We have an exciting month ahead as the city moves forward with construction of a greenhouse, installation of paving stones at the new Crosby Commons entrance, the overlay of Highland Parkway, lighting project on Highway 43 North, and the overlay of Memorial Boulevard.

The city’s first greenhouse measures 20 feet by 54 feet. The framework was donated by the Mississippi Power Company. The 13-foot high wall will enable the city to install up to 81 hanging baskets. The 24 greenhouse tables were built from re-purposed wood pallets left over from other projects and will enable 5,000 bedding plants to be grown. The foundation, polycarbonate panels, construction material, ventilation fans and heaters, are all being funded by the sale of surplus equipment and scrap metal sales. The city will continue to partnership with the Pearl River County School District’s agriculture program and the flowers they grow for us. We will have a larger production at a lower cost as we strive to be totally dependent on annual flowers produced by these two programs. The Public Works Department landscape crew is responsible for growing, maintaining and planting flowers seasonally.

The city of Picayune Beautification Program was created to help maintain a vibrant, healthy and attractive city. The beautification program helps to enhance the quality of life for the people of Picayune and offers a pleasurable experience for visitors. We express our thanks to Dr. Ed Pinero Jr. and the City Council for their ongoing support of our beautification program.

We are nearing completion of the entrance to the new Crosby Commons Park this week. The paving stone, brick columns, and gas lights will soon make a grand entrance for our newest city park.

The arched Crosby Commons sign will be installed on top of the brick columns by the end of next week. We are preparing for a historical dedication the first week in June, whereby, we will install our first history marker and dedication plaque.

Huey Stockstill Inc. mobilized their equipment this week to complete the remaining portion of Highland Parkway for Cooper Company Incorporated. There is approximately 2,500 feet of the parkway that remains to be completed.

They will spend the remaining portion of the week mixing, shaping, and compacting the subgrade. Hot mix asphalt will start being placed sometime next week and will probably take a month or so to complete.

I am proud to announce at the City Council meeting held Tuesday, May 5, 2015, our city leaders approved moving forward the lighting project on Highway 43 North and the Memorial Boulevard overlay project. The Highway 43 North project will have 22 black aluminum poles with double arms installed from Highland Parkway to Claiborne Hill. Memorial Boulevard will be overlaid from approximately Waffle House to just east of Hardees. Construction is expected to begin no later than August.

By Jim Luke.