CITY, CHAMBER RIGHT ON TARGET TO IMPROVE STREET

The curve on North Main Street by the former shoe factory site is more than inconvenient ... it's dangerous. That's why the city of Cape Girardeau is on target with its plan to straighten the stretch.

We urge the project to move ahead as quickly as possible, before the site becomes home to a new industrial prospect. Although it would be good news for Cape Girardeau, a new industry at the site may slow down the street improvement plans. In fact, an improved street could be a real selling point for the land.

This jagged route has long been a problem. A rather large brick building stood in the way of a solution. Now, thanks to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, that building is gone. The factory was donated to the chamber in 1984, and demolition on the 80-year-old structured began in 1987. It was completed this year.

In the near north end of town, Main Street represents more than just a residential link. The street serves as the route for Missouri Highway 177 before it aligns with Big Bend Road farther north.

The city has plans to put the straightening project in next year's budget. Cape Girardeau's budget may not have to bear the costs alone. Since it is a state highway, the city will probably seek state financing to assist with the project.

The chamber may also assist by donating right-of-way for the project, as a better street could increase the property value.

Although the sharp corners have presented a traffic hazard, there have been few serious accidents there. That is due more to luck than planning. North Main makes two 90-degree turns just south of the factory site. It's something the community has lived with for nearly 80 years.

Police officials say the crooked street has been blamed for many "fender-bender" accidents through the years. In the last three months, police have investigated two accidents in which autos struck a building on the northwest corner of the intersection.

There are no specific plans yet for the property, but the chamber hopes to recruit an industrial prospect for the site. That would provide a boost for the local economy. A better street should only make the property more desirable for industrial recruitment. The chamber's board of directors plans to discuss possible uses for the site at this month's retreat.

This crooked street has been a persistent hazard for local drivers and police. Let's move ahead to straighten out the street as soon as possible and relieve an 80-year headache.