BILOXI -- By a 6-4 vote, the Biloxi Planning Commission Thursday approved the application to rezone 81 acres of land between Dukate and Kuhn streets in East Biloxi to waterfront.
The collective rezoning was requested by the owners of about 150 parcels. The resolution now goes to the City Council for approval or denial.
Voting in favor of the zoning change were Jamey Hunt, Jo Ann Humphries, Ronnie Tootle, Ed Covacevich, Joe King and Jimmy Poulos. Against the proposal were Larry Williams, Gerald Lamey, August Parker and David Washer. Gary Lechner and Curtis Harrison did not vote and Johnnie Smith and David Stanovich were absent.
Many businesses are permitted in both B-3 Business and WF Waterfront zoning, said Williams. "It does not have to be waterfront to be developed," and he's concerned the property owners who requested the zoning will price themselves out of the market by asking too much for their land.
King asked Attorney David Wheeler why his clients in the neighborhood want waterfront zoning.
"They believe they can market their property better," said Wheeler, who doubted they would be willing to accept B-3 zoning instead.
"These property owners are doing exactly what we asked them to do," said Hunt, by collectively finding the best use for the property. Waterfront zoning would allow projects like hotels that could be built higher and denser than in B-3 zoning. He meets with developers looking at East Biloxi and told the commission, "If you don't think height and density make a difference, you're wrong."
"I've heard very little opposition" to the rezoning, he added, other than from some of the planning commissioners.
The Mississippi Gaming Commission's decision to deny South Beach as a legal casino site also came up before the vote. Waterfront zoning is required for a casino site, but, Wheeler said, just because a property is zoned waterfront doesn't mean the Gaming Commission will approve it.
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