[11/2/04]Vicksburg officials gave a green light Monday to various construction projects, including two on South Frontage Road.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the plat for Cypress Centre Marketplace, variances to the parking lot ordinance for a new Carpet One building and an occupancy permit for the House of Peace Worship Church.

Cypress Centre Marketplace was announced by partners Pete Buford, Jimmy Hamilton and Charlie Buckner. The first phase of that development near The Home Depot site will include a Wingate Hotel and a restaurant.

A variety of variances were sought because of the size of the lot between Bazinsky Road and a small private cemetery.

Officials also granted a variance to Hays Latham, owner of Carpet One, that will allow him to fill in a ditch in front of the site at 1880 South Frontage Road where a new store is planned. Latham said the 15,000-square-foot store will be ready in January for a move from Manor Drive.

The House of Peace Worship Church also got permission to move into its new building on Grove Street across from The Street Clinic before finishing the parking lot. The Rev. Linda Sweezer, minister of the church, said the parking lot will be completed in the next 45 days.

In other matters the city board:

Approved board meeting minutes from Oct. 8.

Approved a request from the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg to sell cookbooks on city right-of-way in downtown on certain days.

Approved a $5,000 allocation to We Care Community Services Inc.

Approved a $100 advertisement for the American Legion Mid-Winter Conference program booklet.

Adopted the proposed sign ordinance that will remove billboards inside the city limits except on state highways in the next five years. The new law that goes into effect in about 30 days will also require all signs to be permitted annually.

Entered into an agreement with Robert Dafford for work on the floodwall mural depicting the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Entered into an agreement with the Mississippi Action for Progress that will allow the city to pave that parking lot at the Kings Community Center on North Washington Street.

Extended the 1999 Home program until December 31.

Authorized the City Clerk to advertise for sealed bids for grass cutting at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Approved the claims docket.

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