CHANGES IN CHARLESTON, PART 1; CITY MANAGER SEES GROWTH IN HIS TOWN

Earthwork is under way at the new prison being built in Charleston. The prison will be a major employer of the area during construction and after it opens in 2001.

Gates Plant, which makes automotive belts and hoses, is currently the largest employer in Charleston.

CHARLESTON -- There's a new prison coming to town, and city manager David Brewer wants to make sure everyone and everything is ready for its opening in early 2001. "Charleston is, I think, ahead of the game at this point," he said. "We've got new housing being built, new businesses coming in, and it's looking good for us so far." Brewer said the prison's opening will mark the last step in Charleston's recent progression out of an economic decline that began in the early 1990s.The first step was made four years ago, when Gates Rubber Co. expanded its operations and doubled its employment to some 400 people. The expansion took up slack that was left in 1995 after Brown Shoe Co. and later, Destaco, both closed their doors, leaving several hundred residents without work.After the closures, unemployment stretched over 11 percent for the small town of just over 5,000 residents. There is no public transportation in the town, and those who couldn't find other employment locally either moved on or just didn't work.Two years later, the county courthouse was destroyed by arson, and operations were moved to East Prairie, a small community seven miles east of town. The move resulted in a county rift as people took sides on how the new courthouse should look and be financed.The overall impact was overwhelming for the town and for Mississippi County as a whole."It was a heck of an economic hit for all of us," said Brewer. "We had an excess of people skilled in leatherworking, cutting and sewing who just didn't have anywhere to go, and what affects one part of the county affects all of the county." But that was before the Gates expansion, which has had a marked effect on Charleston and the county's entire economy. Besides the obvious employment impact, the expansion also qualified the town for grants from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Department of Commerce to expand the water treatment system and other factors an incoming industry would view favorably."The Gates expansion is giving us what we need to accommodate the prison," Brewer said. "It also helps us to attract new industries." Brewer said the city is revamping much of its infrastructure to ensure the community is ready for the opening of the Southeast Missouri Correctional Center. It's imperative that plans are made early and checked often to be sure the town doesn't wind up in a situation like Licking, a small, northeast Missouri town that also will be opening a state prison soon."We're definitely taking notes on Licking, but I think the one-year delay we had was unfortunate, but it really helped us get ready for this thing." Several new businesses are already pledged to come to town, and Brewer and others are meeting with still others who have expressed an interest.Buildings that have long stood empty are being renovated and reopened as restaurants and hotels.New construction is on the rise in the town, and several rental homes are being developed in hopes of attracting long-term residents.City parks and private campgrounds also are being expanded in preparation for increased traffic through town."It's finally starting to look good for us," said former state senator Betty Hearnes.Her husband, former Gov. Warren Hearnes, agreed. "I think we have yet to see the effects of the prison. There lies the hope of Charleston," he said.