HISTORIC-PORESERVATION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT

It has been almost nine years since Cape Girardeau joined the ranks of Missouri cities with historic-preservation ordinances or programs.

Although she isn't coming to mark the anniversary, it is a good reason to celebrate, said Jo Ann Radetic, certified local government coordinator for the state.

Radetic has been visiting each Missouri city that has some sort of preservation program just to make them aware of programs offered through historic preservation and the Department of Natural Resources. It has taken nearly a year and she isn't finished yet.

Her visits help explain the historic-preservation program in Missouri and also offer information about national historic programs through the parks service.

"I'll be there to answer any questions," she said.

A meeting is set for 7 tonight in the council chambers at City Hall, 401 Independence.

Brian Driscoll, chairman of the city's historic-preservation commission, said there hasn't been any specific request made for Radetic to visit, but her trip to Cape Girardeau offers a chance for her to meet board members.

"We'll know who she is and what she does," he said.

Radetic has advised several commission members about conservation zoning ordinances and how they work in other communities throughout Missouri. Cape Girardeau's historic-preservation commission has considered adopting such an ordinance to create protective zones in historic neighborhoods and areas of the city.

Conservation zoning is still somewhat new; most cities have only been talking about it for 10 years or so, Radetic said.

She plans to bring along a "briefcase filled with information."

Driscoll said the commission is still trying to talk with cities that have used the ordinance to get an idea of how it works and what reaction the community has had.