VIENNA — The Vienna Board of Aldermen approved July 13 a resolution to seek funding for Vienna Main Street’s development of the former Crimson General Store into a community center.

The aldermen held a public hearing, followed by a meeting, because the Vienna Main Street was seeking funding through the Community Development Block Grant, according to the meeting minutes. Kelly Sink from Vienna Main Street said that it would be a sub-applicant for the grant.

According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s website, the grant gives federal funds to local governments for projects that benefits their economies. Projects should focus on helping those who have low-to-moderate incomes or are elderly and can include senior and community centers.

Members from Vienna Main Street said that the plans for the building on Third and Coffey streets are to build a kitchenette, ADA-accessible front double doors and small conference rooms.

Carrie Kleffner said its goal is to allow nonprofits, youth and seniors to use the facility for free. Kleffner also said that the Maries County R-1 School District, the Vienna Library and other organizations have written a letter of support for the project. Vienna Main Street hopes to receive just under $600,000 in grant funding and contribute its own resources for the project.

The minutes say that Vienna Main Street members don’t want to see the area near the Maries County Courthouse to have “empty lots” and want “to bring life back to the buildings.”

After the public hearing, visited filled out a community needs assessment.