Downtown clock

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the downtown clock on Main and Themis streets in Cape Girardeau. This prominent fixture in historic downtown Cape Girardeau -- paid for by private businesses and not the government -- is a symbol of what can happen when businesses join together in a collaborative effort to enhance the area in which they conduct commerce.

In recent years, many area residents and visitors have wondered why the riverfront area of Cape Girardeau looks so much better than other downtown corridors. One primary reason is that about 30 years ago a Special Business District was created in downtown including Spanish, Main and Water streets and covering Merriwether Street north to Bellevue Street. Property owners within the district voted to assess themselves additional property taxes to fund improvements to the riverfront area. In addition to the clock, projects funded by the district via a private board include maintaining decorative lighting, purchasing benches and planters and improving parking lots.

Discussions are now underway within the downtown to expand the spirit of the Special Business District into a larger Community Improvement District that could help improve Broadway and Sprigg Street, among others, and enhance private services to the entire area through beautification, security, marketing and more. In conjunction with the city's Broadway street and sidewalk improvements via the Transportation Trust Fund and the influx of funds and visitors from Isle of Capri, a Community Improvement District could launch the rejuvenation of a larger downtown area difficult to envision otherwise.

To celebrate the clock and other important projects funded by the Special Business District -- and to serve as a public kickoff of the drive for a Community Improvement District -- a community celebration will take place at 5:30 p.m. today at the intersection of Main and Themis streets. Hot dogs, birthday cake and ice cream will be available for 25 cents each. Special appearances will be made by the town crier and the Jerry Ford Band.

Please join downtown merchants this evening as they celebrate the clock turning 25 -- and the many other improvements to downtown Cape Girardeau -- as a result of businesses banding together for their common good.