Finding solutions

For nearly two years, a group called Neighborhood Connections has been making good on its name. Meeting every other month, the group brings together individuals who live or work in the downtown area along with city officials to discuss ways to address mutual concerns. Recently, the group had its second annual picnic at May Greene Park to strengthen the bonds of the downtown neighborhood.

Several residents attending the picnic said Neighborhood Connections is making a difference. One way is by putting residents and city officials together so they know each other and are willing to communicate freely when problems arise or there are issues that need to be addressed.

Neighborhood Connections "is all about making people feel better when they're in this area," said Cpl. Ike Hammonds of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, who regularly attends the group's meetings.

It's a concept that could work anywhere, not just in the downtown area. Several Neighborhood Connections participants say they would like to see other areas of Cape Girardeau adopt this model to address concerns in those areas.

Anyone interested in pursuing that idea would find a lot of willing downtown residents ready to help.