The California Progress, Inc. (CPI) Board of Directors discussed the continuance of revitalization of the community through the activities the organization has been engaged in since its beginning about 1989 and continues to this day, aided by activities through the California Historic District (CHD). The meeting was at the Moniteau County Library at Wood Place, second floor, on Thursday, April 16.
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC), with which the CHD is affiliated with, held a conference in Branson in March. Susan Burger, CPI Executive Director, presented the CPI board with information from the conference. Other communities interested in revitalization of their historic business districts have been encouraged to explore the possibility of the training offered by MMSC.
CPI, through CHD, has been working on this for about two years and is considered well along the way because of several reasons, including: the 501(c) 3 category; a physical setting suitable for the MMSC approach; a commitment and support by volunteers and municipal government; and representatives attending most of the conferences and workshops offered. Representatives are to be sent to the conference of Missouri Main Street Connection in Kansas City in July.
The four CHD committee representatives presented reports. Specifically mentioned was a "Dancing With the Stars" fundraiser event planned for the fall, the planters and plantings to be placed on the sidewalks in the historic district, the "Mini-Museum Crawl" planned for May 30 and the Cinco de Mayo event planned for May 2. An update was given on the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) facade and sidewalk no-interest loan program.
An old MFA building, last used by Thomas Ceremics between the railroad and Railroad Avenue fronting on Oak Street, was discussed. The current owners are considering a donation of the building which could be renovated and put to new use, possibly for the Farmers Market. The possibilities are being explored, with consideration of the costs of renovation of the building, such as a new roof, and running water and sewer to the facility.