By Jerry Creel, Community Development DirectorÂ
In economic development this week, the city council voted unanimously to approve the commitment of the match for the MDA Grant to extend Bay View Boulevard from Oak Street to 5th Street along Pine. This approval will allow us to submit the application to MDA to move the project forward. Two major commercial development projects were on hold pending the outcome of this vote. With this approval, the Biloxi Boardwalk and Warner Gaming can now move forward with their plans for a $200 million expansion. Their plans include a casino, hotel(s),retail, restaurant and an upscale RV Park. Architectural firms Dale Partners and the Cunningham Group were hired this week to proceed with the designs. Yates Construction had already been hired as the contractors for the project. Also, Margaritaville will now be able to move forward with the construction of their hotel and other amenities valued at $75 Million.
In other areas, the final certificates of occupancy were issued to the Golden Nugget Casino Resort, completing their $100 million improvement project.
On Wednesday, the DRC Committee signed off on the final site plan for the new minor league baseball stadium. The building plans continue to be reviewed as submitted.
The DRC also  approved the vacation of portions of a number of streets on the south side of Bay View across from the IP Casino Resort. The proposal will now go to the Biloxi Planning Commission for a public hearing and a recommendation to the city council for consideration and approval. If approved, IP has plans to construct a paved parking lot in this area.
The demolition of the former Margaritaville structure on Beach Boulevard has reached Cedar Street which is the boundary line for the part of the structure under the control of the Grand Casino. This part of the project should be complete in the next 30-60 days. This week, the White House Hotel began the installation of the columns on the west side of the structure. The columns on the south side should be installed next week, weather permitting.
Additional Building plans under review include a build out in the new C-Spire building for Blue Tech, a new six unit apartment building for Back Bay Mission, and plans for 11 new single family houses.
