Red Star neighborhood discusses nuisances, speeding during meeting

It was a small group that gathered Tuesday night at the Red Star Baptist Church Activity Center for the Red Star Neighborhood Revival meeting, but many ideas were presented to begin community improvements.

The neighborhood association was formed as part of the city of Cape Girardeau's Neighborhood Development Initiative. Tuesday night's gathering was the first time community leaders John Gregory, Robert Loyd and Brian Allerding ran the meeting without city officials present, although Ward 1 Councilman Joe Uzoaru attended to answer questions about use of city services. The leaders work with city staffers to pursue and fulfill community ideas.

"I'm not afraid to voice my opinion ... and I'm more than willing to voice your opinion, too," Loyd told the crowd.

Loyd and Gregory are longtime residents of the Red Star neighborhood, and Allerding has called the area home for about three years. All of them encouraged people to invite neighbors to attend the meetings, which are at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the church activity center, 1316 N. Main St.

"We've got to get more people in this meeting," Gregory said. "You've got concerns and I've got concerns, but we've got to get more people in here who can help make a change."

The main focus of the meeting was identifying the neighborhood's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. By writing suggestions in each category in a chart, the group was able to identify common problems or hopes.

One of the neighborhood's biggest strengths was its green spaces and beautiful scenery, which also tied with a suggested opportunity to improve areas for children. Playground equipment and a community garden started by Robert Harris sit at the intersection of Third Street and North Main Street. Community members would like to see the equipment improved and expanded and a portable restroom added.

The weaknesses and threats most discussed at the Tuesday night meeting centered around speeding and nuisances. Several examples of unmown grass -- some on private property, some in city-maintained areas -- were offered. Those who walk the neighborhood also cited litter as a problem, and suggested organizing a neighborhood cleanup in the spring.

Uzoaru encouraged people to report complaints. If the problem continues, he said not to give up on reporting it to the city. The process has been made simpler through the city website, the councilman said, and complaints also can be filed anonymously.

To address speeding, the group was unanimous in its interest to lower the speed limit on Big Bend Road. North from Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, the speed limit is 35, but it increases to 45 near Cape Rock Drive. Gregory said motorists often drive faster than the limit, posing a safety risk. Uzoaru said once the group conducted more research and determined what speed limit they would like to see enforced along the road -- some suggested setting a 30 mph within city limits; others were content with matching the 35 mph limit -- the issue could be discussed with the city council and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1316 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.