CITY APPIES TO REHAB ON SOUTH SIDE

If the federal government approves, Cape Girardeau will use $446,300 in federal money to rehabilitate homes and fix streets in a four-block area on the city's south side.

The Cape Girardeau City Council Monday approved an application for Community Development Block Grants funding for improvements in an area bounded on the west by Sprigg Street, on the north by Jefferson Street, on the east by Fountain Street and on the south by Shawnee Parkway.

The money would go to replace some water lines, install curbs, gutters and sidewalks and rehabilitate about 30 housing units, according to city documents.

"It attempts to bring an area of the city up to certain standards," said City Manager Michael G. Miller.

"It's a half-a-million-dollar program," said Councilman Tom Neumeyer who represents the area, "and what does it cost us? Nothing."

In a letter to the council, Housing Assistance Coordinator Stephen S. Williams cautioned that competition for the grant is stiff and the city cannot count on winning it. However, the city has won grants for similar programs six times.

Included in the area is the Second Missionary Baptist Church. The council Monday also approved of the 130-year-old church's application for a special-use permit to tear its buildings down and put up a new church.