[StBernard] Pascagoula plan due tonight

[Westley Annis]

Posted on Tue, Apr. 18, 2006   
Pascagoula plan due tonight

By MARGARET BAKER
margaretbaker1 at aol.com

PASCAGOULA - After months of research, the city's grass-roots organization
dubbed the Renaissance Commission has completed its work and plans to
present its post-Katrina development proposals to city leaders tonight.

"At the outset of this task, I promised to deliver to the City Council a
plan of action that would provide a map of where our citizens wanted
Pascagoula to go," Frank Corder, Renaissance Commission chairman, said
Monday. "I feel the commission has done just that."

The commission is touting riverfront development, with mixed-use areas that
would allow for small businesses, eateries and shops to build on the
riverfront.

Over the past several months, residents have met with commission members to
offer their ideas for neighborhood revitalization, zoning, recreation and
tourism, economic development and business, neighborhood zoning, social
needs and other waterfront development.

The proposal is expected to also include plans for more boat slips and a new
marina along with other suggestions for such things as a new
community/senior citizens center that would also act as the base of
emergency operations in the event of another hurricane.

The city used to use City Hall as their emergency operations center but they
hope to work out of the new center in future storms.

Corder said commission members relied on suggestions and ideas from several
public forums to help with the redevelopment proposal.

Among the major concerns in the city, one is the need now for affordable and
low-income housing.

Other ideas:

. Have casinos at Singing River Island.

. Make Beach Boulevard a one-way street to promote more walking and biking.

. Provide public transit.

Corder said he expects tonight's presentation will better explain
recommendations under consideration for future development.

"The report being given to the City Council Tuesday evening is one that the
commission feels should be adopted and implemented in its entirety," Corder
said.

Tuesday's meeting is at 6 p.m. at Pascagoula City Hall on Watts Avenue.