Broadway project

City leaders are preparing a $3.85 million project to improve the Broadway corridor in downtown Cape Girardeau. The project, which will cover a 3,500-foot stretch from Pacific to Water streets, is an endeavor made possible by $2.85 million from the voter-approved Transportation Trust Fund and $1 million from the proceeds from the city's land sale to Isle of Capri Casinos. Construction is slated to start this fall.

The TTF component will go toward resurfacing the roadway and replacing sidewalks, curbs and gutters, similar to how TTF funds have been used elsewhere in the city. Overhead utility lines will also be relocated. The apportioned proceeds from the Isle of Capri land sale, which were earmarked as part of the development negotiations between the casino and the city, will go toward streetscape. This includes landscape design, intersection improvements, parking possibilities and designs for the alleyways.

Tomorrow night the public is invited to comment on two possible schematics for the streetscape. An open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 235 Broadway.

At the Cape Girardeau Chamber's First Friday coffee last week, Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills encouraged the public to attend the open house -- which will not include a formal presentation -- and provide feedback as the city makes a final decision.

Meanwhile, in part the result of positive trends in the area like the street project and casino development, private developers continue to make steady improvement to buildings along the route. This week, local developer Kenny Pincksten and his company, Pincksten's Prestige Development Co., plan to begin work on what he calls the "ugliest building on Broadway," the dilapidated but historical structure at the southeast corner of Broadway and Sprigg streets. Pincksten told this newspaper: "Hopefully, it will be a catalyst for someone to buy the second ugliest on Broadway and fix it up and then somebody to buy the third ugliest. I'm hoping this could be the trigger to get things rolling."

Downtown Cape Girardeau is facing many challenges, and sections of the current Broadway corridor are heart-wrenching eyesores. Ultimately, it will take current owners, new developers and visionary entrepreneurs to turn the area totally around. But core infrastructure helps set the tone for private investment. The city's plans for street, light and sidewalk improvements will affect the identity of the community for a long time. To have your say or just to become better informed, consider stopping at the open house Tuesday.