Sidewalk-plan meeting draws crowd as stakeholders consider design ideas

A follow-up public meeting Thursday to discuss a downtown sidewalk replacement plan enjoyed equal success to the initial meeting held in September.

The room at the Broadway Federal building at 339 Broadway filled quickly with city leaders, residents and downtown business owners offering their input on the future design of some downtown streets.

The city has an interest in replacing the downtown lights maintained by the special business district. The infrastructure is beneath the sidewalks, which the city also has recognized need attention, so staff determined it was most efficient to combine both projects.

The overall downtown sidewalk project will happen in phases, starting with Water, Main, Spanish and Themis streets.

The first phase is the only one with funding at this time.

About $150,000 in casino revenue set aside for downtown and riverfront area projects and about $800,000 allocated from Transportation Trust Fund 4 will go toward the project.

Project consultants from Horner & Shifrin and SWT Design are working with the city on the plan.

Poster boards with different plan options were set up around the room.

Some showed a "curb option" sidewalk-replacement plan, while others provided renderings of a "flush-pavement option."

The curb option would have a look similar to the existing sidewalks but would include new lighting and additional crosswalks. Consultant Klaus-Dieter Rausch, who also was involved in the Broadway streetscape project, said crosswalks not only provide more safety for pedestrians, but also help slow down traffic.

The flush-pavement option also would feature the new lights and additional crosswalks. There would be no curbs under this plan, with roadside parking delineated by decorative pavement. Safety bollards also would help mark the transition from road to sidewalk.

The decorative pavement would be permeable, which city engineer Casey Brunke said would help absorb some rainfall, although it wouldn't be able to handle a significant downpour. Stormwater structures would be placed underground near the permeable pavement, according to the plan.

Main and Themis streets were the only two in the plan under consideration for the flush-pavement option.

After viewing the plans and speaking with consultants and city staff, attendees were invited to sit down and fill out a comment sheet, noting their likes and dislikes for each plan.

Besides the two sidewalk options, the public had choices to make on the style of light posts and amenities such as trash cans and benches, whether they preferred the traditional or contemporary. They also were asked for input on Water Street parking.

"We're looking at possibly flipping the parking," Brunke said.

Cars parking on Water Street face the floodwall, but if there seems to be enough interest, in the future, they may park facing the businesses on the opposite side. Brunke said that would open up some landscaping potentials and increase visibility for the floodwall mural.

While the immediate focus is on just one part of the downtown area -- the area that has secured funding -- attendees also could view renderings from consultants for a broader downtown place-making plan.

It includes possibilities such as a river overlook, an outdoor plaza and a splash pad.

Darlene Spell said she was excited about the opportunities the plans could bring to downtown once implemented. The pedestrian-friendly sidewalk plans could help spur more activity in the area.

"I like how they have incorporated our input from the first meeting," she said. "I love it. I think this is going to be great for downtown businesses and residents."

Brunke said the next step is to review the comments received Thursday night, create a spreadsheet with the results and begin vetting options with the consultants. Finally, a plan will be presented to the city.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

339 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Broadway and Water Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Broadway and Main Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Broadway and Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.