LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — Several projects in and around Long Beach Harbor are underway, with city officials and business owners optimistic about what the additions could bring to the city.
Mayor Tim Pierce said the progress has attracted investor interest in development around the harbor and across the street at the end of Jeff Davis Avenue.
“What tells you you are on the right track, with all the progress we’re making, we’ve had a lot of investors now that are very interested in development down here around the harbor and across the street and at the end of Jeff Davis,” Pierce said.
After years of negotiations between the city and FEMA, fortification to the harbor is now underway. The work will allow it to weather stronger storms and reduce the cycle of maintenance after storms.
The city’s gateway project will accompany the harbor and serve as a hub for tourism and beach access.
“I think nobody’s really built because we always looked like we just had a hurricane come through. All of that is going to change,” Pierce said.
City officials said the improvements will enhance the city’s appearance and provide recreational access for residents.
“I think it’s going to be wonderful once it’s done. The citizens here of long beach are really looking forward to it coming back and being able to go out and fish and take your boats out, and overall, the appearance of the city is going to be so much more improved,” said a city official.
While the projects will bring in new business, the goal is to have them drive people to venture into the city and support already standing businesses.
“Makes people want to stop and go see what else is in the city as opposed to driving right by and going to the next city,” a city official said.
Pierce said protecting the city’s charm remains a priority.
“If you talk to anybody in Long Beach, they just love the character of our town, and I don’t want to change that,” Pierce said.
Pierce said the gateway project is projected to open by June. The harbor will open in the first quarter of next year.
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