JACKSON CITY COMMENTARY: JACKSON'S GROWTH SHOULD REMAIN ORDERLY

The economy in Jackson continues to be strong as the City of Jackson realized a seven percent increase in sales tax receipts during the 1998 fiscal year. Construction starts remain very good as 119 single family building permits issued in 1998. Commercial building is also on a very strong upswing as Jackson approved a record 21 million plus dollars in total building permits last year. The investment residential and commercial builders are making in Jackson filters down to other business and makes for a very strong local economy.

To ensure that this growth is as orderly as possible the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council in the last year or two have passed updated zoning codes, revised the subdivision building codes and more recently passed a new city comprehensive plan. All these things fit together to help our growth be planned in the best way possible.

While many improvements are being made in Jackson, the financial condition of our city is at its strongest position in history. There must be a good mix between spending and saving for the future. We are very proud of the progress but at the same time are very aware that our strong financial status must be maintained in the future.

The city of Jackson, Cape and Cape County recently passed a inter-governmental agreement that would allow for the interchange at Center Junction (I-55 and Hwy. 61) to be improved several years sooner than MoDot has it scheduled for improvement. This agreement will be presented to MoDot before March 1 and if approved this dangerous intersection could be improved by about 2001-2002. MoDot had it scheduled for improvement in 2006-2007. This agreement is a win-win situation for everyone but most of all for the citizens who travel this route everyday. Stay tuned for MoDot's response.

The Jackson Parks and Recreation Director Shane Anderson has put together long list of activities that will take place in 1999. There will be programs for Jackson citizens of all ages. Call or stop by and see Shane at City Hall for a copy of this years program. Your suggestions for possible future events are welcomed.

The 1998 year end Municipal Court report shows that Jackson has a very low crime rate for very serious and violent crimes. While we are not exempt from such crimes it is a tribute to our community that our citizens and our police department work toward keeping Jackson as safe as possible.

The new Old Cape Road Bridge is now open for local traffic. The needed overlay on the approaches and the bridge itself will be completed as the weather allows this spring.

The council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your suggestions and ideas are always welcomed on how to make Jackson an even better place to live and work.