will sit on 17 acres on Clemens Drive, across from Wal-Mart and behind Southwest Missouri Bank. The store will have about 93,000 square feet of floor space, with approximately 26,000 square feet for garden space.

Lowe’s is projecting annual sales of $20 million, causing the city’s annual sales tax revenue to increase by about $500,000, according to the release. Half of those funds will go into the city’s general fund, and the other will go to the tax-increment finance district for infrastructure improvements.

The store will employ about 120.

City officials say the retailer’s entrance is a boon to the growing economy in Neosho, where population numbered about 11,000 in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“This is a tangible result of our economic development efforts through our branding campaign to bring increased retail opportunities, new jobs and new housing to the Neosho area,” City Manager Jan Blase said in the release.