City seeking new grant for improvements to Booker T

The city is applying for a Community Development Block Grant for public facilities to help fund improvements to the multi-purpose building near the old Booker T. High School.

If approved, the grant would cover repairs to the building’s leaking roof, provide upgrades to the heating and air conditioning system, and other interior improvements.

The city applied for a similar grant last year, but it was not approved in the previous funding cycle. Since the building’s needs remain, officials are renewing their request.

The multi-purpose building is frequently used by Head Start and the Multi-County Community Service Agency of Meridian to provide essential services to the community such as food distribution and mental health assistance.

During last Tuesday’s meeting, aldermen reviewed engineering proposals for the expected upcoming renovations from Allen & Hoshall, WGK, and T. Baker Smith. After discussion, the board selected Allen & Hoshall.

“They were the engineering firm on the initial project,” said Mayor James A. Young. “Based on their service to projects within the city and county, we know their reputation, and that’s the choice we made.”

Young said the next step is for East Central Planning & Development District to gather letters of support and cost estimates for the project, as well as assess the community’s needs and those who will benefit from the improvements.

At this stage, the city has not determined the exact grant amount they will request, but Young said engineers will help finalize those figures as they develop a plan.

“This project will benefit the community and the services it provides to the citizens of Philadelphia and Neshoba County,” Young said. “It can be a lifesaver for low- to moderate-income residents starting on their own. It’s set up to support individuals facing unexpected emergencies, like utility costs, home repairs, fires, and other issues unforeseen to the average citizen.”

Young added that the upgraded facility would also provide additional space for community programs including training and education.

“It serves everyone in the county,” he said, “This is not an isolated service.”

In other business, aldermen voted to:

• A hearing was opened on 522 Center Avenue to be rezoned from C-2 to R-2 classification. A motion was then made to approve the rezoning of 522 Center Avenue from C-2 to R-2. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to place a mural at 542 Main St. on the side of Crismont Creations. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to set a hearing date on April 1 for the potential rezoning of 1013 Golf Course Road from R1 to C3. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to allow a street closure as needed for safety and traffic flow on Center Avenue in front of Trinity Baptist Church for a steeple setup. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to give a sanitation exemption to the Woodcrest Apartments units due to the complex having a dumpster. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to allow street closures for Street Eat Saturdays along Center Avenue for public safety and traffic flow on the following dates: March 22, April 26, May 31, Jun. 28, and Aug. 30. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to allow a mural to be placed on the north side of the Police Department building with plans to be approved as the mural ordinance states at a later meeting. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Aldermen then entered into Executive Session for a legal matter and transaction of business. No action was taken.