Public meeting brings out issues ranging from unruly parties to potholes

Cape Girardeau residents in Ward 3 raised issues ranging from unruly parties and potholes to sidewalks and stormwater during a public meeting with city officials Thursday at Cape Girardeau Central Middle School.

A dozen people turned out for the meeting, the third of six ward-based public sessions city leaders will hold between now and March 9.

Deputy city manager Molly Hood said city officials want to hear from the public as to whether the city's five objectives are still relevant as work begins to update the city council's strategic plan.

The broad objectives seek to enhance the city's regional position in economic development, improve safety and health of employees and the community, keep fiscal discipline visible, improve neighborhoods and streamline resident and business interaction.

Norman and Sharon Chapman, who live in the 1700 block of Pemiscot Street, said they still are bothered by loud and unruly drinking parties at rental properties in their neighborhood.

The Chapmans blamed the trouble on Southeast Missouri State University students who live in the rental houses and whose cars clog the roadway. Beer cans often litter the yards, they said.

Norman Chapman said as many as 25 to 30 cars are parked on the street almost nightly.

The city has a new chronic-nuisance law, but so far, the Chapmans said city regulations have not addressed the problem.

"It hasn't changed a bit," Sharon Chapman said of the nuisance.

She said she and her husband repeatedly have called police to their neighborhood, but the officers have not issued any citations.

Ward 3 Councilman Victor Gunn said he plans to contact the local landlords association to see whether they can put any pressure on Pemiscot Street landlords to police their tenants.

Chelsey Sample, who lives on William Street, wants the city to install sidewalks along her street and others in the community.

"It is a big problem," she said, adding she has seen children walking in the busy street. "It is a hazard to people at this point."

Sample, who drives a small car, said the city has too many potholes. Temporary asphalt patching has not worked, she said. "It is bothersome. It is frustrating."

Amber Brown, who lives on North Henderson Avenue, said her neighborhood has drainage "trenches" that are eroding. Brown said her neighborhood is prone to stormwater flooding. She wants the city to improve the drainage.

City manager Scott Meyer said the city had no stormwater regulations when houses in that neighborhood were constructed. Addressing the stormwater problem is "always going to be a challenge," he said.

The next public meeting will be with Ward 4 Councilman Robbie Guard at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Elks Lodge.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

1900 Thilenius St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.