The City of Biloxi has begun removing debris from privately-owned residential properties on Point Cadet where owners have signed right-of-entry agreements, and notices advising Eagle Point property owners about pending debris-removal efforts in that north Biloxi community are in today’s editions of The Bay Press and Sun Herald.
The efforts are part of the city’s multi-million-dollar plan to systematically remove hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of debris that was left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed more than 5,000 structures in Biloxi when it made landfall Aug. 29.
Another phase of the public notice initiative got underway this morning when staff from the city’s Community Development Department began erecting signs on Point Cadet properties that the city intends to deem a threat to public safety and public health. The signs — which, like the newspaper notices, are printed in English, Vietnamese and Spanish — will be posted on decimated residential properties where owners may have not yet signed agreements allowing the city to remove debris.
Since a hearing for Point Cadet property owners who may want to appeal the city’s decision to clear their property doesn’t take place until Friday, Oct. 28, the city began clearing only those Point properties where owners have signed agreements. At this point, only privately owned residential properties — not commercial properties or apartment complexes — are eligible for city work.
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the city’s debris removal plan by clicking here.
City plans safe alternative to neighborhood trick or treating
Halloween is just around the corner, but Biloxi public safety leaders are advising families to participate in organized gatherings instead of trying to navigate neighborhood streets where piles of debris and missing or inoperable street lights hinder vision for pedestrians and motorists alike.
In fact, the city is helping coordinate a free Halloween carnival that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Yankie Stadium.
The evening will include door prizes, trick or treating around the stadium infield, and costume contests children ages 3 to 12.
Main Street Biloxi, the downtown organization that had previously shown outdoor movies on the Town Green, will present “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” on the stadium grounds at nightfall. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Main Street Biloxi and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring the affair, with support from the Salvation Army, which has served thousands of free meals at the stadium in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
To read more about the event, click here, or call contact Special Events Coordinator Emily Burke at 263-6370 or via e-mail at eburke@biloxi.ms.us.
‘City Desk’ webcast back online
Sgt. Jackie Rhodes, public information officer for the Biloxi Police Department, discusses traffic issues on this week’s “City Desk” webcast, which was recorded and posted on the city web site Thursday.
The program, hosted by Gary Michiels, also includes updated info from Cecilia Dobbs, a city staffer who has been managing the city’s Storm Recovery Info Line.
To listen to the 32-minute “City Desk” program, click here.
