MSP panel asked to prioritize projects

Repairs are underway on the front of Housing Unit 1 at the Missouri State Penitentiary along Layfette Street.
Repairs are underway on the front of Housing Unit 1 at the Missouri State Penitentiary along Layfette Street.

Maintaining the community interest and stakeholder partnerships developed during the Transformation process will be a priority as the Missouri State Penitentiary Redevelopment (MSP) Commission moves forward.

At the commission's quarterly meeting Wednesday, commissioners discussed future strategy with Randy Allen, president and chief executive officer of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The top initiatives from the chamber's failed Transformation ballot issue involved both development and restoration at the former prison site at a price tag of $7.5 million.

On a positive note, $4 million has been allocated for projects related to the MSP from city and county half-cent capital improvement sales tax approved in August.

Allen suggested the commission should recommend its greatest MSP priority to the city and county planners.