Jackson aldermen name contractor for historic district project

A plan to revitalize a section of uptown Jackson took a step closer to becoming reality Monday night.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen named Kluesner Construction Co. of Kelso, Mo., as the contractor for the streetscape project. The company's bid of $261,726.75 won out against three other bidders.

Improvements on a section of High Street between Main and Adams streets will include historic lighting, sidewalk pavers, benches, bike racks and trash receptacles. The Missouri Department of Transportation will fund 78 percent and the city of Jackson will fund 22 percent of the project.

Construction is expected to begin Sept. 1 contingent upon the approval of MoDOT, with a target completion date of Nov. 1.

Tom Strickland, Jackson engineer and committee chairman of the Uptown Jackson Historic District, said the project is the first step in reverting the historic district to its original look of the late 19th and early 20th century. Other wish list items for the committee include public restrooms and additional historic lighting.

"This is a goal we've been shooting for since this project was first proposed years ago," Strickland said after the meeting. "The citizens will appreciate what will be accomplished in the days to come."

City administrator Jim Roach said communication with merchants near the project area is essential as it moves forward.

"We're sensitive to that and welcome the opportunity," Roach said during the meeting.

In other action, the board approved:

• An ordinance accepting the dedication of sanitary sewer easement deeds from Joe A. and Karen D. Kight, and the Reorganized School District R-II of Cape Girardeau County Building Corp. regarding the Elwanda Drive Relief Sewer Project.
• An ordinance accepting the dedication of sanitary sewer easement deeds from Alan R. and Donna K. Eakins, Jack E. and Leisa A. Floyd, Charles M. and Alice I. Ireland, William S. and Laurel C. Rhodes, and Wayne A. and Sharon L. Sarno, regarding the McKendree Hills Sanitary Sewer District Project.
• Mayor Barbara Lohr's appointment of Mike Seabaugh to the planning and zoning commission to serve the unexpired term of Andrew Hancock.
• A preliminary plat of High Ridge subdivision, as submitted by Mathes Land Development LLC.
• Task Order Authorization No. 09-08 for $60,100 to Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying Inc. of Cape Girardeau to provide engineering services under the South Old Orchard Road Improvement Project, phase five.

The board also tabled a motion to rezone a 2.88-acre tract on West Independence Street from R-1 single-family residential to R-2 single-family residential. The motion would have increased the number of lots to seven.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO