Ocean Springs pathway plans must be scaled back

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OCEAN SPRINGS — Leaders are scaling back plans for the new $600,000 East Beach Pathway project due to lack of money.

Board members on Tuesday agreed to move forward with the plans for the project aimed at creating safer pedestrian pathways on and around East Beach.

Originally approved by the board in July, the project includes a 4-foot walkway along the west side of Halstead Drive from Brumbaugh to East Beach and a 6- foot pathway along East Beach from Halstead to Holcomb Blvd.

The board already approved two pathways up Holcomb from East Beach and to the Weeks Bayou Bridge on East Beach but the lack of funds halted the plans.

Residents packed the boardroom on Tuesday night asking the board to complete building the 6-foot pathway along East Beach, citing safety issues for walkers and bikers. Board members said they will have to look into spending city funds to complete the pathway in the future.

Federal stimulus money is funding the project and work will begin in February.

In other action, the board moved forward on a $500,000 park project at the foot of the bridge, which is also being funded with stimulus funds. Officials hope to open the park in early Spring.

— Leigh Coleman