A proposal to build a 40-unit apartment complex in South Cape Girardeau for elderly and disabled residents was approved Wednesday night by the Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission.

The project would occupy the northeast corner at Linden Street and Parkway Drive and would consist of 10 four-plexes of one and two bedrooms. It would be situated half a block from a similar 44-unit complex, Heritage Manor, built three years ago by the same company, Cape Girardeau Properties II, L.P.

At the public hearing, city officials said no neighbors had complained about the proposal. "The other project turned out well," said commission member Harry Rediger. "We should add that to the area."

Architect Ron Grojean and owner John Maddox said the project could begin in 60 to 90 days and would be completed in six months. The project still must be approved by the Cape Girardeau City Council.

Maddox said the waiting list to get into Heritage Manor led to the decision to build Heritage Manor II.

Grojean also is the architect for a church proposed to be built on the south side of Lexington Avenue west of Flad Avenue. Wednesday night, the P&Z Commission approved a special-use permit for Christ Presbyterian Church and signage in the single-family residential district.

The project originally was approved by the commission in 1991 but was put on hold due to a change of pastors and lack of funding. The P&Z Commission reissued the church's special-use permit Wednesday night.

Grojean said construction is ready to begin if the project is OK'd by the City Council.

The Rev. Art Hunt is the church's pastor.

Both special-use permits received unanimous approval from the commission.

The City council will conduct public hearings on the projects May 3.