Cape Girardeau business owners and residents came out to voice concerns and gain more information on the Broadway Corridor Enhancement Project at a public forum Monday night at the Discovery Playhouse.

The forum was led by Cape Girardeau city officials along with representatives from Horner and Shifrin Inc. and SWT Design, both of St. Louis.

The project will cover the area from Pacific to Water streets and includes an overlay of existing roadways, relocating utility lines, adding decorative streetscape elements and removing and replacing sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

Jim Wolterman of SWT Design said some of the main goals of the project would be to increase the number of visitors and residents in downtown, improve the corridors in the allotted project area and enhance the aesthetic and physical environment.

He said he considers this first step of understanding the needs and wants of business owners and residents, to be the most vital part of the project process.

"It is so important for us to understand what is important to you," he told the group of about 30 people. "We're here to bring your ideas, your visions to the streets of Cape."

Business owners and residents of Cape Girardeau shared their concerns of the project with city and project officials at the forum.

Linda Langlois, owner of Bellevue Bed and Breakfast of Cape Girardeau, said she has concerns with what she called "putting the cart before the horse," such as investing time and money in the aesthetic needs before the needs of many deteriorating building facades in the project area.

"We all know we have buildings that are not being maintained," she said. "I think if there are not regulations regarding the maintenance and care and beautification of buildings ... I think that maybe it's throwing good money after bad."

She said that if repairing building facades would come after the completion of the project, it could cause problems with the use of scaffolding and the new landscape and signage.

"That's why I'm just wondering if maybe there can't be some system in place to encourage these property owners to really care for their properties, and if not, are there fines? I think it's OK to have codes and regulations," she said.

Resident Bob Herbst said although he was in favor of the project, he still had concerns about the continuation of funds for upkeep of the project.

"I hope the built-in plans going forward, that there is regular maintenance, and it will be affordable for the next 10, 15, 20 years so the project remains viable," he said.

City engineer Kelly Green addressed the questions and concerns.

"I really think that if we build this infrastructure, this beautiful, landscaped roadway, people will feel better about their businesses and maybe take some more pride in it and maybe try to find some ways to improve their businesses," Green said.

She said she has had many conversations with the city manager about continued available funding and that any infrastructure the city adds must continue to be accommodated.

Attendees of the forum also participated in a workshop, allowing them to give their input of ideas and solutions for the project. Some of the ideas include building parking structures or having block-by-block parking areas, a biking lane off of the sidewalk, defining crosswalks, having art sculptures and green space scattered throughout the designated area and making Broadway a one-way street.

The project is a total of $3.85 million. The Transportation Trust Fund 4 tax provides $2.85 million, and the city received the remaining $1 million from Isle of Capri in exchange for city owned property that is now part of the casino site.

Green said the city plans to begin accepting bids late this year and to start the construction in early 2012. Completion of the project is projected for October 2012.

The next public meeting is planned for July. The date has yet to be announced.

rrolwing@semissourian.com

388-3654

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO