CITY'S PLAN ON SUBDIVISION ANNEXATION MAKES GOOD SENSE

Cities with vision must look ahead. This is especially true in terms of annexation. Cape Girardeau is considering a new policy that affects subdivision developers outside the city limits. In a nutshell: If developers feel their subdivisions may be annexed into Cape Girardeau down the road, then the subdivision must be developed to city code.

The policy makes sense. It will save the city many headaches when attempting to annex properties with narrow streets or other problems.

If developers don't want to comply, then they must face the fact that the subdivision won't be annexed. That choice is strictly up to the developer, but buyers of homes in that subdivision would need to be informed of the choice.

The proposed policy is strict. It prevents the city from hooking up water and sewer services to any subdivisions outside the city limits unless the developers submit a petition for annexation and agree to build everything to city code. But when it comes to city code, the policy must be clear. A subdivision half-built to city code could leave the city with problems.

For example, poorly paved or narrow streets would have to be rebuilt to accommodate fire engines or garage trucks.

The city would inspect property while it is under construction, just as if it were already in the city.

A subdivision built to city codes would likely be more expensive. But that cost would be passed onto homebuyers anyway. Future annexation plans could be a selling point, along with the fact that homes are built to very strict standards.

Mayor Al Spradling III said his law practice represents several clients who are suing developers over poorly constructed homes outside the city limits. He hasn't had any similar suits within the city.

Annexation means a city must agree to provide not only water and sewers, but such city services as fire, police, trash collection and much more. Oftentimes, it isn't a money-making proposition for a city. The services provided usually cost more than the additional revenues.

In addition to residential growth, the city may also be asked to annex the remainder of the Cape Girardeau County's North Park. Expanding services into the park may help the county attract a future multimillion-dollar Missouri Department of Conservation nature center.

This move seems a win-win situation for both the county and city.

Most cities want to grow -- both with businesses and residential. Growth is seen as an indicator of town quality and a vigorous economy. But growth must be orderly.

It is one thing to make allowances for subdivisions built decades ago. Many have narrower streets. But there's really no excuse for the city to deal with corners cut in construction of brand new subdivisions.

This proposed policy would help ensure that future residential annexation meshes with current building codes.