Ocean Springs, Mississippi Development News
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Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Resident Urges Speed Limit Reduction on Government Street Due to Safety Concerns
Resident Johns from Prominade Boulevard expressed serious concerns about the speed limit on Government Street between the middle school and the PAPS area, describing it as a 'death trap.' She noted increased foot and bicycle traffic, a difficult-to-use mirror for pulling out, and several accidents in the area. Johns requested the board consider lowering the speed limit, citing two school zones with a 35 mph limit, and highlighted the danger posed by drivers exceeding the speed limit and the increasing use of e-bikes. [cite: 2166-2256]
Environmental Risk Assessment for Former Leica Site Presented, Remediation Efforts Ongoing
Covington Civil and Environmental presented an independent evaluation of environmental risks for the former Leica site. The site, a 4.8-acre parcel, was formerly occupied by Fen Optics and Bowin, manufacturers of optical lenses, which used trichloroethylene (TCE). Remediation efforts since 2009 have included demolition, tank removal, soil excavation, injection of zero-valent iron and emulsified vegetable oil, and phytoremediation. Current efforts include natural attenuation and continued phytoremediation. Groundwater monitoring indicates TCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride are present, with TCE and vinyl chloride off-site in the confined aquifer in a limited area. Vapor testing at nearby locations showed no concerns. MDEQ's position is that the site does not pose a risk to human health and the environment, but any redevelopment requires a vapor barrier and prohibits residential occupancy on the ground level. [cite: 130-585]
Council Approves Employee Travel for Training and WHMA Security System Grant Application
Alderman Blackman made two motions: one authorizing employee travel to Murphysboro, Tennessee, for a criminal interdiction workshop from July 21st-24th, with expenses budgeted. The second authorized the mayor to grant written permission to WHMA to apply for funding for a security system at WHMA and the community center. Both motions were approved. [cite: 2607-2627]
Residents Voice Concerns Over Delayed Drainage Project and Contractor Performance
Chris Blacker addressed the board regarding a drainage project on Tom Court, representing other residents. He detailed issues with Phase Two of the project, involving a retention wall on the south side of Davidson Road, which has been on hold for a month due to a property access dispute. Blacker expressed concerns about the contractor's unprofessionalism, safety hazards from abandoned equipment, and potential flooding due to the bottlenecked waterway and inadequate culvert size. He requested the project be completed and the contractor removed from the neighborhood. [cite: 987-1125]
Short-Term Rental Permits Near Capacity; Moratorium Expiration Looms
Regarding short-term rentals, the city has 56 permits issued out of 60 available, with three pending applications. Two people remain on the waitlist. The UDC review committee may provide input for upcoming workshops. The short-term rental moratorium is set to expire on August 18th. [cite: 2582-2603]
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The Ocean Springs News archive
BOA SPECIAL CALL MEETING - JUNE 22, 2026
Board of Aldermen Recess Meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Board of Aldermen Work Session June 15, 2026 Monday, June 15, 2026
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Thursday, June 11, 2026
Zoning & Adjustments Board Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2026
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