Cape Girardeau council approves rezonings, parking-code change, sidewalk easements and a one-time tax exemption for Sears redevelopment

The Cape Girardeau City Council on April 6 approved a slate of first-reading ordinances and related actions affecting zoning, public infrastructure and a redevelopment incentive.

Rezoning requests: The council approved first-reading ordinances to rezone 539 Olive Street from C-1 and R-4 to R-5 (Bill 26-26) and to rezone 1 North Park Avenue from C-1 to RUMD/RMD (Bill 26-27). City planning staff (Ryan Shrimplin) said the Olive Street site consists of three platted lots plus vacated alley/right-of-way and the owner seeks R-5 to match adjacent high-density developments. For 1 North Park Avenue staff said the property has long been used residentially; banks had been hesitant to finance residential uses under the existing C-1 zoning, and staff recommended rezoning to reflect existing use and permit future special-use commercial requests on a case-by-case basis.

Parking code amendment: Council approved a first-reading ordinance (Bill 26-28) amending surfacing rules to allow gravel or aggregate surfacing for front-yard parking in manufacturing and industrial zoning, subject to dust-control measures, edging/berms and minimum material thickness. Staff said the change follows practices in neighboring communities and is limited to manufacturing/industrial zones, not commercial areas.

Sidewalk project easements: The council approved Bill 26-30 to accept temporary construction easements needed for the Cape Rock Drive sidewalk project (phase from Kings Highway toward Perryville). Staff reported the project has secured 22 easements — 21 donated and one purchased for $406 — and the work is funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for phases 1 and 2. City staff estimated a construction timeline of roughly 6–12 months depending on weather and terrain and said easements allow work into driveways to create ADA-compliant transitions.

Traffic control: Council adopted a first-reading ordinance (Bill 26-31) to establish a yield sign on Pine Hill Spur at the southern intersection with Walden Boulevard. Engineering staff said a traffic study requested by the HOA showed average speeds around 20–23 mph in a posted 30-mph zone and recommended the sign to improve safety; the ordinance enables enforcement.

Redevelopment tax exemption: Council approved Bill 26-32 authorizing taxable industrial revenue bonds and a one-time Chapter 100 sales-tax exemption for construction materials used in the Cape West Plaza (former Sears) redevelopment. Staff described prior council consideration in February and March and estimated the city’s one-time revenue impact at approximately $25,000 for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment; the exemption applies only to construction materials for the defined redevelopment area.

Votes at a glance - Bill 26-26 (rezoning 539 Olive Street to R-5): motion moved and seconded; first reading passed (voice vote; “aye” recorded). - Bill 26-27 (rezoning 1 North Park Avenue to RUMD): first reading passed (voice vote). - Bill 26-28 (parking surfacing amendment): first reading passed (voice vote). - Bill 26-29 (record plat, Thai Emerald Subdivision): first reading passed (voice vote). - Bill 26-30 (Cape Rock Drive temporary construction easements): first reading passed (voice vote). Staff reported 22 easements obtained, 21 donated and 1 purchased for $406; funding via TAP grant; estimated construction 6–12 months. - Bill 26-31 (yield sign at Pine Hill Spur/Walden Boulevard): first reading passed (voice vote). - Bill 26-32 (Cape West Plaza Chapter 100 exemption; IRBs): first reading passed (voice vote). Staff estimated a one-time city revenue impact of roughly $25,000.

Several ordinances received brief technical discussion from council members and staff but were advanced on first reading without recorded roll-call tallies. Where councillors asked for clarification, staff provided background on property assembly, prior zoning history, dust-control and berm standards for gravel parking areas, and easement logistics.

Next steps: These items were advanced on first reading and will return to the council for subsequent consideration according to council rules; the Cape Rock sidewalk project will proceed to bidding and construction activity as easements and seasonal work windows allow.