Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Tuesday, December 7, Hattiesburg’s Urban Development Department will host a community workshop for residents, business owners and community leaders to discuss the assets and advantages of the East Hardy Street and Hall Avenue corridors, as well as challenges and concerns. The workshop will take place at the Train Depot (308 Newman Street) at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

As a key part of a public engagement phase launched in October (titled “Bridging Divides, Building Opportunities”), the workshop will help provide feedback that will ultimately build a blueprint for the City of Hattiesburg to use for streetscape, design guidelines and zoning regulations in this area.

“Our hope for this process is to better understand the needs, desires and issues of concern regarding the future vision of these corridors,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “With more than $55 million in projects already committed for this area, feedback from those who live here is vital.”

The workshop will include a presentation and interactive exhibits and is available across two timeframes to help with scheduling. 

“Participants will have an opportunity to discuss how redevelopment can benefit the City’s residents – from the improvement of mobility/connection options and public safety to small business/entrepreneurial growth,” said Andrew Ellard, director of Urban Development. “Examples of revitalization efforts from other locations will also be available to help inspire and spur ideas.”

Feedback from this workshop will be aggregated along with other opportunities for engagement to make recommended updates to the development code for these primary corridors. After recommendations are made, they will be packaged and presented to Hattiesburg City Council for consideration and adoption.

To learn more about the planning process, residents can visit http://hattiesburgms.com/buildingopportunities or share questions/concerns via email (planning@hattiesburgms.com).

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