After handling a light amount of routine business, Picayune’s City Council fielded complaints about a possible development in the area of North Harvey Avenue.
The concerns focused on dirt work that took place without pulling any permits in the possible development of an apartment complex.
Jack Brans, Jennifer Hagstrom, Keri Walker and James Smith all spoke to the Council about their concerns with work that has already taken place. The work mostly entailed clearing trees and digging out dirt before putting in red clay. They all felt such a development would negatively affect their small neighborhood, which is in a flood zone. In addition to how the development might force floodwaters into other properties they were concerned about the tenants such a developement would bring.
The only plan for the development submitted to the city so far is a feasibility study, City Engineer Vernon Moore said.
Code Enforcement Officer Tom Milar and Planning and Zoning Director Diane Miller both said the developer was issued a stop work order for not filing for the proper permits before conducting work on the site. If the developer continues work under the stop work order, then fines and penalties would be issued, Milar said.
The developer did bring in drawings of what he proposed to see if he was on the right track, but those drawings were not filed, Milar said.
The only time the development would be up for public comment is when the developer asks to combine the parcels involved in the project, Milar said.
When the plans are filed, the city’s site plan review committee will determine if they meet flood zone, drainage and elevation requirements. Site plan review meetings are not open to the public, Milar said.
Walker asked the Council for any help they could provide in stopping the development because she is concerned for the safety of her children and the area. Hagstrom said she owns businesses in the area, and is concerned how the development will affect them.
Milar said that if the developer meets all of the city’s requirements, there is nothing the Council can do to stop the development.
Councilor Tammy Valente said she’s heard the developer intends to build a structure capable of housing 12 families.
No action was taken on the matter.
In other business, the Council approved a motion to grant a special use permit to Johnson Station, located at 112 Elizabeth Street, for the sale of alcoholic beverages less than 5 percent and more than 5 percent alcoholic content by weight.
Councilor Lynn Bogan Bumpers also took a moment to commend a Picayune Police officer for saving her grandchild while off duty. She said the officer stayed with the child while suffering from an apparent heat stroke until medical assistance arrived. She did not know the name of the officer.
Councilor Larry Breland invited the public to an event to be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church on Thursday at 6 p.m. where Picayune Police Officers will perform a skit concerning traffic stops.
Breland also said his son, Lorenzo Breland, will hold his annual school supply giveaway at South Side Elementary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The next council meeting will be held Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.