JACKSON COMMUNITY UPDATE: CITY RECEIVES STATE FUNDING TO BUILD NEW FOOTPATH, BRIDGE

We recently were notified by MoDOT that our application for ISTEA grant funds had been accepted. A total of $43,308 was approved for the City of Jackson to replace a footbridge/bike crossing that was removed last year because of its poor condition. The crossing will be located on Hubble Creek just to the west of the Primary Annex School on West Jefferson Street. MoDOT has informed us that it will take at least 12 months to complete the project.

The city has become much more aggressive in applying for available grant funds. First, we received funds to improve our recycling facilities, then we were awarded funds to purchase some new bullet proof vests for our police department and now the new footbridge has been funded. we intend to continue to be aggressive in seeking these funds for future needed projects when available.

The Jackson mural committee will start planning soon for a second mural to be placed in the business district of Jackson. A nice donation was recently received that will enable us to get moving on this project. I hope a second mural will enhance uptown Jackson and be as attractive as the first one we all enjoy.

The talk of mobile homes and their placement in the community seems to be a topic in both Jackson and Cape Girardeau. We have received a proposal from SEMO Regional Planning that outlines regulations on future mobile home parks and the zoning of such parks. Councilman Kerry Hoffman is chairing a committee to review those proposed regulations and make a recommendation to the full council sometime this summer.

Our comprehensive plan update is moving along. SEMO Regional Planning will soon schedule times for more public input to be gathered. This plan, which has not been updated since 1981, is very important to the continued future orderly growth of Jackson. If you have some thoughts or suggestions please attend some of the public meetings that will be held in the near future.

The council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your input is welcome and encouraged to help make Jackson a better place to work and live.