PROCEED WITH CAUTION ON CITY'S HISTORY

Cape Girardeau's historical roots are deep. The city's history stretches back to long before the founding of this nation. It's location on the interior superhighway of nearly three centuries ago -- the Mississippi River -- has given it prominence.

There is, however, no organized effort to preserve the city's history. While several prominently historic properties have been rejuvenated, much of the city's historic buildings and places have vanished over time. Even what is reputed to be the oldest structure in Cape Girardeau -- a log cabin found encased by a newer structure a couple of years ago -- is on the city's list of properties to be demolished.

It is no wonder, then, that city's Historic Preservation Commission is looking for ways to incorporate pieces of history into the fabric of Cape Girardeau's future. The group has hired a consultant from Nashville, thanks to a state grant, to develop a plan for historic preservation. Part of the effort will be to identify structures and neighborhoods that have historic significance. Another part of the plan will be to create a blueprint for preservation in the form of ordinances and formal plans for historic districts.

A word of caution: These efforts do not usually occur gently in most communities. The main reason is that property owners have rights, and many property owners see historic preservation schemes as an erosion of those rights in far too many cases. Sometimes this is because overzealous preservationists fail to consider individual property owners, preferring to focus on the Big Picture of sweeping projects that rarely have enough financial support to make them a reality.

Many Cape Girardeans will recall efforts of a few years ago when attempts to impose preservation standards fizzled in the face of community concerns. As with too many such schemes, that one was viewed as being top-heavy with rules and regulations to the point of strangling the rights of homeowners who happened to live in an old house or an old area of town.

Under current city ordinances, the formation of any historic district would require the approval of 75 percent of the property owners. The problem is that up to 25 percent of those owners could be forced into a district against their wills. And if the rules and regulations of such a district were particularly strict, even those who voted against the district would have to abide by them.

Unless, that is, participation in any historic preservation plan is strictly voluntary. In that case, Cape Girardeau already has the underpinnings of a pretty good plan. There are many property owners who have, on their own, seen some benefit in restoring old houses or commercial buildings. Their efforts could be enhanced by a plan that would encourage others to do likewise -- but without mandating their participation.

The first steps, which are included in the work to be done by the consultant, are to identify what there is of history that should be preserved. This should provide interesting information. Beyond that, the Historic Preservation Commission has an obligation to tread lightly and listen to those who raise concerns along the way. So far there has been no general appeal from property owners -- including at the recent public meeting with the consultant -- for an elaborate and possibly onerous historic preservation program.

The city has many opportunities for capitalizing on its rich history. In the end, however, much of any success in such an endeavor will come down to just one thing: money. And whose money? Taxpayers, or private individuals and groups? These are among the key points that must be kept uppermost as plans progress.