Controlled growth

With construction of a new I-55 interchange between Cape Girardeau and Jackson underway, both cities are looking at future development near the interchange.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen is looking at land-use policies along East Main Street. The Cape Girardeau City Council is looking at annexation and controlled development on the east side of the interchange.

For Cape Girardeau, expansion is pretty much limited to northward growth. City official say they would like to have orderly development in areas that are likely to be annexed.

State statutes provide for the city to have planning and zoning oversight of areas up to two miles beyond the city limits. Such oversight would require the approval of the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

The county last tried to develop planning and zoning in unincorporated areas in 2000, resulting in an overwhelming defeat. County officials are still reluctant to raise the issue. Some fear the debate will heat up again.

Orderly development is important for a lot of reasons. Many county residents who have homes in the county, especially in heavily developed unincorporated areas, would like P&Z protection.

It's time for the city and county to take a serious look at ways they can cooperatively guide the growth that is sure to occur along I-55 to the north.