IDA grant applications receive consideration

Cape Girardeau County's Industrial Development Authority approved a request by Old Town Cape for a $10,000 grant that will contribute to the salary of a new development and resources coordinator. Janey Radford was hired this month and will be responsible for volunteer and committee support, development and fundraising coordination and office management. Before Radford, two full-time employees worked alongside several interns and volunteers.

Marla Mills, executive director for Old Town Cape, highlighted efforts the organization has made toward supporting growth in Cape Girardeau's historic downtown, including offering facade and design assistance programs and organizing community events such as the Cape Riverfront Market, Downtown Historic Home & Garden Tour, Tunes at Twilight, Riverfront Classic Car Show and Downtown Christmas Open House.

Nine new businesses opened in the district in 2012, she said, and six started or relocated to the area during the six months of the Broadway corridor renovation.

Old Town Cape is funded primarily through donations, Mills said. The not-for-profit group receives yearly funding commitments from the city of Cape Girardeau. The city has said it plans to fund the organization from the Riverfront Region Economic Development Fund. Three-tenths of one percent of Isle Casino Cape Girardeau's gross gaming revenue is funneled into the fund, which is intended to benefit downtown commercial and riverfront areas.

The board tabled a request from Tom Strickland of the Uptown Jackson Redevelopment Organization, pending further study. Strickland asked for a $10,000 grant for three projects -- a planter project on High Street, a plan to buy light-pole banners and seasonal lighting and the purchase of a large wayfinding sign for the intersection of North Hope and East Main streets.

The organization is a not-for-profit funded by donations. It was formed to involve the community and business owners in implementing strategies created by the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri [DREAM] initiative program, which assists small to midsize communities in improving their historic centers. Jackson was selected a DREAM community in 2010.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

N. Hope St. and E. Main St., Jackson, MO