Neighborliness

Unlike the mostly homogeneous neighborhoods to be found on Cape Girardeau's north, west and south sides, the city's downtown is home to a diverse group of people who include renters and homeowners, businesses and college students, retirees, single people, families, blacks, whites and Hispanics.

Neighborhood Connections is a new organization aimed at acquainting people who live in the area bounded by Spanish, Sprigg, North and Independence streets. The group's first meeting last week at May Greene Park brought together many who perhaps see each other every day going about their business but don't necessarily know each other.

One of the goals of the group is to set up a neighborhood watch program. Another is to provide information to residents about their rights as tenants and about resources available to them. The group's first business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall at Themis and Fountain streets.

Neighborhood Connections is a positive step toward creating more cohesiveness in one of Cape Girardeau's most vibrant areas.