Businesses pitch street proposal to Jackson aldermen

Several uptown Jackson proprieters made their case for a one-way High Street Monday night at the Jackson Board of Aldermen meeting.

No one at the meeting spoke in opposition of the proposal, but a petition with 65 signatures was accepted by the board and entered into the minutes.

The merchants' proposal -- which was offered on a trial basis -- would allow for angled parking on one side of the street and parallel parking on the other, producing five extra parking spaces and an unloading zone.

Public works director Rodney Bollinger said utility poles would have to be moved back, meaning business awnings might have to be removed or altered.

Police Capt. Bob Bonney said the move would create more traffic problems on nearby streets, and fire chief Brad Golden said the change would have to allow enough clearance for a fire truck to turn the corner.

But some of the uptown business associates voiced safety concerns of their own.

Chris Hutson, representing Union Planters Bank at the corner of Main and High, said a one-way street would improve safety for the bank's customers.

The merchants' plan -- which would cost roughly $4,800 up front and about $7,300 total if the city changes back to the original signage -- also contains a customer convenience motive.

Insurance agent Janey Foust said customers often call the office on cell phones and ask her to pick up a payment while they stop in the street because they can't find a place to park.

"All of us want to support business, there's no question about it, but will we be taking a step backward?" said alderman Dale Rauh after the meeting.

Alderman Kerry Hoffman said he has concerns about the timing, especially with construction on the Highways 34/72 widening to begin this summer.

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ALDERMEN ACTION

Public Hearings

Hearing to receive public comments relative to possible one-way traffic flow and parking modifications on South High Street.

Hearing to consider the rezoning of Lots 10A and 10B of Kimbeland Subdivision, from R-2 (single family residential) district to R-3 (general residential) district, as submitted by Stan Williams.

Action items

Approved the semiannual financial statement ending Dec. 31, 2003.

Changed the date of the board of aldermen meeting from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day.

Adopted Section 504/ADA Grievance Procedure for the city of Jackson.

Accepted the bid of Fletcher Reinhardt Inc. of Maryland Heights, Mo., in the amount of $73,939.12 relating to materials for the West Jackson Boulevard line relocation project.

Accepted the bid of Allen & Hoshall, of Memphis, Tenn., in the amount of $22,100 relating to the engineering design of the 4kV-12kV Circuit Conversion Project.

Approved Change Order No. 5, to Robinson Mechanical Contractors Inc. for a $5,505.40 increase to the contract amount, relating to the water supply Well No. 7 project.

Set a public hearing for Feb. 17 to consider the proposed abandonment of a portion of Old Toll Road.

Set a public hearing for Feb. 17 to consider an amendment to Chapter 57 (land subdivision regulations) to alter wording regarding buildings to be placed directly on the building setback line.

Set a public hearing for Feb. 17 to consider a special-use permit request for an adult day care at 532 W. Main St., as submitted by the Maevers Family Limited Partnership II.

Tabled an ordinance to approve the rezoning of Lots 10A and 10B of Kimbeland Subdivision, from R-2 (single family residential) district to R-3 (general residential) district, as submitted by Stan Williams.

Accepted a corrected quit-claim deed from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, relating to the West Jackson Boulevard improvement project.

Tabled an ordinance to approve the final plat of Rosewood Estates Sixth Subdivision, as submitted by Gerald and Catherine Stoverink.

Approved the final plat of Sunset Hills Unit No. 5, as submitted by Vernon and Betty Strack and the Louis H. Rohlfs Trust.