Google MapsThis map shows an area near Sweet Gum Bottom Road that the East Mississippi Development Corporation would like to make ready for industrial development.

The Meridian City Council didn’t budge on its promise to provide a new road for Sweet Gum Bottom residents, voting Tuesday to amend an ordinance about the road closure. 

In December, the council voted to close the road but told residents the city would provide a new road before closing Sweet Gum Bottom Road. Lauderdale County and the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation pushed to close the road in order to develop the surrounding land as part of an industrial park expansion.

On Tuesday, the council amended the original ordinance, adding that Sweet Gum Bottom Road wouldn’t be closed until a new road could be completed with striping and lighting. George Thomas, of Ward 1, was the only council member who voted against the amendment. 

The county and EMBDC had wanted to close the road as early as possible to begin moving dirt across the road, as expressed by Bill Hannah, the EMBDC president and CEO.

Lauderdale County has paid to clear the land of trees and put out bids for moving dirt.

Richie McAlister, the city’s chief administrative officer, told the council that the county would amend its dirt moving bid to include flag people who could control traffic. 

“So we can continue to have traffic while they move dirt,” McAlister said. 

Sidewalk for Western Gardens

In welcome news for Ward 4 residents, the city said it would begin advertising for bids for construction of a three-mile sidewalk on Highway 11/80 that would connect Western Garden residents to Highway 19.

“We are very excited we are finally at the point where we can advertise,” Kim Houston, of Ward 4, said. 

Hugh Smith, the city’s public works director, explained that navigating utilities, such as telephone and light poles, had slowed the process down.

“This project has been on the books for quite some time,” Smith said.

Additionally, since the Mississippi Department of Transportation provided a grant paying for 80 percent of the sidewalk’s construction, all plans must be approved by the agency. 

“Whatever we did, MDOT also had to approve,” Smith said. “But this project is very worthwhile. There are pathways there where the citizens have been walking (so) we know it is going to be used and that it is needed.”

MDOT will also need to approve any bids for the estimated nine-month project, Smith said.

He estimated to council that work could begin sometime in March and end by December, but warned against committing to a deadline. MDOT has included monetary penalties to the contractor if the project is delayed.