The URP is using decades old Federal and State Legislation designed to clean up slums in inner cities, mainly in the 1960s-70s
Resulted in large areas being taken by eminent domain so that developers could "gentrify" or redevelop these areas. As a result, many families and neighborhoods were dislocated and communities were gone forever
Ocean Springs' first attempt at the URP targeted downtown's historically black neighborhood. Watch this video
Once they found out they were being designated as a blighted area, they got legal counsel, and the City backed down
The latest URP (recently approved by the aldermen) for the Pine Drive area is contaminated with toxic waste
The recently renovated Ryan Center is planned to be torn down and rebuilt with the funding received in part from the Government and the rest by taxpayers
When asked at the URP public meeting at the Civic Center about the financial analysis on the costs to the City, the mayor said there was no financial analysis performed as of that date of the hearing. When asked by WLOX's Noah Noble, why would he push forward without financial data first, our mayor said, "It's a no brainer"
There have been at least 2 Plans with several iterations. This will not be the last to be sure
Apparently, you must check the City website to find out your home or business is a targeted area for development
