Connect2Culture reaches goal, arts & entertainment complex project moving forward

Connect2Culture has informed the Joplin City Council that l they have achieved their minimum goal of $14 million, as they currently sit at $14,658,216, to build the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex on the parking lot of Memorial Hall. Clifford Wert says 192 donors comprised of individuals and businesses alike have contributed to this effort. The proposed project will have a 450-seat indoor multipurpose performance hall, outdoor festival plaza, rooftop terrace and more. Construction for the project could start late-2020 and would then be completed by mid-2022. They continue their ultimate pursuit of their $16 million goal. Officials say they would not take over the Memorial Hall parking lot until needed for construction.

The Joplin City Council approved a resolution for the reallocation of $1.7 million of disaster funding for street improvement and recovery efforts in the areas between 15th and 20th Streets and between Connecticut and Ohio Avenues. The city was awarded $45 million overall. There will also be two other neighboorhood projects funded by this as well. Curb and gutter, street surfaces and etc are included in this project. This amendment moves the funds from the 20th and Main Streetscape into general infrastructure.

The City of Joplin Youth Council has been formed and will meet once a month. It consists of high schoolers from four Joplin high schools. Officials say its main focus is to give those under 18, who can’t vote, to be able to voice their ideas for the city.

Council held a public hearing to approve 1506 and 1510 S. Pearl Avenue from a family residential to District R-3 (Apartments District). This was applied for by God’s Resort, a relational transitional housing ministry, that now consists of 30 homes/apartments and community center in and around Pearl Avenue from 14th and 18th Street.

A $238,000 agreement for an ADA & Sidewalk Assessment was also approved. Click here to see more on this bill