A good team, a plan, hard work, a vision, and a passion can create something remarkable!
Our Mayor, Dr. Ed Pinero, the City Council, my staff, and I are continuously exploring ways to improve our city.
Recently we have refurbished the signs located at the gateways to our city on Highway 43 North and Memorial Boulevard welcoming folks to our city.
The Highway 43 North lighting project that will illuminate our northern gateway into the city and the Memorial Boulevard Overlay Project at our Southern Gateway is expected to begin construction in January/February time frame.
I am pleased to announce that Highland Common Parkway is moving forward after the developer dealt with many unforeseen challenges.
However the end is now in sight! The curbing contractor has installed approximately 8,400 feet of curb and gutter. The contractor anticipates starting the placement of Hot Mix Asphalt soon after the Thanksgiving Holidays. If you are not familiar with this area, Highland Commons Parkway will connect Highway 43 North to Highway 11 by Highland Community Hospital.
The land will be a blend of a retail/office multi-district development as well as residential.
We expect the existing street lights on Highland Commons Boulevard will be continued to Highway 11 when construction is complete. We thank the Cooper family for this growing development anchored by Highland Community Hospital.
Now let’s move back downtown for some updates; we anticipate construction of 16 additional pavestone parking places on North Main between Goodyear Boulevard and Fourth Street to begin before Thanksgiving and anticipate work being completed by Christmas.
The Cast Iron Gas Main Project is on schedule for completing the project by the end of December or early January.
The Picayune Municipal Airport Hot Mix Asphalt Overlay project is expected to be completed by the end of year.
We foresee the work on the decorative entrance to our new Crosby Commons Park, which includes an ornate sign along with pave stones, to begin around the first of the year and to be completed in approximately ninety days.
In closing, I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve as your City Manager and take this opportunity to wish you and your family a safe and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday.

By Jim Luke