Downtown townhouse project in Cape gets board OK

Cape Girardeau's Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal Wednesday to build 17 luxury townhouses in the city's downtown despite objections from more than a dozen neighbors who said they don't want that many buildings crowded onto one lot.

The commission action clears the way for the project to come before the city council for final action next month.

Commissioners unanimously recommended the city council approve the request of developers Jim and Michaele Riley and Jerri and John Wyman for a special use permit needed for construction of the $4 million Spanish Court development at 210 N. Spanish St. The site is on now-vacant ground north of Broadway.

Commissioner Harry Rediger said the city should "move on" with the project, which is contingent on the city council vacating the right of way on an undeveloped section of Spanish Street.

The city council will consider the special use permit request on June 7.

The planning commission tabled the issue last month to give the developers time to meet with neighbors who had expressed concerns about the project.

Wyman said they met individually with the neighbors, but reached no agreement.

But commissioners said they had no legal reason to deny the request. Commissioner Scott Rhodes said the developers could build a wide range of business buildings on the same commercially zoned tract that would be more objectionable to neighbors than luxury townhouses.

Some neighbors said they were worried that the townhouses might block their view of the Mississippi River. But Rhodes said the city can't guarantee property owners a particular view.

Neighbors have objected to the prospect of 17 two-story townhouses being constructed on 1.7 acres of ground.

"It's OK to have some townhouses, not 17," said neighbor Marsha Limbaugh.

Limbaugh said she and her husband, Missouri Supreme Court Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., have remodeled their home at 205 Bellevue St.

"We are concerned about our property values," she said.

Limbaugh was one of six neighbors at Wednesday's meeting who voiced concerns ranging from the number of units to light and noise pollution and parking problems.

Bert Kellerman, who owns an apartment building on Bellevue, suggested the developers build fewer townhouses and sell them at a higher price. "Sometimes less is more," he said.

But Wyman said construction of the townhouses around a European style courtyard would enhance Cape Girardeau's downtown and be preferable to a commercial building.

As for concerns about noise, Wyman said the downtown already is a noisy place with the "thumping, creaking and groaning" of trains in the night and the "whine" of jet turbines on towboats.

In other action, the commission recommended the council approve:

Drury Land Development's request to rezone land west of Shirley Drive from R-1, single family dwelling, to C-3, central business district.

Chateau Girardeau's request for a special use permit to replace a sign on its property at 3120 Independence St.

Request of Tim and Donna Joplin for a special use permit to operate an appraisal business at 226 Albert St.

Record plat of Deevers Farm Phase 1 subdivision on Highway 177.

Record plat of McKinney Subdivision at 228 N. Lake Drive.

Record plat of Texas Roadhouse Subdivision off Mount Auburn Road between Doctors' Park and Interstate 55, south of Cracker Barrel restaurant.

The commission recommended the council deny the request of Sara Jane and Perry Lee Guebert for a special use permit to operate a woodworking business in their home at 2034 Andrew St. Neighbors opposed the request and commissioners objected to allowing a business in a residential area.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123