Jackson officials going to Jefferson City this week for DREAM-related contract

Jackson city officials will be traveling Tuesday to Jefferson City, Mo., to be presented a contract for planning work as part of the city's DREAM Initiative.

In September, the city was named one of the state's DREAM cities by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, giving Jackson leaders higher access to state-supported programs, including technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation.

The city's revitalization project will focus on improvements in the uptown area. While many ideas are being discussed, Janet Sanders, the city's building and planning superintendent, said the city already has a few goals.

"One thing we know we would like to do is expand the aesthetic improvements of the uptown historic district to at least two blocks of Main Street and around the courthouse," she said. "Some other items that have previously been requested were a public restroom for the uptown area and additional parking facilities, so I expect both of these suggestions to be explored."

Shortly after being awarded the designation, Sanders and Mayor Barbara Lohr mentioned streetscaping, benches and signage as possibilities for the project.

Sanders said the project is still being planned, and uptown merchants and property owners are encouraged to provide city leaders with input.

"The more participation we have from the uptown stakeholders, the more the plan will be able to be designed to meet their needs and the more it will benefit the uptown area," she said.

State officials and planners visited Jackson late last year and recommended the city make some revisions to the tentative boundary of the area to be affected. Sanders said that made the target area a little smaller, but she thinks the project's reach will extend beyond the official borders.

"The planning firm recommended limiting the project to an area that could be defined by a similar feel and including the primary entrance from Highway 72 to that area," she said. "This does not mean that projects that eventually develop from this planning process won't spill over into other areas adjacent to the defined uptown boundary, because that seems to happen with DREAM communities."

The DREAM project is a three-year planning project, but if opportunities arise during that time period, she said the city won't hesitate to act a little early.

"If projects become feasible during the process and funding is available, we certainly won't wait just for the sake of waiting for a finished plan," she said.

The total contract amount is $179,904, with the city contributing $35,981. The Jackson Board of Aldermen will vote to authorize the contract with PGAV Planners of St. Louis to complete the plan.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

Uptown Jackson, MO