By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director
This week in economic development, the Biloxi Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a preliminary subdivision plat for the proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market to be located on the former Ellzey property on Popp’s Ferry Road. The commission also voted unanimously to approve a conditional use application for a self-serve gas station which will be located on the same site and be a part of the Walmart operation. The proposed market will be essentially the same design as the one that opened on Pass Road in November 2014, and will include extensive landscaping with 57 trees to be installed. The Planning  Commission approvals will now go before the City Council for final consideration.
Also this week, plans were received for a new Pie Five Pizza Restaurant to be located in Hard Rock Casino, the plumbing repair permit was issued for Casino Magic, and building permits were issued for 2 new single family houses. Our permit valuation total for the year is $5.5 million ahead of last year at this time, and sales tax revenues for the month of January exceeded $1 million dollars for the first time since August, and was a $63,194.00 increase over January of 2014.