Facade Grants To Give Business New Look

PASCAGOULA – Buildings in Pascagoula’s downtown could be getting a new look, thanks to a grant opportunity provided by the city through a Community Development Block Grant. All eligible business owners and renters within the project area are invited to a kick-off meeting at 5"30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the City Hall council chambers.

“This façade program is a great way for businesses to update their exterior and get more bang for their buck,” said Harry Schmidt, director of Community Development. “The city will provide 60 percent of the eligible project cost up to a maximum contribution of $10,000, in addition to providing design consultation and project engineering.”

Beginning Jan. 29 to March 1, the city will be accepting grant applications for façade improvements. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis in the spring. Approximately 10 grants will be awarded depending of the scope of each project.

Grant dollars will be available for projects addressing exterior walls facing public streets, awnings or canopies, exterior lighting and hanging signs, installation or repair to storefront doors, windows, parapets or cornices, and the removal of finishes or materials not matching the historical character of Pascagoula.

Applications received will be ranked for funding according to the level of architectural preservation and impact on the streetscape. Eligible buildings must be located within the Downtown Façade District bounded by Krebs Avenue, Pascagoula Street, Convent Avenue, and the Pascagoula River. The city hopes to fund additional façade grant opportunities in other neighborhoods within the city in upcoming years.

Awarded funds will be for commercial purposes on buildings offering retail, restaurants, service establishments or offices. Applicants must also be up to date on all city taxes, must comply with all state and local licensing and permitting laws, and must sign a façade easement allowing for the construction and agreeing to maintain the façade improvement for five years once completed.

After the Jan. 28 kick-off meeting, grant applications will be available at Pascagoula City Hall, Community Development, and the Main Street office, all located in Downtown Pascagoula. Applications may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.cityofpascagoula.com. For more information contact Harry Schmidt at (228) 938-6651.

Consulting Firm To Help Bring More Retail

PASCAGOULA - With an eye toward retail growth and development the city of Pascagoula has hired Arnett Muldrow & Associates, Ltd. to conduct an extensive three-month Retail Marketing Study of the downtown and surrounding areas.

“With this economy, we realize the growth of business is key to achieving economic recovery,” said Mayor Robert Maxwell. “Hiring this firm will give us another tool to recruit new business while helping those that have already invested in our city.”

Areas of focus for the study will be to determine where customers are coming from and the potential to recruit additional retail to Pascagoula. Detail implementation strategies and actions will be established to reach new customers, investors, and visitors.

“We are thrilled to be working with Arnett Muldrow & Associates once again. They came to our city once before through the Mississippi Main Street Association and helped us create a new city logo and the ‘We Are Pascagoula’ brand,” said Rebecca Davis, Main Street/special events manager.

At the end of the three-month study period, Pascagoula will have new tools and objectives for strengthening downtown and the creation of economic development opportunities.

“We will be given a retail marketing plan that will help us with promotions because getting the word out can be as important as creating the plan,” added Davis.

The Pascagoula City Council voted to hire Arnett Muldrow & Associates, Ltd. during the Dec. 1, 2009, council meeting and plan to have the study begin in early 2010.

View of Downtown Revitalization

The layout of cottages that will be located on Delmas Avenue as part of Pascagoula's riverfront revitalization in the downtown area. The cottages will house residents for about a year before they will be used for businesses.

Sketch of plans for The Point on the edge of the Pascagoula River.
Parking in Downtown Pascagoula after revitalization plans.

Pascagoula Encourages Use of Downtown Parking Lots

PASCAGOULA -- The reopening of Delmas Avenue from Pascagoula Street to Canty Street to vehicular traffic will take place Jan. 15.

The city will completely reopen Delmas Avenue by Jan. 22.

As work continues, all drivers are encouraged to utilize one of the seven surrounding parking lots to access the businesses and the Pascagoula Utility Department.

“While Delmas Avenue has been closed to vehicular traffic the sidewalks have remained open for foot traffic,” said Rebecca Davis, manager of Main Street/Special Events department. “All the businesses along Delmas are accessible within minutes of the surrounding parking lots.”

Until the complete reopening, the seven parking lots serving Delmas Avenue are located in the following locations (see map):

1. South side of Krebs from Magnolia to Pascagoula

2. East side of Pascagoula at the corner of Pascagoula and Krebs

3. East side of Magnolia at the corner of Magnolia and Yon

4. East side of Magnolia between Delmas and Watts

5. South side of Delmas at the corner of Delmas and Magnolia

6. West side of Canty at the corner of Canty and Watts

7. East side of Canty at the corner of Canty and Watts

All drivers are asked to use caution around these construction sites. Pay special attention to traffic signs, road workers and heavy equipment near the side of the road.

Open House Planned for Hispanic Population

PASCAGOULA – City officials have planned a “Hispanic Open House” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Pascagoula Library.

A Spanish/English interpreter will be on hand to help explain available services and programs of the city’s police department, code enforcement, utilities, and parks and recreation.

“It is important for everyone in our community to know about the services available to them,” said Anna Raiola, administrative assistant with the Pascagoula Police Department “This open house will help facilitate a two-way conversation with members of our Hispanic population.”

Police have distributed flyers to the open house throughout the Hispanic community. For more information, contact Anna Raiola at 228-938-6671.

Tell Me What You Know: Mayor

Who was the first mayor of Moss Point?