As 2010 U.S. Census nears, Jackson counting on population growth, increase in development

Nearly five decades ago Barbara Lohr and her late husband, Bob, were pondering job offers in several communities, including Jackson and Sikeston, Mo.

For Lohr -- now Jackson's mayor -- the reputation the city had at the time sealed their decision.

While the population has increased by nearly 9,000 residents since their move, Lohr thinks many of the attributes that made the city appealing 45 years ago are still vital to those relocating to the community of nearly 14,000.

"We chose Jackson because of the small-town atmosphere, the excellent school system and the safe and secure environment for raising our children," Lohr said. "People are still choosing Jackson for the same reasons. Naturally, I am exceptionally proud of this growth and the recognition we received for being a great place to live.

"I think the same pride is evident among all our citizens."

Since the last U.S. Census count was taken, Jackson's population has increased 15 percent from 11,947 in 2000 to 13,744 in 2008. City leaders think that number will top 14,000 when Census workers complete their count next year.

Unlike Cape Girardeau, Jackson does not have a Census count committee established for this year. Lohr said the city plans to place a reminder in monthly utility bills remind residents to fill out Census forms.

Richard Kramer, with the Jackson building and planning division along with two city building inspectors, traveled door-to-door verifying addresses of residents for three months earlier this year. Kramer said the data will now be used by the Census Bureau when wrapping up a final count for the 2010 Census.

Not only has Jackson grown in population since 1960, but also in acreage.

In 1960, Jackson had 4,875 residents and spanned 1,430 acres. As the years passed, the city expanded in all directions, using voluntary annexations as a main mechanism for growth. The city now covers 7,046 acres.

City officials think one area poised for substantial growth is between Center Junction and East Main Street. The city hopes to finish annexation of a small portion of land to extend an unfinished part of South Old Orchard Road to East Main Street. Construction on the $1.2 million project is expected to begin in 2010. Much of that project was funded through transportation sales taxes.

Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Brian Gerau points to recent activity in the area as a sign of things to come. Comfort Suites opened in March and the law firm of Lichtenegger, Weiss & Fetterhoff broke ground that month for its new office building at 2480 E. Main St. The new building will house the law practice on the second floor with rental space for up to four tenants on the first floor.

"In real estate, it's all about location," Gerau said. "We're poised for growth in that area. I believe the law firm's relocation in the area will encourage other businesses to set up shop there. In the not so near future, we could see a couple of restaurants out there."

Mitch Robinson, executive director of Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET, thinks that in addition to East Main Street, other areas poised to see business development includes U.S. 61 between Route D and Interstate 55 and Uptown Jackson.

"What national retail businesses look at is rooftops," Robinson said of Jackson, which has about 8,000 residential structures. "They look at how many people live in a certain geographic radius of the potential business location. Due to the connectivity of the Cape-Jackson-Scott City area we have to look at what occurs outside of Jackson as well.

"What Procter & Gamble, Nordenia USA, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Missouri State University and many others outside the area do impacts the level of growth in Jackson. ... These jobs help to generate sales tax dollars within the community, which funds both city and county government and services."

Robinson said a community's school system and population are two key factors companies consider when relocating or expanding.

According to Dr. Rita Fisher, assistant superintendent of Jackson Schools, the district's student population has grown from 4,339 in 1999 to 4,614 today. Fisher said the district will continue to look at ways to solve overcrowding in the future, such as the current construction project of its high school. A new kitchen and commons area, music facilities, arts room, a vocational and agriculture building and event complex were completed before the school year began. Construction on the second phase -- which will include space for music, shop, journalism, business and foreign language classrooms -- was begun last week.

The city also will continue to make improvements. Looking ahead, city administrator Jim Roach said future projects include a new fire station in the area near East Main Street and South Old Orchard Road, which would be funded by a tax increase that residents could vote on in 2010.

"So we won't grow at a pace too quickly we'll make sure the city's infrastructure is adequately maintained," Roach said. "Once the economy turns around, I think you'll see more businesses and a few restaurants come to that area. ... We'll do our best to grow, but do so wisely."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

2904 Old Orchard Road, Jackson, MO

Jackson population trends in last 50 years

2008: 13,744 +15 percent

2000: 11,947 +29.1 percent

1990: 9,256 +18.3 percent

1980: 7,827 +32.8 percent

1970: 5,896 +20.9 percent

1960: 4,875 +31.5 percent

Jackson acreage

1962: 1,430 acres

1970: 2,087 acres

1990: 5,491 acres

2000: 6,720 acres

2008: 7,046 acres