LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — Long Beach’s multi-million dollar Gateway Project is just a few weeks from completion, according to Mayor Tim Pierce.
Last month, the developers behind the project pitched a new idea for the harbor’s east side — a mixed-use development with retail, food trucks and more.
“When they came to us with the proposal, I thought it was a great idea,” Pierce said.
The current plan allows airstream trailers to be set up and used for retail space with additional spots for food trucks, a playground and bathrooms. Mayor Pierce and developers say the additions will further the goal of the harbor project.
“We want something that is going to pull people in and keep them there for the day,” Pierce said. “So, this is a good way that we felt that we could really tie it right back into Gateway and eventually into Jeff Davis.”
Bellamare Development returned to City Hall to further discuss the project with the Board of Aldermen.
“Renderings and ideas that have been presented to date still have some layers to be fleshed out and taken further,” said Christian Preus, principal at CPLA. “So, this is just the beginning of the conversation.”
After the meeting, the mayor and board agreed to pursue the project. The city will now explore what a potential lease with the developers would look like.
“The intent is for this beach to be a destination for the city of Long Beach — a waterfront, if you will,” Preus said. “I see it as a really hidden gem on the Gulf Coast, and will hopefully be used, not just by citizens of Long Beach, but people that are driving up and down Highway 90 that see this maybe for the first time as we’re beginning to put the finishing touches on it.”
Opportunities for public input on the project will be available at a later date.
See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.
Copyright 2026 WLOX. All rights reserved.