Towns, developers get expanded redevelopment tools

“We’ve got a vision, but funding’s an issue,” said Ash Grove Mayor Brenda Ellsworth. “We’re just trying to figure out how to make it happen.”

A new initiative unveiled June 19 by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt may be the answer for smaller communities whose grand plans seem stranded in the conceptual phase.

Dubbed the Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri, or DREAM, Initiative, the program affords cities the opportunity to apply for various incentive packages, such as tax credits and federal block grants.

Blunt said many smaller communities are intimidated by cumbersome red tape or lack the expertise needed to navigate myriad state agencies that administer the redevelopment programs.

Under the governor’s direction, the Missouri Department of Economic Development determined that smaller cities and towns with limited resources were missing out on the state assistance.

“As I travel Missouri, I see once-prosperous downtowns that have no economic activity and a tremendous amount of blight and dilapidation,” Blunt said at a news conference in Springfield that kicked off a statewide tour. “We want to turn that around.”

The governor spoke in front of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center construction site on Boonville Avenue, where an abandoned mill complex is being renovated as a high-tech research facility associated with Missouri State University. He said the project is the type of downtown redevelopment he’d like to see more of in Missouri.

Blunt said the initiative, which essentially streamlines access to existing programs, would aid communities seeking to re-establish their downtown core, boost property values and expand sales tax opportunities. Job creation is another plus, he said.

Springfield developer Mark Gardner of Carlson-Gardner Inc. said the initiative would help smaller to mid-size cities solidify revitalization plans and harness state funds. Gardner and his partner, Springfield Mayor Tom Carlson, have rehabilitated historic properties throughout the state with preservation tax credits and block grants.

Gardner said the new philosophy adopted by state officials would help struggling downtowns reach a “critical mass” that will make the central business districts self-sustaining.

“I think they realized it may be better to help a smaller number of communities in a big way,” he said. “They made the connection between helping the communities and truly triggering economic development. It’s one of best ideas government has come up with in a long time.”

The city of Ozark – a growing Christian County town that has placed an emphasis on enhancing its downtown district – doesn’t want to lose the momentum, said City Administrator Collin Quigley.

Ozark’s downtown square has blossomed in recent years with water- and sewer-line upgrades and new brick sidewalks lined with trees and flowerbeds. Quigley said many of the enhancements were made possible with Community Development Block Grants that matched private investment dollar for dollar.

“This DREAM Initiative falls right in step with where we’re at,” he said. “I think that it will open our eyes to several things we could be involved in.”

Robert Snook, executive director of Ozark Main Street Program Inc., said he’s hopeful Ozark is selected in what promises to be a “very competitive” application process.

The city hasn’t been shy about seeking state funding for its revitalization projects in the past, he added.

“Our perception is that it’s money taxpayers have already paid, and we’re just trying to get some of it back,” Snook said.

The state will assist between six and 10 communities each year, and each city will be designated for three years.

“Our goal is not just beautification or to convert one dilapidated eyesore,” Blunt said. “It is really a comprehensive redevelopment of downtowns all across our state.”

Communities interested in applying are asked to submit a revitalization plan to the state.

Mayor Ellsworth said Ash Grove plans to submit its 20-year Main Street redevelopment plan, which includes design work by Drury University architecture students.

“This sounds like it might be the perfect thing to get (the project) done,” she said.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 1 and must be delivered to DREAM Initiative Applications, PO Box 118, 301 West High St., Room 680, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Hand-delivered applications must request a receipt.

“Even if they’re not selected, they’re going to get some feedback and guidance on how they could apply in the future,” Blunt said.[[In-content Ad]]