Petal, Mississippi (WDAM) – On December 6, the Petal Council of Councilors voted to create a central business district in downtown Petal. On Wednesday, January 18, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held to celebrate the creation of the CBD.
The district’s goal is to provide 3, 5 or 7 years of property tax relief for new developments and existing business expansions in the area, depending on the type of project and/or total investment, to boost downtown growth by attracting new business areas.
“It’s a really good thing,” Petal Mayor Tony Ducker said. “We’ve struggled with not really having a traditional downtown. As a city, we’ve gone through a few times to define the downtown area, but in the end, it’s never stood still.
Through the work of Alderman Blake Nobles and ADP’s Kaitlyn Smith, we have another valuable tool that not only defines the area but also benefits businesses looking to locate in it. “
The district will be divided into North District and South District. The North Zone is defined by parcels east of Highway 11 toward Old Richton Road, while the South Zone stretches along South Street from West 10th Avenue to the Leaf River.
The project has been ongoing since 2021. The ordinances that brought this project to fruition were passed by the Petal Council of Councilors and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, the result of extensive planning by the City of Petal, the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, the Regional Development Partnership and the Petal Chamber of Commerce.
“I am very excited and grateful to my fellow City Council members for passing this ordinance,” said Petal Alderman Ward 3 Blake Nobles. “Many people realize that most of Petal’s business is moving to Gandy, and no one wants to see our downtown get wiped out. With this ordinance, we will help revitalize our existing local business owners and provide new local Businesses provide entrepreneurial opportunities.
In addition to the numerous downtown projects underway, such as the New Bridge and Matthew’s Branch walkway, the ordinance provides the community with another tool to help create the warm and welcoming atmosphere Petar residents and guests deserve. It is my deep hope that this vision catches on and that everyone takes advantage of this opportunity. As our city continues to grow, we will be able to expand this area to involve more property owners in the future. ”
“Forrest County is very excited about our growing partnership with the City of Petal,” said Burkett Ross, District 3, Forrest County Board of Supervisors. “We want to do everything we can to help Petal City grow and prosper, and this CBD does just that. This project opens the door for Petal City to be a profitable place for new investment and helps us continue to Great relationship with Petal City. We can’t wait to see what happens.”
Petal has been a city of steady growth and opportunity for many years, but this CBD incentive is an opportunity to encourage even more growth in this historic part of the city.
“The Petal District Chamber of Commerce is excited about creating a well-defined central business district in the Petal District, as it has the potential to attract new and established businesses to the city center,” said Valerie Wilson, executive director of the Petal District Chamber of Commerce. “High rent and property costs on the Evelyn Gandy Parkway have hindered the success of many small businesses due to high overhead. These same businesses could be very successful in our CBD.
By providing incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in downtown property, we are providing an incentive for downtown investment, resulting in revitalization and beautification. Our aim is to create a downtown experience where people enjoy shopping, visiting and living in the CBD. ”
Officials hope the app will go live by the end of January.
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