Planning panel OKs assisted living project

The Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a plan to build an assisted and independent living complex near Route W and Deer Creek Road.

The commission, with new members Scott Rhodes and Greg Williams, gave unanimous preliminary approval to the William O.L. Seabaugh Voluntary Trust Wednesday night to rezone the southwest corner of Cape LaCroix Road off Route W to be rezoned from single-family to multi-family district.

The Cape Girardeau City Council must give final approval. The commission also approved a special-use permit to allow the 16 small duplexes for independent living and one building for 21 assisted living units. Construction is expected to begin May by Sikeston-based Americare Properties.

The plan was amended somewhat after neighbors said they wanted a private drive that runs alongside the property to be removed from the zoning. Neighbors said they feared that traffic would begin to use the road instead of the two entrances that the facilities will have off Route W. Vice president for Americare said he had no problem with the street being removed from the zoning.