[7/29/03]Residents along Porters Chapel Road won their fight for a city park Monday in action taken by the mayor and aldermen.

It was one of several actions the board took regarding property throughout the city.

The three-member board voted to overrule a decision by the Vicksburg Zoning Board to allow smaller lots on a 1.3-acre lot previously identified by city officials for a park development. Residents in the Belle Meade subdivision off Porters Chapel Road presented a petition with 180 signatures asking the board to go forward with plans for the park.

“It’s no secret that the city’s intention is to purchase that property and develop a park,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens. “We’ve run into some kinks, but that’s still our intention.”

City officials made plans to develop a park on the vacant lot at Porters Chapel and Holly Ridge roads about a year ago, but before the city made its official offer to buy the property, it was sold to local developer Paul Campbell. Before moving forward with his own plan, Campbell asked the city if it still wanted the land.

After several months with no action from the city, Campbell began making plans for a multiple-housing development on the lot, which required rezoning from R-1 single-family residential to R-2 single-family residential. R-1 requires a 10,000-square-foot lot per house, but R-2 requires half that.

Speaking for about 10 residents who attended the meeting, local attorney Randy Sherard said residents didn’t want the character of the neighborhood to change.

“There’s no other area up and down Porters Chapel or in Belle Meade that is zoned commercial or R-2,” Sherard said. “This type of development would likely result in a reduction in value for the neighboring houses.”

Linda Renfroe, president of the Belle Meade Property Owners Association, said residents would prefer a park with picnic tables and a walking area.

“We got these signatures over the weekend,” Renfroe said. “We can get more if you want.

“Our intention is to support our community, and 180 signatures is impressive, and it is enough,” Leyens said.

South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman, who represents the area, said he did not feel the area was ready for such a drastic change. Board members, who are usually reluctant to overturn decisions from the Zoning Board, said they also were not clear on the reasons the board granted the zoning request.

“We need to thank Mr. Campbell for considering investing in the community out there, and we hope this doesn’t discourage him from investing in other areas,” said North Ward Gertrude Young.

In other property matters, the board:

In a 2-1 vote, entered an agreement with the Historic Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for a survey of property in the proposed historic district expansion. Beauman cast the dissenting vote.

“I just think we’re too early for it,” Beauman said. “I don’t think our citizens are ready for it.”

The proposed expanded historic district would enlarge the district to include areas along Drummond and Cherry streets, Washington Street south of downtown and portions of Adams, Locust, Farmer and Second North streets. Officials had set a public hearing for the proposal, but delayed it after citizens in the area spoke out against the plan.

“We failed as an administration to get the information out to the homeowners,” Leyens said. “As a board, we are only interested in what the community wants.”

The agreement with Archives and History will provide the city with an inventory of property in the area, a necessary step for the expansion.

Made an offer to purchase property at Clay and Hope streets for intersection improvements planned there. The $1.2 million project is being funded from the $17.5 million bond issue of November 2001.

Approved a $275,000 increase in the cost of the Washington Street brick paving project, bringing the total cost up to $2.9 million and extended the time to complete the work to Oct. 31. The amendment to the contract includes an incentive if the work is completed by Oct. 5.

Approved a permit to place temporary signs at seven locations in the city’s right-of-way to advertise the Vicksburg Job Fair, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Accepted an application for tax abatement for property at 1022 Crawford St.

The city board will meet again at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at City Hall Annex.