KENT STREET INCLUDED IN SUBDIVISION PLAT

The Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday approved developer David Gerlach's subdivision plans that include layout of a street that was previously a source of dispute.

The commission unanimously approved five record plats for Gerlach's Woodland Place and Randol Farms subdivisions, including one that shows Kent Street.

In 1990, the commission recommended the city council approve a special use permit for Gerlach and Christ Presbyterian Church to build a church near the planned intersection of Kent and Lexington Avenue.

But the development would have effectively ended any plans to build Kent Street through to Lexington. The council eventually rejected the proposal, and the church subsequently chose another site for its building.

In the record plat approved Wednesday, Gerlach penciled in Kent, although he said he has no plans to build the street. "I have no plans to put it in," he told the commission. "If the city wants to force it through, they can."

When the council in August 1990 insisted the street be built to Lexington, Gerlach said he would be unable to afford the street, which would prohibit development of several lots in the Woodland Place subdivision. He said then that the city would have to "force it through" via condemnation proceedings.

In other action, the commission recommended a letter from Richard H. Giles of 2046 Perryville Road concerning traffic congestion at the corner of Bertling and West End Boulevard be forwarded to the City Manager J. Ronald Fischer.

In the letter, Giles said he has been "waiting and waiting for a correction on a parking situation" on Bertling that is a "set up for a very serious accident."

He said heavy traffic at the intersection in the mornings is aggravated by vehicles parked along Bertling only 100 to 150 feet from the intersection.

"The street will not permit a car to pass these parked vehicles without swerving into the west bound traffic lane," said Giles, who asked that the city prohibit parking on the south side of Bertling.

City Planner Kent Bratton said he agreed the situation is dangerous and suggested the commission recommend the city manager's office study the matter.

The commission also approved new officers. They include: Charles Haubold, chairman; Tom Mogelnicki, vice chairman; and Robert Cox, secretary.