FORECAST FOR ACHIEVING VISION 2000 GOALS IS ROSY

Members of Vision 2000 say substantial strides have been made in meeting the organization's goals, but they're sure they'll find something to keep the organization busy.

The organization is sponsoring a picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the old St. Vincent Seminary property. Admission is $4 a person for all-you-can eat hamburgers and hot dogs. Proceeds will help fund future projects, said Mary Spell, Vision 2000 chair.

"We're working on some more of the beautification projects," Spell said. "We'd like to have a little extra funds for some more roses and jonquils."

The organization's beautification projects, which include planting thousands of bulbs and rosebushes around the city, are probably its most visible accomplishments. But it also has tackled issues like increasing voter registration, transportation needs, stormwater and floodwater control and planning and zoning upgrades.

Vision 2000 is now working with the Cape Girardeau public schools to hold a series of town meetings on planning needs for the school district, Spell said.

Melvin Gateley, a Cape Girardeau city councilman and long-time member of Vision 2000, said the group has progressed "tremendously" in meeting long-term planning goals for the community.

"Definitely, under the area of the three community pride projects, I've been on a very good schedule there," Gateley said, citing the planting projects, the "Adopt a Street" program and the floodwall mural project, as well as the organization's "welcome" signs and the "Friends of the Park" program.

In addition, he said, Vision 2000 has "implemented a number of campaigns" to increase voter registration.

The community information network, or Show MeNet, project is "going great," and is being used to promote the city for business and economic development, Gateley said.

Vision 2000 also continues to support the Parents As Teachers program in public schools, adult basic education and efforts to reduce illiteracy. The group also supports non-school education resources like the public library and the Cape River Heritage Museum.

The organization sponsors a business needs survey every two years as part of its pledge to assist area businesses.

Gateley said Vision 2000 also works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the state's economic development office and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the community.

A number of town meetings geared toward keeping residents informed of important issues, including the transportation sales tax approved by voters in August, have been held, Gateley said, and the city's planning and zoning mission has been brought up to date.

Vision 2000 also has spurred the adoption of city subdivision ordinances and new building codes.

In addition, the organization continues to work on increasing handicapped parking, historic preservation, access to the downtown area and the elimination of urban blight through improvements to housing and commercial property.

"A lot of the work is ongoing, like the planning and the planting," Gateley said. "There's still a great deal of things to do.

"We've got four years to go, but I think it'll be complete or very close to done. Of course, then we'll have to have a big celebration."