Cell tower important to downtown Cape Girardeau

Editor's note: The author of this guest column owns property where the proposed cell tower could be located.

It seems every time something that will have a positive impact on the city of Cape Girardeau comes our way, a small percentage of negative citizens creates major obstacles for advancement. The Show Me Center, River Campus and casino are examples of facilities that met major opposition before finally being supported.

I would like to address the proposed cell tower at 418 William St. in downtown Cape Girardeau. While this cell tower is not on the major scale such as the previously mentioned facilities, the proposed cell tower will benefit businesses, citizens, emergency personnel and visitors to downtown Cape Girardeau.

It is common knowledge that cell service in downtown Cape Girardeau is very poor and often nonexistent. The lack of cell service often is a deterrent for business people and families to eat or shop in downtown Cape Girardeau for fear of missing an important call or an emergency call from a loved one. Perhaps those against the proposed tower have not considered the outcome of a serious accident in downtown Cape Girardeau, when seconds matter, and not having the ability to call 911.

The proposed cell tower at 418 William St. not only will benefit the downtown area, but also will benefit the River Campus on Morgan Oak Street, the potential minor league ballpark south on Highway 74, as well as business and residents in the Good Hope and William Street areas. The federal courthouse and city hall also would receive better call service. Great strides have been accomplished in improving the downtown area. The addition of the proposed cell tower is a move in the right direction.

I understand some individuals are opposed to the proposed tower being in the historical section of downtown Cape Girardeau and fear the proximity to a church and school. Currently towers are placed in proximity to existing churches and schools. Central Middle School and Junior High School, between Clark Street and Caruthers Street, have a tower approximately one block away. The day care on Spring Street is closer to the tower than the schools. There also are towers located on Cape Rock Drive by the Good Shepard Lutheran Church, as well as Cherokee Park and in the middle of several other neighborhoods.

The opposition claims the proposed tower will lower property values and will be an eyesore. The proposed cell tower can be only a positive addition to the area. How can a beautiful lighted flagpole with the Missouri state flag or majestic American flag, which represents every piece of history, waving proudly over a historical district that was the foundation of our community, decrease property values or be an eyesore? Most residents would be proud to have the ultimate symbol of our freedom flying in their neighborhood in this fashion.

One of the criteria business owners consider when locating their business is good cell service. Homeowners and renters want to live in an area that provides reliable cell service. Currently, one of every three homes in the state of Missouri does not have a landline. The revitalization of the downtown area and expansion of the new dorm for SEMO by the River Campus will increase the desire to relocate to the downtown area. However, reliable, up-to-date cell service will be a determining factor for many.

I encourage the city council to follow the Planning and Zoning Committee, which voted seven in favor and zero against, to approve the proposed cell tower at 418 William St. Hopefully the city council also has the vision and need of the future in mind and will vote to pass the tower. This tower is vital to the continued growth of the downtown area. We, as a community, need to continue to move forward or forever fall behind.

John A. Heuer is a Cape Girardeau resident.