Lawsuit against Ocean Springs continues after Urban Renewal Map is dismissed

Ocean Spring Board of Aldermen has officially voted no on the new Urban Renewal map after a heated debate where many Aldermen stated that they did not understand the plan enough to push it forward in good faith.

Even after redrawing the map to exclude a predominately black neighborhood that was deemed a “slum”, four aldermen voted no to the Urban Renewal Plan.

Ward 3 Alderman Kevin Wade said the city of Ocean Springs was moving too fast — which has led to constituents feeling confused and fearful of losing their homes.

The city can legally deem areas “blighted” without prior notice to the homeowners.

The city can also propose a new Urban Renewal Plan.

The “We will not be moved” coalition is challenging this rule.

“This church that I attend is 132 years old. You can’t erase that. You cannot erase these homeowners that actually didn’t go and get a loan from the bank back then. They used hard-earned money and purchased brick by brick to build their homes,” said the founder of the coalition Greg Gipson. “And we’re talking about fourth and fifth-generation families that have been in Ocean Springs for years. So, we want to make sure that it’s protected, that our history is a part of Ocean Springs, and we can tell our story.”

Their original lawsuit against the city will not be dropped due to the prior notice law still being in effect, and the “We shall not be moved” coalition plans to work alongside legislators to change it.

Mayor Kenny Holloway posted to social media prior to the Board of Aldermen meeting, “So, what I’m going ask for is your patience as this thing comes together… We will work more diligently to keep communications regarding projects through the city’s official communication channels which includes our board meetings.”