Major Project In Ocean Springs MS Denied

PASCAGOULA --The Ocean Springs Planning Commission has voted 4 to 1 against a $90 million, mixed-use development along U.S. 90 that would have town homes, condos, retail, hotel rooms, offices and a restaurant. The increase in traffic it would cause in the central part of the city was one of the concerns commissioners had. The project, by Mike Boudreaux with Gulf Coast Investment Developers of Biloxi, was proposed for 25 acres that stretch from U.S. 90 to Fort Bayou across the highway from the Skate Zone and Coffee Fusion retail mall.

The Planning Commission made the decision Tuesday night at its regular meeting, which attracted a small crowd of interested residents.

Boudreaux said he plans to appeal to the city's mayor and Board of Aldermen. Because of strong opposition to the project, it will not be presented to the board until the Dec. 4 board meeting to give everyone ample opportunity to be available and to voice their opinions, city planners said.

Boudreaux requested a rezoning from single-family residential to R-4 and Planned Unit Development zoning for part of the property. He also asked that the city rezone the strip of land along U.S. 90 to commercial C-3. Having a commercial zone 300 feet deep along the highway means the Water View ordinance wouldn't apply in that area and buildings could be built taller than 50 feet. There is one six-story building in the project.

Members of the Planning Commission said the request did not meet the test of whether there was a sufficient change in the neighborhood to warrant a zone change or whether the city needs the housing.

Planners said several hundred condo and apartment units have been approved by the city already and are in various stages of development. "We're just trying to look out for the best interest of the city," said Commissioner Doug Denehie, who voted against the project.

"We're definitely disappointed," Boudreaux said. "We felt our demonstration for the Planning Commission answered all the criteria established by city ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan."