Hi Jeff, et al
I'd definitely read such a project and would be eager to have a shot at creating a character and some stories.
I think you'll need to paint the downport and startown in broad brushstrokes; local itinerant population, proximity to a bigger, regular town or city, local law enforcement, names of any bars and such that might be of significance (Your town, we're just coming to the dance).
Do you have a working title?