Jackson OKs historic district committee; sprinkler funding needed

Uptown Jackson merchants and city businessmen voted to move ahead with the establishment of a historic district committee and solicit more donations for an automatic sprinkler system on an uptown streetscape project.

During a meeting Thursday morning, project engineer Tom Strickland updated the 12 people in attendance on progress of the effort designed to revitalize the area.

Work is scheduled to begin Sept. 1 on improvements of a section of High Street between Main and Adams streets that will include historic lighting, bike racks, sidewalk pavers, trash receptacles and benches. The project is set for completion Dec. 31.

Though a Missouri Department of Transportation grant and the city of Jackson are funding the project, an automatic sprinkler system to water the flower beds and pots was not approved.

In a meeting held earlier this month Strickland discussed ways to raise the $5,250 needed for the project. Since the Aug. 3 meeting, Thompson Family Enterprises, Bank of Missouri, Strickland Engineering and Strickland Building have each committed to give $500.

Strickland told merchants and businessmen during Thursday's meeting that only 10 days remain to raise funds. Those in attendance said while they support the project, they question the timing, as the effort runs through the Christmas shopping season.

Robert Walker, whose daughters own High Street Station, said if the businesses don't turn a profit, raising the money could be a challenge.

"It hasn't been a problem this year because business has grown," Walker said. "They can't commit to a donation until they know how the season turns out."

Mark Ahlvin of Sweetheart Florist suggested the city become more involved in events held in the uptown district.

Eddie Ross of Ross Furniture said later that the city is not responsible for promoting or holding events in the district. He instead suggested cooperation among the merchants, similar to a merchants association.

Neil McGuire of House View said he has lived in other communities, each one having its own diversity. He said that while he doesn't prefer the bar scene, the area needs nightlife such as a dinner theater.

"This requires a plan," McGuire said. "I'm not seeing the steps of getting there. Until we do, we won't get much accomplished."

Strickland reminded those in attendance that the purpose of the project is to draw attention to uptown Jackson.

"That creates an environment where we can have events here in the future," Strickland said.

Ross agreed that the entire streetscape project will give Jackson a better look in the future. He said customers have been coming from as far away as Marion, Ill., and St. Louis to purchase furniture from his stores in Jackson and Perryville, Mo.

"I don't know why people are traveling to small towns to do business with us," Ross said. "We'd like to keep drawing them here."

To raise the remaining money for the sprinkler system, Steve Obermann of SEMO Ready Mix suggested that each business in the five-block district should be approached with the idea of donating $130 each. He said that is better than asking for $500 each.

When asked what role the Jackson Chamber of Commerce would play, executive director Brian Gerau said that while the organization supports the efforts 100 percent, it has to be careful about soliciting funds.

"We could do something for one business and then another business in another area may get upset that we aren't doing the same for them," Gerau said.

He suggested that a committee be formed that would ask the chamber board for funds.

Strickland said he would take the lead role in asking businesses in the area for funds. He then asked those in the room to pitch the idea of donating to friends and businesses and consider serving on a historic district committee.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Aug. 31 in the chamber board room.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628