Cape officials OK historic district

After nearly two years of discussion, the first locally designated historic district in the city of Cape Girardeau was established Monday night by the Cape Girardeau City Council.

The ordinance, which the council passed without dissent, designates the area east of West End Boulevard near Southeast Missouri State University, west of Henderson Avenue, north of Broadway, the 300 block of North Park Avenue, and Highland, Hillcrest and Rockwood drives as the Boulevard Local Historic District.

At a lengthy public hearing Aug. 31, opponents of the ordinance voiced their concerns that establishing the district would infringe on the rights of property owners to make improvements or renovations, because they would be required to obtain a "certificate of appropriateness" from the Historic Preservation Commission for any work.

"Awareness and communication were big issues," Mayor Jay Knudtson said. "It's going to take a partnership to come together on it."

To help assuage the concerns of property owners, city manager Scott Meyer said the city had developed a rough draft of a pamphlet that defines historic districts and lays out the design guidelines that owners of property within the boundaries of the district must follow.

Examples of the proposed design guidelines include the prohibition of satellite dishes or antennas in the front yard of a residence, no asphalt or gravel driveways, and the requirement that any new paint job on a building's exterior must be done in a color that is compatible with the other structures in the district.

A property owner who is denied a certificate of appropriateness has the right under the ordinance to appeal the Historic Preservation Commission's decision.

Other actions during Monday's council meeting included the first readings of proposed ordinances that establish a speed limit of 45 mph on LaSalle Avenue, 10 mph faster than originally planned for the new artery road, and designates the road as a new truck route.

In addition, the council approved a motion accepting the May Greene Garden Park, the area on the corner of Fountain and Themis streets, as a city park. The property was acquired by federal surplus for the purpose of recreational use.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635