Cape to hold Nov. 19 meeting on downtown sidewalk plan

In September, Cape Girardeau residents heard about a downtown sidewalk and place-making plan and offered input based on information shared by city staff and project consultants.

Residents soon will be able to see the latest details of the plan, shaped by that input.

A follow-up meeting about the downtown plan will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the former federal building at 339 Broadway, on the second floor.

Tim Richmond, civil engineer for the city of Cape Girardeau Development Services Department, has called the project "a unique opportunity to see what can be done to further transform our downtown area."

The plan addresses a number of improvements the city would like to see in the downtown business district. The city wants to replace sidewalks as well as the downtown lights maintained by the special business district.

Because replacing the lights would require breaking up the sidewalks to reach the infrastructure, city staff determined it was most efficient to combine both projects.

Representatives of project consultants SWT Design also discussed possible additions such as new crosswalks, more trees in the Main Street area near the Red House Interpretive Center and creating an outdoor plaza at the parking lot near the intersection of Main and Independence streets.

They also kept parking needs in mind and said increased availability was part of the planning, as well.

But as Jim Wolterman told the crowd as he led the presentations for SWT, none of the proposals was definite.

"These are only thoughts and ideas to spur conversation," he said.

The overall downtown project will happen in phases, starting with Water, Main, Spanish and Themis streets. The first phase, which includes the sidewalk replacement, is the only one with funding at this time.

About $150,000 in casino revenue set aside for downtown and riverfront area projects and about $800,000 allocated from Transportation Trust Fund 4 will go toward the project. City engineer Casey Brunke said construction could begin in the spring.

At the Nov. 19 meeting, more specific detail will be provided about two sidewalk replacement options for Water, Main and Spanish streets between Broadway and Independence Street. A refined place-making concept for the downtown business district also will be available for viewing and comment.

Unlike the September meeting, the upcoming event will not include a formal presentation but will be open-house style. Participants may view displays and talk one-on-one with the project team to share ideas and provide comments.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

339 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.