Cape Girardeu City Council gives initial approval to apartments

A new three-story apartment building aimed at housing the city's swelling student population was given first-round approval Tuesday night by the Cape Girardeau City Council.

Following a public hearing in which no one spoke, the council voted unanimously to rezone 1.2 acres along North Sprigg Street from general commercial to a high-density multifamily residential. The council is expected to give final approval at its Sept. 19 meeting.

The 36-unit building is proposed by Crown Development of Jackson for the area behind -- to the east of -- a strip mall that houses Cafe and Me, Pizza Hut/WingStreet and U-Tan and the lower-level Slingers Nighclub and Lounge.

Property owner Bill King could not be reached for comment late Monday night. But the rezoning application says that the rezoned portion of the tract will house nine two-bedroom and 27 one-bedroom units.

Under a question asking why the developer believes the rezoning is beneficial to the neighborhood and the city, the respondent says that with the growing student enrollment at Southeast Missouri State University, the development will offer "nice, affordable housing close to campus."

The application also notes that the owners are local and own two other apartment buildings across nearby Olive Street "so any problems that arise can be resolved quickly."

But the development brought up a concern for at least one council member about students creating additional pedestrian traffic that will be crossing an already busy Sprigg Street.

"I'm a little concerned about pedestrian safety," John Voss said during the council's pre-meeting study session. "This development is intended to target students. Enrollment is continuing to go up. This is looking to be a growing high-density area. I just want to make sure that we've completely thought about pedestrians before we have an injury and it's too late."

The city's Future Land Use Plan does recommend high-density residential for the area. After the meeting, Voss said his comments are meant more to reflect the need for a long-range plan to make sure as the area develops that safety remains a priority.

"I'd really like us to have a plan before we move forward instead of not having a plan and someone gets hurt," Voss said. "This area looks like it's going to continue to develop and that will mean more people."

During the study session, Development Services Director Kelly Green pointed out that the new development code can ask that the city can ask for protective measures from the developer as part of the submitted site plan.

Voss hopes that some partnership can be reached between the university, the city and any new developer that will possibly provide for striped pedestrian walkways, signalized crosswalks or the like.

"It's to all of our benefit -- the city's, the university's and a developer -- to make sure that we continue to grow in a safe manner," Voss said.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

820 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO