Events, improvements and economic development were some of the topics discussed at Friday’s Coffee with the Mayor event,
Some of the topics Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero discussed with the crowd of business leaders and community members concerned the Hot Rod Power Tour, when work will begin on Memorial Boulevard and how residential construction is going almost 10 years after Hurricane Katrina.
Pinero said Friday’s visit from participants of the Hot Rod Power Tour is an example of what the city is working towards, regular events that bring people into the city.
As for projects ongoing in the city, Pinero said the water line replacement project is helping the city serve more water with less waste.
Additionally, he said the city has seen sales tax increase over the past four months, which means more people are shopping in Picayune. In an effort to maintain that growth city leaders are working with the state to determine where the sales tax increases are occurring.
Construction of homes has returned to pre-Hurricane Katrina levels, which is a good thing Pinero said. After the storm building boomed, but by too much for the county’s population. So far this year there have been 250 residential permits filed countywide. The average size of these new homes is about 3,500 square feet. Pinero said he remembers one larger home being built that is about 4,600 square feet, heated and cooled.
“These are people who are committing to the area,” Pinero said.
Enforcement of property maintenance ordinances is ongoing. Pinero said this effort is making the city a more attractive place to live.
As for the long awaited work to finish improvements to Memorial Boulevard, City Manager Jim Luke expects that work to begin sometime in September.
Pinero said he’s received some negative feedback concerning the city’s efforts to beautify the area with flowerbeds. But Pinero would like to remind citizens that no taxes were raised to conduct the work and that they are sponsored by a resident or business The plants are raised at Pearl River Central High School. A greenhouse at the city barn will help with that effort. He also said city employees work hard on the beds.
“It’s unfortunate that people take a shot at these ladies,” Pinero said.
An update on efforts to build the splash pad at Friendship Park shows that the group raising funds is close to their goal. Luke said they were able to raise $11,000 from can shakes and an additional $50,000 from a grant. The projected total to build the water attraction is estimated to be $77,000.
“So if anyone wants to jump in with a donation,” Luke said.
A number of young live oaks were planted down Goodyear Boulevard recently. Luke said this year the city will conduct a similar project, but with crape myrtles.
Highland Community Hospital Administrator Mark Stockstill gave an update on the status of the local medical facility. He said their volume is up 10 percent, which is good news.
Holiday Inn Express General Manager Nikhil Ajmera said his business is up as well. He’s noticed a spike in contractors staying at his hotel that work at Stennis Space Center, and when a baseball tournament comes to town all of his rooms are booked.