AHRC Members Asked To Resign

On Biloxi’s Architectural and Historical Review Commission today, in an email, Mayor Andrew Fofo Gillich asked for the resignation of five members so the commission will be in compliance with the ordinance that says 7 of the 9 members must live in a historical district to serve. This was brought to the city’s attention after residents on Seal Avenue asked for it to be enforced because they are against the commission’s decision to approve a proposed La Quinta Hotel nearby. For fear it will diminish the historic value of their neighborhood. Some members of the commission however, are upset their resignation request came down to an email. In hindsight the city probably could have been more tactful in notifying these members and asking them to step down. We apologize for that. Quite frankly the mayor was not well served by the staff on that. There should have been a better job of notifying and being a little more sensitive to these people who have served for so long. Creel goes on to say that the mayor will ask city council tomorrow to allow for more positions on the commission so the five members will not have to resign.