There are reasons for the rules - City of Lake Ozark

City of Lake Ozark Awarded $300,000 Community Development Block Grant for Demolition Project: Lake Ozark, MO — The City of Lake Ozark has been named the recipient of a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to support a $433,030 building demolition project focused on improving safety and redevelopment opportunities in the Bagnell Dam Strip area. The remaining $133,030 required to complete the project will be provided to the City by the property owner, Reese Development. As a result of the grant award, 23 structures on and around the historic Bagnell Dam Strip will be demolished. All properties included in the project are owned by Reese Development. Among the structures slated for demolition is the former Shoreland Motel located on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Additional buildings included in the project consist of a series of residential and commercial structures located along Carls Drive, Ballenger Road, Thornsberry Road, Beach Drive, and School Road. These structures were determined eligible for CDBG funding due to their advanced state of blight and lack of structural safety, in accordance with adopted building codes. Several of the buildings contain asbestos and other environmental contaminants, and all have been formally certified by the City as dangerous buildings. Buildings were prioritized based on safety concerns, structural deterioration, and overall risk to the public. To qualify for the grant, each structure was required to have been vacant for an extended period of time. Demolition work associated with this project is expected to commence in 2026. “We are proud to partner with the City of Lake Ozark and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to continue the momentum of the last two years on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip,” stated Peter Colovos, Chief Operating Officer of Reese Development. “Brick by brick and block by block we are committed to redeveloping this jewel of the Midwest,” he added. Reese Development has invested more than $600,000 over the last two years in cleaning up the Strip and demolishing dilapidated structures. City Administrator Harrison Fry expressed appreciation for the state’s support:“We are grateful to the State of Missouri for recognizing the opportunity to breathe new life into the Bagnell Dam Strip corridor. This project begins by removing long-standing, dilapidated structures so that safe, meaningful redevelopment can move forward. I would also like to thank Reese Development for their cooperation and commitment to property revitalization, as well as grant writer Tonya Raines for preparing a successful application that made this project possible.” For more information, please contact the City of Lake Ozark.

Posted on June 1, 2021, Edited June 1, 2021 by dan

There are reasons for the rules

The City of Lake Ozark has seen significant growth in the last few years – especially the last year – and for that we’re thankful. It’s a sign that city officials have made good, balanced decisions in creating an atmosphere of progress.

That progress can be challenging a times, however, as the city has developed processes and procedures that are legal, that protect Lake Ozark citizens and visitors and that protect the many businesses that make Lake Ozark their home. There is validity in requiring such things as permits, building inspections and business licenses.

Simply put: If you plan to do business in Lake Ozark – or any incorporated community – there are certain steps that must be followed in order to be successful and meet legal and ethical obligations.

That’s why it’s so important to contact City of Lake Ozark officials for help in achieving those obligations well in advance of when your business plans to open. The process can seem overwhelming at times, but city officials on all levels are willing and able to help guide business owners and managers through the process. That prevents last-minute issues that could prevent a business from opening.

The city has no intention of keeping qualified businesses out of town, or preventing entrepreneurs from reaching their goals, or thwarting progress. There are rules to follow that nearly every successful business in the community understands and follows.

When businesses attempt to ignore or circumvent the rules, city officials have to help guide the process. There is fairness and equity in making those decisions. No business is ever singled out as officials simply do their due diligence in making sure the rules are followed, which is the expectation of the mayor and board of aldermen.

Equally important for developers and citizens to understand is that City of Lake Ozark employees are doing their jobs based on a legal set of standards and guidelines. The public doesn’t want public employees skirting the rules to benefit one business over another.

So, please follow the rules and respect those who are required to enforce those rules.