Planning and zoning rejects rezoning request

Cape Girardeau's Planning and Zoning Commission turned down the request of a developer to rezone property at 1629 Kingsway Drive after neighbors objected at Wednesday night's meeting at city hall.

Rhodes Real Estate Partners had requested the rezoning of the tract of land which has a dilapidated home on it. The developer wants to tear down the house, construct a private drive to serve an adjacent Rhodes 101 Stop convenience store that fronts on North Kingshighway, construct a building to house Rhodes 101 corporate offices and provide parking.

But neighbors objected and the commission recommended the city council deny the request to rezone the property from residential to commercial.

The vote was 7-2 with only commissioners Scott Rhodes and Raymond Buhs voting for it.

"I am afraid this is going to devalue my property," said Bill Bolton who lives at 1617 N. Kingsway, next to the proposed development. Bolton said his property already is bordered on one side by a city fire station. He said he doesn't want to be sandwiched in by an office building on the other side.

Mary Steinhoff, who has lived at 1618 N. Kingsway for 47 years, opposes the development. "We have enough traffic on that street already," she told commissioners.

In other action, the commission:

Turned down a request for a special use permit for a small engine repair shop at 1335 Westhill Drive, citing its concerns about traffic and allowing a business in a residential neighborhood.

Recommended approval of a special use permit for a lighted pole sign for an insurance business at 1925 William St.

Recommended approval of a special use permit for a child care facility at 818 S. Sprigg St. in a residential zone subject to parking restrictions.

Recommended approval of a special use permit for St. Francis Medical Center to build a four-story Health and Wellness Center at 150 S. Mount Auburn Road.

Recommended approval of record plats for several subdivisions.

Recommended approval of ordinance amendments regarding the city's Board of Adjustment.