Discussions of everything from Lowndes County”s proposed soccer complex to Columbus” annexation plans ruled the evening Thursday as Ward 3 City Councilman Charlie Box held his first community meeting.
Nearly 40 residents crowded into a meeting room at the First Christian Church off North McCrary Road as Box updated the citizens on a multitude of city issues.
Because many of the city”s neighborhoods hit hardest by this year”s heavy flooding are in the East Columbus ward, Box explained his plans to call on federal aid to improve the area”s drainage.
“One thing I”ve done so far is asked for an emergency resolution to be passed to declare the Masonic Subdivision (off Tuscaloosa Road) an emergency area,” Box told the crowd. “We can go out and dig ditches out there all day, but a real solution is going to have to come from the federal government.”
Because Magbee Creek, which runs through the ward and frequently floods during heavy rains, is under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers” jurisdiction, any major project to alleviate the flooding likely will have to be ordered by the U.S. Congress, Box explained.
“Hopefully, Congress will put enough pressure on the Corps through the TVA to get the Corps to come out and dredge Magbee Creek,” Box said. “I think the last time (Mississippi Rep.) Travis Childers approached the Corps about getting it done, they kind of blew him off.
“I can tell you that he is not very happy about that at all,” Box added. “And I think he is going to stay on them until they get something done.”
Annexation deliberation
Although Box”s eastern ward boundary currently ends at Lehmberg Road, it soon may be extended farther into eastern Lowndes County, Box and Columbus Chief Operations Officer David Armstrong explained.
“A lot of people have been asking me why we haven”t been able to get some of the retail developments Tupelo has,” Box said. “For whatever reason, 30,000 is the magic number. If you have less (population) than that, you have a big L on your forehead when it comes to major retail chains.
“I think annexation will take place, but I don”t know for sure where it will go yet,” Box added. “The city needs to annex developable land where new houses can be built in the future.”
Although city officials previously drew a map of possible annexation areas, consultants now are working with the city to form a new plan, Armstrong explained.
“We are redefining our annexation areas right now. You want to make sure you take in areas that will improve your ad valorem tax dollars,” Armstrong explained. “You have to see if the tax dollars are worth annexing before you take them in.
“We are totally refocusing our annexation plans right now,” Armstrong added.
Soccerplex uncertainty
Though Columbus and Lowndes County economic development officials currently are conducting a cost analysis study of constructing a six-field soccer complex in the city”s Burns Bottom area, Box said he doubts the city”s ability to fund the project.
“Nobody has ever talked about how we are going to pay for it,” Box laughed. “I don”t see how the city has the money to pay for the sportsplex right now.
“Personally, I am against the Burns Bottom property. It”s just not the right place for it,” Box added. “If we (City Council members) don”t vote for it, it can”t go on Burns Bottom.”
Box suggested city and county recreation officials consider constructing the facility adjacent to Propst Park off Highway 182.
“The city already owns some land down there north of Propst Park,” Box said. “I think there are three houses on a plot of land over there that the city could buy. That would give them enough room to build the sportsplex at Propst Park.
“My problem with Burns Bottom isn”t so much what will be there once it”s built, it”s what will be left around the facility after it”s built. You want to talk about some substandard housing?” Box added. “There is still going to be much discussion on it before anything gets built.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
