Jefferson City Housing Authority finalizes plan for blighted properties

A campaign to revitalize eastern downtown neighborhoods in Jefferson City took another step forward Tuesday morning.

The Jefferson City Housing Authority discussed, voted and approved an urban renewal plan for the east Capitol Avenue area.

It includes the acquisition of 44 downtown properties between the 100 block of Adams Street and the 200 block of Lafayette Street.

This plan will be sent to the city’s planning and zoning department for approval and then to the city council for a vote.

“They have 30 days to look at it and see if it meets their standards,” said Cynthia Quetsch, executive director of the Jefferson City Housing Authority. “The primary goal of the urban renewal plan is to redevelop, and if that can’t happen, then further action will be taken.”

With the completion of the $20 million Lafayette Street interchange, many city officials are eager to move forward with neighborhood revitalization.