Street abandonment issue put on hold by aldermen

The Jackson Board of Aldermen tabled the abandonment of two city streets Monday night after a few property owners surrounding the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church issued concerns.

Immaculate Conception is asking for the city to abandon Madison Street so it can rebuild its campus after the May 6 tornado. It has plans to build a gymnasium across the street.

The city staff has asked the board to consider abandoning a portion of Ohio Street that runs by Jackson Lanes. City administrator Jim Roach said the road wouldn't be of any use to the city as a whole.

Arnold Strickert, representing the bowling alley, said he didn't want Ohio Street abandoned because the patrons of the bowling alley use it for parking.

Monsignor Edward Eftink said he would also like to see Ohio Street remain open for some school use.

Evelyn Wille, who owns the property where a bakery was demolished by the tornado, said she wouldn't mind Madison Street being closed, but only if the Missouri Department of Transportation didn't take out a good piece of her parking lot when and if it decides to widen Hope Street.

As is usual practice whenever there is any opposition at a public hearing, the board tabled the issue until next meeting. It will discuss the matter at study session next Monday.

The church school officials were hoping to get the ordinance passed Monday night, considering they are on a tight schedule to get their campus built in time for the beginning of school in 2004.

"I think it went well," school principal Tami Nenninger said. "We did expect some questions and we want to address those questions so everyone is comfortable with the decision that is made."