JACKSON CONSIDERS NEW ZONING LAW

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen listened as citizens and developers commented on changes contained in a proposed update of the city zoning ordinance.

The ordinance was presented to the board for its consideration by the planning and zoning commission. The comments were made during a 35-minute public hearing held prior to the board's regular Monday meeting.

Larry Hall, chairman of the planning and zoning commission, said the proposed ordinance was prepared following a lengthy review process and public hearings by the commission.

"We think this proposed zoning ordinance provides for a stable and orderly growth, while preserving property values and safety for the citizens for the future," Hall said.

Hall said it has been several years since the zoning ordinance has been updated.

"The ordinance expands the number of zoning districts from eight to 10, including residential and commercial district designations," he said. "The ordinance also provides for mobile home parks and for special use permits.

Several citizens commented on a change in the ordinance that would require a three-fourths majority vote of the commission and the board of aldermen to rezone a tract from residential to commercial.

But Hall said the supermajority would take effect only in certain rezoning requests.

Developer John Lichtenegger also questioned why developers should bear the full burden of creating "green zones" around new developments.

He also questioned height limitations on commercial buildings in the proposed ordinance. He said the proposed ordinance would make it impossible to build a large building in Jackson, such as the Capital Bank Building in Cape Girardeau.

After the hearing, Sander said the council will consider the public comments and input. He invited additional comments on the proposal. "We'll be discussing the proposed zoning ordinance over the next several weeks," Sander said.

In other business, the board changed its next meeting from July 4 to July 10. Also, the board announced bids on the Rotary Lake Renovation Project will be opened at 3 p.m. Wednesday at city hall.

Bids will be opened on June 10 at the public works office for street improvements on two blocks of Jefferson, one block of Missouri and one block of Russell.

The board also approved an original package liquor license to the new owner of Stogie's on East Jackson Boulevard; awarded a contract for a forced sewer main on Country Club to Kimbeland; and set charges for sewer taps for annexed property.