Cape to re-evaluate Broadway project because of business owners' parking concerns

Cape Girardeau officials will re-evaluate the $3.25 million Broadway corridor project in light of a backlash from business owners who say that the removal of 60 to 70 parking spaces is too financially burdensome to bear.

The decision, made Monday during the Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, could push back the March construction start, said city manager Scott Meyer.

But, at the urging of council members, Meyer said he intended to look at other alternatives for the project that is intended to convert Broadway into a "pedestrian promenade" in time for the year-end opening of Isle of Capri's new $125 million casino.

"But because it's so time-sensitive, in two weeks we're going to have a report that spells out as much of this as we possibly can," Meyer said.

The project wasn't on the council's regular agenda but was discussed during the study session after Dru Reeves of Horizon Screen Printing broached the matter, voicing concerns about what a loss of parking would do to his Broadway business.

"It's hard to say what it's going to cost us," Reeves said. "But anything that is going to inhibit people from doing business with you is going to cost you money."

Reeves said several businesses are alarmed about the plan's call for removing parking from the north side of the street from Pacific to Water streets.

Council member John Voss reported that he had also heard from several business and property owners who felt the project was "being forced down their throats." He said the city needs to revisit the issue to see what other options exist that would not remove some of -- or maybe any -- of the parking.

The project, paid for by voter-approved Transportation Trust Fund dollars, includes street resurfacing, sidewalk replacement and gutter improvements. The streetscape portion is what's causing the opposition because it calls for creating the pedestrian promenade by removing the sidewalks on the north side of the street to create a 15-foot-wide sidewalk for seating areas, trees and pavers.

Other business and property owners have made their worries known, including Bob Bohnsack, who owns five buildings on Broadway, and developer Kenny Pincksten.

Voss said the owners who have contacted him are worried about losing business.

"They are scared in this economy to do anything that would hurt their business," he said.

Council member Kathy Swan agreed.

"We have too many property owners and business owners who do not agree that eliminating spots is a good thing," she said. "Everybody has their own reasons why they don't think it's a good idea."

Voss also said that business owners told him they were never contacted during the information-gathering process, which included letters and public hearings. While he has no doubt city officials attempted to contact business owners, he said he was not sure attempts were "exhaustive."

Voss expects the report from city staff will take a block-by-block look at what business owners would like to see happen. He could get behind the plan, he said, if "virtually 100 percent" of property and business owners are in agreement that it would be good for their business.

He also lamented the lack of a plan. City officials have said they were hopeful that those who are fortunate enough to have parking lots behind their business would allow shared use.

Any good proposal that removes parking, Voss said, should also incorporate cost-effective ways that it could be reversed in the future should the lack of parking hurt business.

He also noted that the city has committed to completing the project in time for Isle's casino opening, creating "scheduling pressures."

But Voss said it was "absolutely" worth taking another look to address concerns.

"Parking has historically been an issue on Broadway in the downtown area," Voss said. "And for us to take 60 to 70 spots with no real plan to replace them is irresponsible."

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO