City Projects Update

     Over the past few months, many things have been happening around our great city that affect not only Ward 4 but the entire city as a whole.  Funding sources and time constraints are always a factor.  When and where funds are appropriated either by the City Council, by the state or federal government, or by requirement through programs and grants such the Community Development Block Grant program or some other grantor plays a huge role in how and when projects of all shapes and sizes get off the paper and into the ground.  Fortunately your city staff is made up of dedicated, qualified individuals who know how to budget, plan, and handle such requirements.  And we're jumping through all of these hoops and dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" to ensure that what we are doing now will withstand the trials that will come in the future and that will be the building blocks of Pascagoula's greatness tomorrow. So if you will indulge me, I would like to update you on a few projects that may be of interest to you and yours:

-  Belair Shopping Center - The city is in negotiations with the property owner in hopes of remedying the problems located on the site in a much more timely manner than has been the case in the past.  Since it is in litigation, what I can say about the negotiations is limited, but please know that this is of the utmost importance not only to me since it is in our Ward (Ward 4) but to the entire City Council.  It is my intent to treat all of the property owners in Pascagoula in a manner that is respectful, while enforcing the ordinances and policies that keep our city beautiful. 

-  Street Paving - Within the last few months, Ward 4 has seen approximately 12 streets repaved and others are on the way.  Keeping our streets free of potholes and other bumps which damage our automobiles is a must.  If you notice any of these bumps and would like to pass along their location, please feel free to let me know.

-  Sidewalks - Perhaps you have noticed many of the sidewalks in Ward 4 being cleaned and/or repaired as of late; if so then thank the city's Public Works Department.  Through their efforts our sidewalks are returning to a reasonable alternative for meandering through our city that are free of hazards and debris.  Plus, it looks very attractive when you drive by and see a nicely manicured sidewalk.

-  Drainage - The city's drainage has been and will continue to be an issue for many years to come unfortunately.  The sheer volume of projects that exist coupled with the lack of funds that are available for these upgrades just doesn't add up.  Please do not misunderstand me though - drainage is any issue I and the rest of the City Council along with the city staff feel very strongly about and work diligently to correct and repair as the funds come available.  Streets such as Oliver, Belair, 10th, and King all have major issues.  Some of the issues deal with the curbing, some deal with caving in drains, while other problems are due to the growth of trees and bushes which block what would be normal drainage ways.  When I've thought I had them all listed and notated, another drainage issue comes up.  Please know that the city crews are working diligently all across the city to remedy these issues in a timely manner as the funds are available. 

-  Blighted Properties and Clean Up - One of the most costly and time consuming tasks that the city staff faces everyday is dealing with blighted properties and working to have them cleaned up in a timely manner.  There are pages and pages of these properties that have either been allowed to slowly worsen or that were effected by Katrina.  Code enforcement officials are working diligently to address each and every issue in this regard.  For the City Council to take action on a property there is a process that must be followed by law and even then the funds must be available to either have the blighted property cleaned or torn down.  I and my colleagues on the council understand the detriment that such eyesores are on our city and we are serious about cleaning these areas up.  I ask for your patience as we continue to work on these areas.

-  Tax Assessments - Hopefully you were sitting down when you received your new county tax assessment in the mail.  I'm sure you noticed the increase and most I've run across have been quite substantial, some upwards of 25 - 30% higher.  This is a dilemma which will soon hit the City Council as we begin our fiscal budget process.  Please know that I am committed to doing all that I can to keep your tax burden down while being prudent and realistic as it comes to the increased cost of doing business in today's economy.  As it currently stands and after much thought based on very preliminary discussions I am hopeful that we will be able to lower the millage rate slightly in an effort to offset your increased cost while maintaining the needs of the city.  Please know that this is premature as it stands but that I am aware of your plight and will be diligent in fighting to keep your tax burden down.

-  Waterfront Development - Many of you that I have seen are excited about the plans to extend the current sand beach towards The Point.  Not only will this provide a further buffer zone in the unfortunate event of a storm but it will also provide our citizens and those who visit here one more recreational area where we all can enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.  Along the east riverfront, the plan is in place and is being worked to create a whole new footprint.  Soon you will see dilapidated buildings coming down and new streetscapes going up.  By changing this area's appearance and makeup and by diversifying our tax base we will all benefit from the good that will be done there. 

-  Recreational Areas - Pascagoula is blessed to have 23 separate and unique parks in our community, but the need to provide more opportunity at those parks is tremendous.  That's why I am excited by the proposed skate park that is in the works, funding for which is starting to flow.  Also the rebuilding of the pier and the proposed new boat launching area are huge helps in providing fishermen, and fisherwomen, and those who just want to enjoy the outdoors opportunities do to just that.  The acquisition of the pond and playground areas on Chicot just south of I.G. Levy Park is also a win-win for our community.  And if you haven't tried the splash pad at Beach Park yet you're missing a treat.  Also, don't forget about the 2008 Ozone Dixie Youth World Series that is coming up in July.  Come out and enjoy the opening ceremonies on the 25th of July and then stay and watch some good baseball as we cheer on our own hometown team.

-  New Businesses - Pascagoula has been fortunate over the past three years since Katrina to see a rise in new, unique small businesses and restaurants.  Take a stroll through historic downtown or cruise down Market Street and you'll see what I mean.  I want to urge you to support these businesses.  Shop at home.  Eat at in town.  Help us raise the demographics in our area so other businesses and chains will want to come and enjoy Pascagoula as well.  We have to support what we have to ever have a chance to get more.

These are only a few areas of concern and interest I thought you would appreciate an update on.  If there are other issues or items that I could help clarify and speak to I would be glad to do so.  Simply contact me from this site via email or comment submission or call me anytime. 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and I look forward to seeing each of you around town soon.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman Ward 4