The aldermen never formally voted to approve this project, yet a large billboard was placed on Front Beach, announcing the future location of the Marina, Event Space and parking lot in an artist's rendition. How does that happen? It's called lack of transparency. At a Board of Aldermen meeting, the mayor proposed to simply pursue funding for a potential project, where the aldermen seemed surprised. They all voted "Aye" even though there was little description other than, just pursuing funding. They received some different grant funding to contract with a design firm ($2M) which was unanimously approved by all the aldermen, which resulted in the large sign on Front Beach saying a marina was soon going to be built! The mayor then presented to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, permits were submitted to DMR and the Army Corps of Engineers, (still no formal vote on a marina, nor any public input or comment.) When residents saw the billboard announcing a marina was being developed on the beach and complained, the mayor responded that "the marina has been in the plans for years." This $20-30 million dollar project was a surprise to most residents and we feel that something this costly and significant should have been the response to a request from residents, should have had an environmental impact study, public hearings and comments and definitely a thorough financial analysis. All this should have been made public for residents to review. None of this happened.
Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to NOT support this project because it is financially infeasible - it will need to be dredged constantly and will be prone to storm damage. This means Ocean Springs tax dollars will be spent taking care of it
At the February 2024 DMR meeting, numerous Ocean Springs residents spoke against the proposed project with no one speaking in favor. Three aldermen met with the Board of Supervisors on April 8 and came up with new plans for the marina. At the very end of the April 16 Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman Authement proposed that they 'eliminate' the marina and replace it with a 'finger pier.' Did any of the aldermen ask what this was or put it out there for public comment? No, they all said "Aye." Again, no public comment allowed, no transparency. This could have easily been added to the agenda and discussed if they cared what the public thinks or wants
This 'finger pier' is simply the first part of the overall marina plan that was 'cancelled.' It will be very easy to add the remaining pieces (Marina wall and remaining pier structure) at a later date, which is why the marina is still listed as Phase 4 of the overall plan on the OS City website