Development News for McComb, Mississippi

May Building Permits and Inspections Report Shows Active Construction and Revenue

The Building Department issued 30 core permits in May, with zero stop work orders. They conducted 39 fire inspections and 55 rental property inspections, resulting in 7 open citations for court on Friday. There were 168 code violations in GoGov, with 17 added and 3 closed. Permit revenue for May was $17,309, with year-to-date revenue from January to May totaling $76,291. Hospital renovations at two buildings accounted for two permits around $5,000 each. The biggest success cited was the demo project, awaiting contractor quotes, while the biggest barrier is seasonal sickness affecting staff.

Public Works Reports on May Work Orders and Pothole Repair Progress

The Public Works Department reported on work orders for May. There were 68 outstanding street work orders, 20 utility, 6 cemetery/parks, and 1 traffic. 161 street work orders were open, 82 utility, 6 cemetery, and 11 traffic. 177 street work orders, 65 utility, and 11 traffic were closed. The department handled 195 811 calls. Progress was noted on pothole repairs in Beartown (90-95% complete) and Ward 2 (expected 90% done next week).

Discussion on Macomb Trace Trail Project and Grant Applications

Selectman Todding presented the Macomb Trace project, a TDAP project focused on extending walking and biking trails across the city, connecting neighborhoods and parks. He noted that the city is currently ineligible for TDAP projects due to audits but hopes to rectify this by the grant's closing. The project relies on existing sidewalks and would require the Georgia Street project for full connectivity. The board discussed applying for the M.TAP grant, which typically opens in July, and the Recreational Trails grant, which does not require an up-to-date audit. Mr. Garrett suggested applying for both grants and requesting a waiver if necessary due to progress made. Concerns were raised about sidewalks meeting ADA requirements for federal funding, which Mr. Garrett confirmed is usually required, noting that some existing sidewalks may not comply.

Business Owner Seeks City Assistance Amidst Delta Utilities Water Line Damage Dispute

Lacey Gogold, owner of Main Street Dance Company, presented a case regarding damage to water lines caused by Delta Utilities during their work on August 14th. The excavation by Delta Utilities led to water lines being damaged, causing continuous water flow into the street, which the city shut off. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue with Delta Utilities and city departments over 10 months, the water service to a portion of her studio has remained off since August 18th, impacting operations. Delta Utilities initially repaired the leak with concrete, but it resurfaced when water was restored. Public Works attempted repairs, but stopped due to the city not wanting to expend municipal funds on a utility-originated problem. Gogold is requesting the city's assistance in facilitating communication with Delta Utilities, as her assigned claims adjuster has been unresponsive.