VISION 2020 KEEPS ITS EYE ON THE COMMUNITY'S FUTURE

If left to their own devices, a strategic planning committee would create a visitor and cultural center for Cape Girardeau near the Mississippi River, offer a river cruise between the city and Ste. Genevieve, strengthen neighborhoods and beautify the city, all while trying to bring new business, develop better infrastructure and provide more accessible transportation to residents.

For months now, Vision 2020 members have been dreaming about what Cape Girardeau could become in the future. The group's Strategic Planning Committee met Wednesday morning at the Osage Community Centre to put those dreams into words.

The group presented a draft of its strategic plan that addressed five key areas -- arts, culture and leisure; community services and enrichment; economic development; education; and transportation and infrastructure.

A final plan will be presented to the City Council in August for approval, and to the community in September.

Vision 2020 will continue the efforts of Vision 2000 beginning in 2001.

Vision 2000 set the tone for future planning and any plan should "reflect what we have done and truly be the community's plan," said Kathy Swan, chairman of the Vision 2020 steering committee.

In developing its plan for arts and the region's cultural heritage, people need to know what events are available before trying to create new activities. "We have to know what's developed so that we know how best to promote it," said Chuck Stotz, who served on the arts and leisure subcommittee.

Cape Girardeau needs to nurture its cultural heritage, he added. "We could have a festival a week if we wanted to." But groups needs to talk to one another so that everyone is aware of the activities being planned. The committee suggested a comprehensive calendar of events that visitors and residents alike could see to learn about events.

Stotz also said the group discussed building a visitor's center on the riverfront to help develop that area of the city. "We would have had the designs if we would have had an architect to draw up the plans," he said. "We were dreaming and this was getting us really excited."

Getting people involved is an essential part of implementing the Vision 2020 plan. "If we can get the city excited, then we can get people attending," said Nancy Jernigan of the Area Wide United Way.

Public meetings are important, as is making information available through the Internet. Reviewing city services and establishing a volunteer network could help increase awareness of the services available in the community, Jernigan said.

Melvin Gateley, a former city councilman and Vision 2000 member, said if Cape Girardeau is going to progress then its citizens should have a "love affair with their city."

He suggested building community pride by making a showcase of the city. Cape Girardeau should strive for status as an All-American city and continue its beautification efforts. A Vision 2000 rose garden is already being built near the parking lot at City Hall.

City government must be involved in helping develop a comprehensive plan for economic development that addresses business, industry and tourism needs, said John Mehner with the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Cape Girardeau's location should "give us an edge for economic development," he said. "We need to be a strong option and viable for new projects."

Along with business growth, education must meet the developing needs of the community. Education should offer a broad variety of resources for all ages, as well as providing a safe environment and facilities for learning. Vision 2000 goals had previously looked at literacy issues and the focus now has been on the community and its schools, said Bob Hunt, a committee member.