LETTERS: NEED ASSURANCES ON RIVER CAMPUS

To the editor:

I have been following with keen interest the conversion of the former seminary in Cape Girardeau for Southeast Missouri State University's performing arts programs. I am also a huge fan of B.W. Harrison, and his long history with the university and local historic preservation are to be applauded. I am, however, incredibly frustrated at SEMO's lack of information on the matter. They are not getting my tax vote until specific items are addressed.

I have asked if the university's plans for the grounds are in line with Mr. Harrison's intentions. Mr. Harrison was very specific about maintaining the integrity of the buildings and grounds for future generations. I have specifically asked about our state champion beech tree and was told "we will try" to save it. I am sorry for the frankness here, but I would like an honest answer. Will it be saved or won't it? The recent drawing of the new campus in the Southeast Missourian appears to have a building sitting directly where the tree stands today. If plans are to bulldoze the grounds and start fresh, just say so.

The university has stated it will leave the exterior of the buildings intact from a "historic preservation" standpoint. I am skeptical about the school's sudden interest in local history when it refuses to submit its own Academic Hall for National Register status.

I would also be interested in what stand our own Historic Preservation Commission in Cape Girardeau has taken on the proposed River Campus.

In addition, no one has addressed the fate of the massive memorial windows in the 1871 chapel. What about the brick fireplace in the 1843 building? There are some very special bricks with the staff names for each academic year. Will they be donated back to the Vincentian archives in Perryville, or will they be lost when the interior renovation is started? What about the hand-pressed red bricks in the bell tower in which the students carved their names, and the main staircase which was permanently misaligned by the explosion of the steamer Sea Bird?

I am not trying to be unreasonable in leaving as much of the building intact as possible. I fully understand the dilemma with asbestos control and new wiring. These were issues the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation had to seriously consider.

I would like to be an informed voter, but I can't obtain adequate answers to my questions.

Has anyone addressed the parking issue? I haven't seen anything directly stating where the downtown access ramp will be.

I understand SEMO is also seriously looking at the Vincentian property in Perryville for an extended campus. How do they propose to finance an additional campus? If the university plans on passing an additional tax item to the voters, then it needs to get its public relations department moving and start answering questions. They're not getting my vote until they do so.

DIANA STEELE-BRYANT

Cape Girardeau