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The Community Development Corp. has been formed to work on implementing the Downtown Master Plan.
The Community Development Corp. was incorporated in early August as an extension of the work of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Design Committee, which created a Downtown Master Plan, adopted by the city in March.
One of the paramount recommendations of the plan was the formation of the CDC to serve as a catalyst for the plan.
Several members of that committee — George Krievins, Dewayne Pauls, Carrie Van Sickle and Tim Johnson — transitioned into the incorporators and executive committee of the CDC and appointed a board of directors.
The incorporators have been meeting since the plan was approved.
Krievins, president of the board, said the group’s primary function is to be “both an actor and a catalyst in helping and seeing that projects in the master play go forward.”
He said the group can serve some functions itself or may work in partnership with individuals, businesses and government to help move projects along.
As a non-profit, the group also will have the opportunity to pursue grant funding, an option that might not be available to for-profit, private individuals, Krievins said.
Possibilities of plans are varied.
Krievins said the group could, for example, perform functions, such as purchasing and renovating real estate for either purchase or lease.
He said the CDC should be able to respond to opportunities in the market quickly, whereas government entities or individuals might not be able to do so.
“Our mission is basically in moving the Downtown Master Plan forward,” he said, whether being directly involved, being supporters or putting private individuals together. “It’s all part of our mission.”
Ideas in the master plan include such things as the establishment of a farmer’s market, creating guidelines for big box retailers, using alleys to create inviting, usable spaces and developing depot environs. According to the Master Plan, some specific goals of a CDC could include land assembly, building rehabilitation, facade improvements, and development of events. The group also could function as a fund raiser and funding agency, according to the plan.
The group is in the process of developing a plan of work, as well as putting together budgets for funding needed to accomplish that plan of work. Krievins said at this point, funding sources haven’t been determined, as funding amounts and sources will depend upon the plan of work. Currently, all board members are working as volunteers.
Krievins said the group is has a fairly narrow focus, which is the Newton downtown area, whereas other groups, such as the Chamber or the Harvey County Economic Development Council, have wider focuses. Krievins said the group also is not a membership organization, although in the future that could change if such a change would be beneficial, he said.
The Community Development Corp. has been formed to work on implementing the Downtown Master Plan.
The Community Development Corp. was incorporated in early August as an extension of the work of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Design Committee, which created a Downtown Master Plan, adopted by the city in March.One of the paramount recommendations of the plan was the formation of the CDC to serve as a catalyst for the plan. Several members of that committee — George Krievins, Dewayne Pauls, Carrie Van Sickle and Tim Johnson — transitioned into the incorporators and executive committee of the CDC and appointed a board of directors. The incorporators have been meeting since the plan was approved.Krievins, president of the board, said the group’s primary function is to be “both an actor and a catalyst in helping and seeing that projects in the master play go forward.” He said the group can serve some functions itself or may work in partnership with individuals, businesses and government to help move projects along.As a non-profit, the group also will have the opportunity to pursue grant funding, an option that might not be available to for-profit, private individuals, Krievins said. Possibilities of plans are varied. Krievins said the group could, for example, perform functions, such as purchasing and renovating real estate for either purchase or lease. He said the CDC should be able to respond to opportunities in the market quickly, whereas government entities or individuals might not be able to do so.“Our mission is basically in moving the Downtown Master Plan forward,” he said, whether being directly involved, being supporters or putting private individuals together. “It’s all part of our mission.” Ideas in the master plan include such things as the establishment of a farmer’s market, creating guidelines for big box retailers, using alleys to create inviting, usable spaces and developing depot environs. According to the Master Plan, some specific goals of a CDC could include land assembly, building rehabilitation, facade improvements, and development of events. The group also could function as a fund raiser and funding agency, according to the plan.The group is in the process of developing a plan of work, as well as putting together budgets for funding needed to accomplish that plan of work. Krievins said at this point, funding sources haven’t been determined, as funding amounts and sources will depend upon the plan of work. Currently, all board members are working as volunteers.Krievins said the group is has a fairly narrow focus, which is the Newton downtown area, whereas other groups, such as the Chamber or the Harvey County Economic Development Council, have wider focuses. Krievins said the group also is not a membership organization, although in the future that could change if such a change would be beneficial, he said.
