Broadway

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Hattiesburg is planning for the future redevelopment of the Broadway Drive and West Pine Street corridors. This area is a critical connection from Downtown Hattiesburg to US Highway 49 and Interstate 59, as well as a strategic area for public and private reinvestment due to its proximity to Hattiesburg’s historic neighborhoods and both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. 

The ”Right Down Broadway” master planning process will engage a broad range of community stakeholders, residents, and business and property owners to re-envision the Broadway Drive and West Pine Street corridors as vibrant, sustainable, and economically thriving places. The plan will identify potential zoning and land use changes, mobility and infrastructure needs, and opportunities for public open space and parks that achieve the community’s vision. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a corridor master plan and how will it be used? 

A master plan provides a coordinated strategy for policy and design related to development, transportation, and public space within a small area such as a corridor. It implements the community’s overall vision outlined in the City of Hattiesburg’s Comprehensive Plan. The recommendations from the plan will include updates to policies and regulations as well as guidance for future infrastructure projects to be implemented by the City of Hattiesburg. 

Q: Why is this plan important? 

The Broadway Drive and West Pine Street corridors are centrally located within the City of Hattiesburg as well as the greater Pine Belt region. Although the Broadway Drive corridor has long been known as “Hattiesburg’s Automotive Row,” the departure of auto dealerships to other areas and aging suburban-style development has resulted in much of the corridor’s land being underutilized. The corridor’s location and available land provide an opportunity to improve residents’ quality of life as well as economic growth within Hattiesburg. Additionally, much of the land within this corridor is 16th Section Land, which is held in trust and leased to benefit the Hattiesburg Public School District.  

Q: What is the timeline for the plan? 

The planning process began with an internal kickoff meeting with the City of Hattiesburg and a consultant team in February 2024. Spring 2024 focused on understanding existing conditions data before beginning community engagement in May 2024. Development of a planning vision and technical recommendations is expected to occur through Summer 2024, to provide a full plan for review and adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council at the end of 2024. 

Q: What areas are included in the plan? 

The study area includes all commercial properties along Broadway Drive / West Pine Street between 6th Avenue, the railroad line, US Highway 49, and the residential neighborhoods to the north of the corridor. The area does include the Cloverleaf Center Mall.  

Q: My business is located within the study area. How will this plan affect me? 

The plan will guide future decision-making by the Hattiesburg City Council, including any necessary updates to the Land Development Code or the design and funding of capital improvement projects such as street improvements, parks and open space, or utilities and drainage. It does not imply or create a change to existing buildings and businesses. We encourage all stakeholders to share their input with the project team to ensure their needs and ideas are reflected in the planning process.