Cape P&Z recommends special-use permit for shop

The city should grant a special-use permit for a motorcycle shop in a Cape Girardeau neighborhood of duplexes, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended Wednesday.

Commissioners suggested the permit allow the shop owner, Agan Alkan, to have a small, unlit business sign.

The commission recommended the permit after rejecting Alkan's request to rezone his duplex at 2605-2607 Themis St. from an R-3, two-family residential district, to a C-2, general commercial district.

Commissioners said they didn't mind Alkan operating a one-man shop to refurbish and sell motorcycles, but they wanted to retain the residential quality of the neighborhood.

Alkan, who has operated a motorcycle business for several years, said he had requested the rezoning to meet state regulations. But he said a special-use permit would work just as well.

Neighbors said they had no complaints with Alkan's business.

The city council will make the final decision.