Editorial

AREA'S GROWTH COULD BENEFIT FROM GOOD PLANS

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A map showing how Cape Girardeau's land area has grown since 1808 is a graphic illustration of the city's expansion from the banks of the Mississippi River. The last major extension of the city limits occurred in 1967 when Interstate 55 became the western limit and large areas to the north and south were taken into the corporate limits.

Even though there hasn't been another major expansion in one fell swoop, the city has continued to take in more property here and there, mostly subdivisions seeking city services. Indeed, in the last 24 years the city has grown by nearly five square miles, or 3,200 acres.

While City Manager Mike Miller correctly says Cape Girardeau has no formal long-term growth plan, in fact the city continues to follow established guidelines in extending streets, sewers and water lines to areas where development is expected to occur.

The city's corporate limits are just one measurement of growth. The boundaries of other major entities such as school districts and library districts meander across the landscape of both Cape Girardeau and its fast-growing neighbor, Jackson.

In its planning, Jackson continues to focus on potential development to its east, particularly in the area of a proposed new I-55 interchange that would connect with East Main Street. What is likely to happen on both sides of the interstate when that interchange is built is still anyone's guess. Some Southeast Missouri State University officials are considering turning the demonstration farm in that area into a technology park.

Meanwhile, Cape Girardeau continues its westward expansion across I-55 along Route K. A major retail area is still growing along Siemers Drive. New church-affiliated schools have been built farther west. And the area west of the city has become popular for residential development as well.

With the new interchange between Cape Girardeau and Jackson plus all the development that is occurring or is likely to take place to the north and west, a sense of priorities would serve both cities well. In recent years, joint meetings between the Cape Girardeau City Council and Jackson Board of Aldermen have proven to be useful in keeping both groups abreast of concerns and plans of mutual interest.

It seems that talks specifically aimed at future growth in our area could be well-served by expanding the joint discussions to include county, school and chamber of commerce officials in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. The future is bright for our area, and continued good planning will accommodate the many needs that accompany growth.