Hospital withdraws Lacey Street request

Southeast Missouri Hospital has withdrawn its request for the city to give up ownership of a portion of Lacey Street.

Al Spradling III, who represents the hospital in this matter, faxed the message to city hall Monday.

"Apparently there has been a firestorm of e-mail and bloggers who have opposed the simple request of Southeast Missouri Hospital vacating a portion of Lacey Street," said Spradling's letter, which went on to state, "the hospital has decided, for the time being, to withdraw its application and request to vacate Lacey Street. The hospital may at a later date come back to the city with a similar request."

The move eliminated a need for any public hearing on agenda items at the Cape Girardeau City Council meeting Monday.

The council also agreed to set Nov. 5 as the date of a public hearing for Christ Church of the Heartland's request for a special-use permit to sell groceries. The city's planning and zoning commission members, while praising the food program for attempting to help low-income families, recommended denying the permit for zoning reasons.

"This is simply a very, very good project, very worthwhile, but just maybe in the wrong location," said planning and zoning commission Chairman Charlie Haubold, during the council's study session. "They've been given several sources for other locations. Maybe something will work out."

During a break between the study session and council meeting, Ward 1 councilman John Voss said he has been talking with the church's pastor, the Rev. Zack Strong, as well as neighbors of the church. He's hoping to resolve the longstanding conflict between the two parties.

"I think things can be resolved. I'm optimistic. But there are a lot of hurt feelings," Voss said.

A special-use permit request to build a condominium complex between Kingshighway and Boulder Crest Drive, Hunter's Lane and South County Park was tabled. The complex, being planned by Wayfield LLC, drew neighbors' ire earlier this year.

Their complaints about an overcrowded development didn't detail the company's request.

City manager Doug Leslie told the board MoDOT had concerns about how roads for the condos would intersect with Kingshighway.

The city is planning meetings with MoDOT and Wayfield representatives. Mayor Jay Knudtson suggested including Hunter's Lane homeowner Bo Shantz in discussions.

Shantz attended Monday's council meeting and, on hearing the request was being tabled, chose not to speak during the meeting's public comment period.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127