LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) – Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce detailed future projects and updated others in the works during an interview on the 4 O’Clock Show.
Speed limits
Pierce said safety concerns drove his decision to call for the speed limit to be reduced on several city roads, including dropping Jeff Davis Avenue to 15 mph.
“I have a hard time getting out of City Hall. I have a hard time crossing the street to get to the other side with the restaurants and the increase in business,” Pierce said. “It was mainly safety.”
The city also lowered the speed limit to 30 mph on East Railroad Street and is considering a speed limit reduction in the Castine Pointe subdivision.
Annexation proposal
Pierce renewed his push to annex approximately 1.3 square miles of land west of the city, targeting the neighboring industrial park. He said the city needs business growth to balance rapid residential expansion.
“Our city’s growing fast with residential. The business is not keeping up,” Pierce said. “A lot of our prime commercial property is not going anywhere.”
Pierce said the city already provides services to the industrial park, including fire department coverage. He added that many industrial park workers also live within Long Beach city limits.
“I want to be a good partner with them and try to help not only them move forward but us as well,” Pierce said.
Gateway project
Pierce said the gateway project at the harbor is back on schedule after falling behind about a month ago.
“We had some good conversations with the contractor. Now there are a lot of workers, a lot of progress is happening down at the gateway, and we’re getting right back on schedule,” Pierce said.
The project features a long parking lot, a 42-foot lighthouse, and room for entertainment.
Mardi Gras
The Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade will roll on Saturday, February 7. Pierce described it as a family-oriented event that serves as a highlight for Long Beach residents.
“It’s a great event that we have in our community, and I look forward to it every year,” Pierce said.
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