Poplarville is exploring the option of using a TIF bond to help finance the construction of a $7 million shopping center/grocery store/gas station near Pearl River Community College.

When this project was proposed several months ago—originally announced with a handwritten, then printed, sign on the vacant property—it was unclear what exactly it would entail. The details were kept under wraps until now.

With the announcement of a public hearing on Aug. 15, the plan for “College Square Retail Center” is now officially viewable by the public, although it doesn’t state what stores are interested in the endeavor.

Because this is such a large project, it is being built in two phases.

I can only hope that it gains momentum after the first phase.

In total, the development is said to include 40,000 square feet of retail, office and other economic space.

If approved, this is going to be huge for the city, the college and Pearl River County, both figuratively and literally.

This project began under the previous administration of the Board of Alderman and has continued to come to light under the new leadership.

Concerns about the project have been raised, however.

Some worry that the projected revenue won’t be enough to pay back the bond in a sufficient amount of time.

Some think the complex will be built but retailers won’t want to locate there. 

These are all questions city and county leaders need to answer before the project moves forward. However, this is good development for our county.

This opportunity should not be squandered because if it is, it may not come along again.