TWIN LAKES ANNEXATION MAKES SENSE FOR THE CITY

At least 75 percent of the property owners in the Twin Lakes subdivision have asked to be annexed into the city of Cape Girardeau. The move would add about 200 people to the city's population.

This westward expansion seems a natural progression of Cape Girardeau's growth. We urge the City Council to proceed to bring Twin Lakes into the city's fold.

Growth through annexation is nothing new. Many communities across the state, such as Kansas City, have used this technique to expand in both people and property. Two hundred people may not seem like much, but it's more than the city grew in the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Cape Girardeau's 1990 population was 34,438 up only 77 from the 1980 figure, according to the census bureau.

While there would be an investment to provide water and sewers, the availability of utilities could pay off in future adjacent development. For many years, city development has moved westward both in commercial and residential projects. The city's major streets plan already includes future routes to connect property recently annexed west of I-55, along Gordonville Road, with Hopper Road to the north. Property west of I-55 along Bloomfield Road also was recently annexed.

City sewer service has already been extended under Interstate 55, to serve commercial development. It's possible that service could be extended north to Twin Lakes.

The expansion would require a vote both in the city and the area to be annexed. If a simple majority is achieved in both areas, it would be approved. If it fails in the area to be annexed, a second vote would be held in which all votes are combined. The annexation would then require a two-thirds majority to pass.

The fact it would be a friendly annexation a move requested by the property owners makes it all the more palatable. The subdivision is already at part of the Cape Girardeau school district. It would benefit the city in terms of a growing population, and would profit Twin Lakes property owners through improved fire and police protection, and dependable water and sewer services. The annexation of Twin Lakes seems a natural extension for the city of Cape Girardeau.