City gleans input on DREAM ideas

According to Clow, that lack of interest and participation from the downtown owners was part of the reason the city's 2006 application for a Downtown Revitalization and Eco-nomic Assistance for Missouri Initiative Grant was unsuccessful.

(Advertisement)

The DREAM Initiative Grant program was established in 2006 by Governor Matt Blunt to help small and mid-sized Missouri communities access state resources that could help them revitalize their once vibrant downtowns. Towns chosen for the matching grants are eligible for up to $250,000 in technical assistance from the state, with the city's providing up to $50,000 in matching funds over the three year period of the grant.

Attitudes appear to have changed during the past two years and when Clow met with about 20 people, including at least seven property owners on Wednesday. Most of those in attendance sat down, talked, threw out ideas and showed an active interest in doing something to improve the downtown, even if the current economic conditions have limited the money business owners may have available to invest.

"This meeting should determine a positive outcome, regardless of whether or not we get a grant," Clow said.

He told the group that this is a competitive grant and in 2007 there were more than 100 communities that submitted grants; some of which have detailed downtown development plans, which Nevada does not have.

"It's an uphill battle, but we feel it's worth it," he said.

The deadline for submitting the grant application is 5 p.m., July 18, which may seem like a short time to prepare a application; however, Clow said that will not be a problem.

"We are not starting from scratch. All we need to do is to update the application we submitted in 2006, with any changes that taken place," he said, adding that not much had changed in the last two years.

He said that one change that they were including in the grant application is a proposal to take the vacant lots on the Square and turn them into park-like pedestrian walkways, with appropriate landscaping and facades to blend in with the existing buildings on either side.

Clow said that what the city needed from the business and property owners now is an indication whether they will support the program if the city should be successful in receiving the grant.

"What do they need to see from us?" Mayor Mike Hutchens asked.

"An organized approach for downtown revitalization and a willingness of property owners and the city to invest in the revitalization of the downtown," Clow said.

He said that letters of support from the business and property owners would be helpful, especially including a list of investments that have been made recently in their buildings and any planned future improvements.

"I know some can afford to make a larger investment than others, but we need to know what we're agreeing to," Jayne Novak, council member and business owner, said.

Clow said that the only financial commitment that is required now is the 20-percent match for the grant. No one else has to commit to any investment at this time.

"If we're going to revitalize the Square, we need more businesses. We need zoning to prohibit using storefronts for warehouses. That prevents retail," Dennis Rourk, United Country Frontier Real Estate, said.

Nevada City Manager Bill McGuire said that the city is getting to update its master land use plan and a comprehensive zoning update would be a part of that.

McGuire said that during the updating process the city will be looking for input from the downtown property and business owners, as well as other residents.

Lee Day, Cherry Street owner, said that it would be nice if there would be some available from the state for facade repairs.

He said that in Springfield the city had some money available for that purpose.

Clow said that there is no money that comes directly from the grant. It provides technical assistance and help in accessing things like Community Development Block Grants, which can be use for public infrastructure improvement.

"Public money can't be used for private improvements," he said.

Clow said that one feature of the grant program is the possibility for businesses to receive 50 percent state tax credits for improvements they make to there buildings.

These tax credits come off a businesses state income tax, with the money going to a local group.

In the past. Main Street Nevada and the YMCA have received Neighborhood Asis-tance Program tax credits to fund various projects.

McGuire told the group that on July 15 the city council will be considering a measure to provide the city's 20 percent