SUBDIVISION PLAN EARNS P&Z NOD

A planned residential development for a 24-acre tract of land situated west of Cape Girardeau on Bloomfield Road is another step closer to fruition.

The Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday recommended the city council rezone the tract to allow for a 40-duplex subdivision. The property will formally be annexed into the city next month.

Robert Penrod, who developed a similar subdivision at the corner of Bloomfield and Silver Springs Road, requested the zoning change for the property. He also built seven duplexes on Jessica Drive at Kingsway.

"These duplexes will be similar to those at Penrod Place and will be sold primarily to senior citizens," Penrod said.

Thomas Lett, who owns a nursery adjacent to the tract, told the commissioners that he was in favor of the development but that he wanted Penrod to erect a fence between the subdivision and his property.

"There are a lot of builders in this town that if they had that property and were proposing to build on it, I'd fight it with everything I've got," Lett said. "But actually I don't feel uncomfortable having him build next to me. I'm sure they will be attractive housing units.

"But I don't feel comfortable with those 40 units without a fence next to it."

Lett said that although senior citizens are likely to live in the subdivision, their visiting grandchildren would be tempted to "explore" his property.

"I know children, and I know when they come visiting, they'll go exploring in that nice open area," he said. "I don't want to spend $4,000 to put up a fence when he's going to make money on the houses."

But Tom Holshouser, chairman of the commission, said that with a zoning change, the city is unable to impose such conditions on the developer.

"I think Tom has got a real concern there," said commissioner Cleo Mabrey. "Tom does have a nursery business there, but all we can do is offer you our sympathy."

In other business, the commission tabled a request by a group of residents to rezone 2200 Bloomfield Road from a single-family to a multiple-family residential district for a residential care facility for elderly persons.

Kim Pickle addressed the commission on behalf of her husband, Jeff Pickle, and Emil and Mabel Dewrock, and Peggy St. Cin. The group wants to convert the home at 2200 Bloomfield into a care facility for those elderly who need 24-hour supervision but are able to perform most of their daily activities.

She said the facility would house a total of 11 residents, with one licensed practical nurse for every two or three residents.

But several commissioners said they were concerned that the property might not be large enough to provide ample parking space.

"I have a little concern with the intended use of the property and the space available," said commissioner Harry Rediger. "We could possibly be doing her a disservice by granting it."

Other commissioners suggested that Pickle research state requirements for such facilities and determine if there is sufficient space for additional parking. Pickle said she wasn't opposed to tabling the matter until next month's meeting.

"I don't think anyone's opposed to what you're proposing," said commissioner Tom Mogelnicki. "I just think there's some bases that aren't covered."

The commission also approved record plats for Bean's Tenth Subdivision, Woodland Place Subdivision No. 7, and Cape West Third Subdivision and a preliminary plat for Woodland Place Third Subdivision.