A grand entrance

It's good when a city appeals to major businesses enough that those businesses choose to make a sizable investment in the community. And it's good when new corporate residents look for ways to help the community grow and prosper.

Both of those aims were addressed in an agreement between the city of Cape Girardeau and Sears that resulted in the construction of the Sears Grand store on Siemers Drive. That store is about ready to open, and passers-by can already see that this will be another major addition to Cape Girardeau's thriving retail sector.

Any community interested in attracting business and industrial development is prepared to help with the infrastructure needs and to make the decision as attractive as possible. In working with Sears, Cape Girardeau received a commitment for financial assistance with landscaping for the busiest Interstate 55 interchange in the city, the William Street-Route K intersection that moves traffic to and from Cape's predominant shopping, hotel and restaurant area on both sides of the interstate.

Travelers who have been along Interstate 270 in St. Louis and other similar routes in metropolitan areas are aware of how attractive good landscaping can be along high-volume traffic areas. Mayor Jay Knudtson is particularly proud of the city-Sears Grand agreement, because it adds a major landscaping component to one of the city's main entrances.

It is good to consider the possibilities that exist for future upgrades along I-55 in Cape Girardeau. The new interchange planned between Jackson and Cape Girardeau north of Center Junction is another area this has the potential to be as aesthetically appealing as it is likely to be to future developers.