LETTERS; OPPORTUNITIES FOR 'GRAND VISTAS' OF THE RIVER

To the editor:

I endorse Mayor Al Spradling III's suggestion that a part of the old Mississippi River bridge be retained in order to provide a good view of the river. The Missourian has noted in the past that seeing the river is important to both visitors and residents, and the Missourian's lead editorial Sept. 7 correctly noted that the city is "sorely lacking" in "grand vistas of the river."

Although the Corps of Engineers will probably insist on removal of the pier in the center of the river, the pier on the west bank poses no risk to navigation. That pier offers an excellent site for a viewing platform. Surely the city can create a pedestrian walkway to such a platform that will eliminate most if not all the concerns of residents of the area, the railroad and the users of Aquamsi Street.

The debate over creating grand vistas should include two other improvements. The easy one is Cape Rock Park. The city is fortunate to have that park and its excellent view of the river. That window, however, could be improved by widening it. Removing a few -- at least two -- large trees on the north edge of the window and removing many small trees on the south edge of the window would improve the view substantially.

A more expensive project, but one that should be considered, is the development of a downtown vest-pocket park on Main Street opposite the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau office. All the high ground north of Broadway from approximately 60 feet north of Broadway to the old Sinclair terminal building could be incorporated into the park. That high ground could be extended eastward by filling in the low ground, leaving only enough space between the park and the floodwall for the railroad and Water Street. The top of the floodwall could then be a base for a viewing platform with a protected pedestrian walk from the park to the platform.

CHARLES G. STALON

Cape Girardeau