Council approves Habitat subdivision plat by a 6-1 vote

The Cape Girardeau City Council approved a revised, preliminary plat for a Habitat for Humanity subdivision Monday night, despite opposition from some neighbors.

The vote was 6-1, with only Ward 3 Councilman Victor Gunn dissenting.

Gunn said he heard from residents in his ward who opposed the project.

Gunn said before casting his vote his action was in no way "a reflection" on Habitat's efforts. He thanked the Habitat board of directors for its willingness to revise the plan to address neighborhood concerns.

Several Habitat board members attended the council meeting. Al Stoverink, executive director of the local Habitat chapter, told the council, "We made significant revisions."

He said he has met and will continue to meet with a small "focus group" of neighborhood residents to fine-tune the project. Plans could be revised further to include more fencing and trees, Stoverink said.

The focus group also will be involved in development of subdivision covenants, he said.

No residents showed up Monday to voice opposition to the project on the 14-acre, wooded site north of the Lombardo Drive and Clark Avenue intersection.

At previous public meetings, some neighbors argued against the project to provide single-family homes for low-incomes residents. They said it would lead to stormwater and traffic problems and lower property values.

Stoverink has countered the arguments, insisting the subdivision of 34 single-family residential lots and four common-ground lots would not depress adjacent property values.

He said Habitat recently completed a house in Jackson that appraised at more than $140,000.

The revised plat would create a wider, green buffer zone along the east boundary of the site, realign Clark Avenue to create several turns that will slow traffic and expand stormwater detention beyond normal city requirements.

The development would connect the two ends of Clark Avenue that are separated by the woods. Three cul-de-sac streets would be constructed as part of the project.

A sidewalk is proposed in the right of way and along the rear of the lots, according to city staff.

Stoverink told the council more than 25 percent of the site would be dedicated to public, green space. He said Habitat officials are "doing everything we can" to address neighborhood concerns.

Stoverink said he and the Habitat board have heard from many people who support the planned "Community of Hope" project.

"We feel we have a great project," he said.

Habitat officials also are discussing creation of a homeowners association for the new subdivision.

Ward 5 Councilman Bob Fox said, "I think it is going to be a very worthwhile project for the city of Cape Girardeau."

Mayor Harry Rediger said he was "very, very pleased" with the subdivision plan.

He said it will be a great project for the community, particularly for individuals seeking to own homes.

The council's action followed the Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of the project last week.

City staff and commission members had said the project meets zoning requirements, and neither the council nor the commission could reject the preliminary plat.

In other action, the council voted to award a $1.24 million contract to Fronabarger Concreters to replace sidewalks and streetlights along a 900-foot section of Main Street from Broadway to Independence Street.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

Clark Avenue and Lombardo Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.