Frustrated city residents discuss stormwater improvements

A representative of the St. Louis-based engineering firm that drew up Cape Girardeau's proposed stormwater plan told restless residents he wasn't there to give short-term answers.

"But that's why we're here," one women said. "I've called the city for five years and nothing ever gets done."

"Try seven years," said a man in the back row.

A man even left in disgust. "This isn't why I came," he told his wife before leaving.

Many of the 50 people who turned up at Thursday night's meeting were told of six large projects that would cost $1.8 million.

Funding strategies were presented and there was talk of putting some of the projects on the city's five-year Capital Improvements Program.

Most residents wanted solutions to their specific problems -- and how they could be fixed.

"I understand there's a big picture, but I'm just looking for the guys with the shovels who will dig these ditches out," said Kevin Akers, who lives on Hopper Road.

City manager Michael Miller said there have been several large rains this year and he understands that has made people frustrated.

"We have to look at all the city," he said. "Everybody's got a little problem and that adds up to one big problem. That's what we're trying to address."

Six projects

But Miller said that a side benefit could be that his staff could hear firsthand from people about their problems.

Horner and Shifrin, the engineering firm, prepared the draft that recommends six projects: Ranchito Creek culvert replacements; Peachtree Street culvert and channel improvements; Howell Street low-water crossing; work at Cape Rock Drive at Dennis Scivally Park; work on the Arena Creek relief channel; and stormwater improvements at Themis Street and Silver Springs Road.

Other improvements include additional inlets and storm sewers in the vicinity of Margaret and Janet streets, and in the vicinity of Kingsway and Kingsbury streets.

Some state and federal funding is available for some of the work, but public works director Doug Leslie said that there is not enough money for all of the projects to move forward.

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137