Master plan for Old Town Cape raises expectations

The next five years could be a riverfront renaissance for downtown Cape Girardeau if plans announced Thursday by Old Town Cape come to fruition.

President Bush is expected to sign within days a federal spending bill that would funnel $1 million to the city's downtown revitalization efforts.

Catherine Dunlap, executive director of Old Town Cape, said the volunteer group is excited about implementing ideas laid out in its 2003 strategic plan announced Thursday night at its annual meeting. But Old Town Cape is waiting to see how much of that federal money actually comes before making any recommendations to the city on spending it.

"There's an energy and a buzz about what's happening downtown and what that money could mean," she said.

City administrator Mike Miller said he isn't aware of any decision to disburse some of that money directly to the organization and also wants to take a wait-and-see approach.

Old Town Cape is a volunteer-driven organization that provides educational and organizational revitalization support to the downtown business district.

Overspent in 2002

While the organization overspent its 2002 budget by more than $1,200, it doesn't plan to cut its total expenses for the coming year in anticipation of neighborhood assistance tax credits through the state. For every $1 donated to Old Town Cape, 50 cents can be claimed as a tax credit. The money donated will be targeted at business recruitment and retention activities. The 2003 budget anticipates $93,840 in spending, nearly double the $48,781.90 spent in 2002.

Old Town Cape unveiled its 2003 strategic plan at its annual dinner meeting held at the Royal N'Orleans. The key points include promoting awareness of the district and its activities, enhancing the physical environment and access to the district, creating a business attraction and retention program, participating in the development of the River Campus, partnering with existing organizations in destination development for the district and taking steps to secure the long-term financial and volunteer health of OTC.

The OTC board developed the plan to complement the downtown area's major upcoming projects: the Marquette Hotel renovation into state offices, the completion of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, the new federal courthouse and the proposed River Campus.

Past president Ted Coalter thanked the more than 70 people attending for their continued support of the downtown economy and then gave framed prints of the "50 Fabulous Features of Old Town Cape" to several area leaders who had given their time and resources to the organization. New president Marsha Toll thanked Coalter for his year of leadership.

Larry and Jean Underberg were awarded the group's Volunteer of the Year award together for their work with promotions and events.

The keynote speaker was Valecia Crisafulli, spokeswoman for the National Trust's Main Street Center, which mentors other downtown revitalization organizations like Old Town Cape. She encouraged those attending to recognize that although downtown "will never be like it was," with big retail department stores, it can have a successful rebirth as the center of dining, arts and entertainment for the city. She provided several tips and trends for business operators to follow on marketing to the aging baby-boomer generation.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160

OBJECTIVES FOR 2003

Old Town Cape announced its seve strategic objectives for 2003 at its annual meeting Thursday.

1. Promote awareness of the district and its activities:

Develop special events and promotions to bring visitors and residents to the district.*

Create a comprehensive calendar of events for Old Town Cape.

Develop signage to create awareness of entertainment and arts venues in the district.*

Ongoing image development.*

2. Enhance physical environment and access to the district:

Implement plan for Fountain Street corridor from new bridge to Riverfront.*

Develop Broadway Corridor to attract foot traffic from the university.

Develop a parking plan for the riverfront and Broadway districts.

Develop financial incentives to improve physical appearance of buildings.*

3. Create a business attraction and retention program:

Develop a resource guide for potential and existing businesses.*

Work with city planning, zoning and inspection to promote historic rehabilitation.*

Develop artist live-in spaces.

Investigate uses of/for old theaters.

4. Actively participate in the development of the River Campus through its board of managers.*

5. Partner with existing organizations in destination development for the district.*

6. Take necessary steps to secure long-term health of OTC, both financially and human capitol.*

7. Partner with other organizations to achieve objectives when possible.*

*Items that are planned for 2003

SOURCE: Old Town Cape