Council approves rezoning of three downtown parcels to Central Business District to allow national-chain development

At a Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, the council approved first reading of Bill 2,595 to rezone three parcels at 538 and 542 South Ellis Street and 549 South Sprigg Street from R-3 (high-density single-family residential) and C-1 (general commercial) to CBD (Central Business District).

City staff presented the request as a single rezoning to allow a proposed commercial development to occupy the full lot. "This area has some of the lowest median income and highest poverty rates in the city. It has been designated a food desert by the U.S. Department of Agriculture," staff said, noting the project is a national chain and "will be a good addition to the corner of the entrance into the city." Staff also said the applicant had requested vacation of an alley that runs through the property and that rezoning was a condition needed for the developer to proceed.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 13, 2025, by a vote of 7 in favor, 0 opposed and 1 abstention, the city confirmed. Councilmembers moved and seconded approval of Bill 2,595; the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Discussion at the meeting identified the rezoning as a required step for the developer to move forward, and staff characterized the project as part of efforts to revitalize the entrance to the city off U.S. 74. No members of the public registered to speak on the item at the meeting.

Bill 2,595 was taken up as the first reading and passed by the council; additional approvals (including any alley vacation or site-plan approvals) were discussed as separate steps needed for the development to proceed.