Here is a New Year’s message that appeared in a year-end issue of the Biloxi-D’Iberville Press.
By Mayor A.J. Holloway
We’ve had a saying in Biloxi for a few years: “We see a milestone, large or small, each and every day.”
Frankly, we’ve reached huge milestones in 2012, and several will continue to unfold in 2013.
The seafood museum and waterfront park will take shape on the Point Cadet, and nearby the Golden Nugget will begin transforming the Isle into one of its premier destinations. The new hotel tower at Hard Rock will continue to progress.
The other big casino story in 2012, Margaritaville, will see the infusion of new operating capital, and, more importantly, major new amenities announced in 2013.
Downtown, the Mardi Gras Museum will re-open at the Magnolia Hotel, sparking a new wave of restaurants, retail and galleries.
Edgewater Mall had a robust year, and new restaurants and retail will continue to be a part of the excitement that Wal-mart created.
The months of work on the Santa Maria del Mar seniors center at Cedar Lake will lead to residents moving into that new facility in 2013. Nearby, Biloxi Regional will continue moving forward on its second hospital to serve Biloxi.
The infrastructure work in west and north Biloxi will spread toward east Biloxi. The new streetscape on Howard Avenue will make its way to Myrtle Street, linking downtown with the new Point Cadet fishing bridge. We’ll continue working on Popp’s Ferry Road from Cedar Lake to Lamey Street.
Work along the waterfront – the improved piers, boat launches and marinas – will include finishing the new bait shop and fuel dock at the small craft harbor.
Finally, our work to remove Katrina-blighted properties in 2012 – 22 buildings demolished and 19 buildings repaired — will breathe new life into the historic White House hotel in 2013.
Milestones, indeed.
News and notes
Council meetings: The City Council will have two meetings today: an 11 o’clock session this morning to discuss a proposal to provide water service to a development being proposed by Pitcher Point Investments, and a 1:30 meeting this afternoon. To see the agenda for the meetings,
Special events: The monthly Special Events calendar for January has been posted on the city web site. To see it, click here.
New faces: David Nichols begins his second stint as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer today. For background on the appointment,
click here.
State of the City: The Biloxi Bay Chamber will soon be releasing details of the annual State of the City luncheon, which takes place Monday, Feb. 25 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
Christmas at Beauvoir: Andi Oustalet, the force behind the inaugural Christmas at Beauvoir, will update city leaders on the event at this afternoon’s City Council meeting. To learn more about Christmas at Beauvoir, which wraps up Sunday, click here.
