Traffic top concern of Jackson residents

Business Today

Traffic congestion looms as a business and community concern in Jackson.

More than 75 percent of the people recently surveyed by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce expressed concern over the city's traffic problems.

The survey included 400 members of the Chamber and more than 500 randomly selected citizens.

Other priorities listed in the survey included the city's population growth; annexation and zoning; infrastructure, including sewer, streets and utilities; education; business and industrial recruitment; and city and school taxes.

"This is no surprise," said Ken Parrett, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. "Traffic has been a growing concern for a while." Seventy-five percent of Chamber survey forms listed traffic concerns, and almost 90 percent of citizens topped their surveys with traffic concerns.

The survey asked that participants select five issues they felt were most important for Jackson.

Parrett said the survey results had been shared with the Chamber board and city administration.

"The mayor has promised to take a look at traffic congestion issues," said Parrett.

The city intends to contract with a group early next year to conduct traffic surveys and suggest ways traffic congestion can be alleviated now and for the future.

Latest workforce statistics show unemployment at 3.2 percent in Cape Girardeau, down from the 3.7 percent the previous month.

The Jackson Chamber has reached its goal of 30 new members for the year.

"Our 400 members is the highest total we've ever had," said Parrett.