Concerns coming to Vancleave over planned subdivision

Vancleave, Miss. (WXXV)- In Vancleave, a rural stretch of farmland could soon give way to new subdivision.

Some residents say there’s no need for change, but developers say the growth is long overdue.

It’s quiet along Old Fort Bayou Road — country roads, creeks and cattle.

But longtime resident Jack Stokes says that peace is under pressure.

“We don’t want our country life turned into a big neighborhood housing project,” said Stokes.

Stokes is one of dozens of homeowners pushing back against a proposal to rezone more than 100 acres of farmland into a suburban-style subdivision.

Developer Kenneth Jones says the plan is designed to blend with the landscape — not erase it.

“We’re preserving almost 50% of the site — about 45% of the site — which will be really nice for the residents,” said Jones. “They’ll have areas to, you know, preservation areas where they can walk and have trails and stuff like that.”

Jones points to a regional housing shortage, low inventory and recent infrastructure upgrades as signs the area is ready.

“There’s a real lack of land that’s for sale, outside the flood zone, People need somewhere to live.”

But neighbors say the project doesn’t match the pace or purpose of their rural community.

Emily Theriot says it’s not just about homes — it’s about values.

“We chose to live in a quieter, slower area that we have peace in. There has been no substantial increase in jobs, restaurants, shopping or school capacity at Vancleave to justify a need. It would not be in harmony with the rest of the neighborhood.”

Laurie Claxton urged county commissioners to think long term.

“We have many, many, animals that will be affected by this. And so I’d just like to ask you to, please not approve this. Please look into it heavily before you do. Maybe even postponing it if you have to. It means a lot to us that have lived there our whole lives.”

For some, the decision is about more than zoning — it’s about what kind of future Vancleave is building.

The Jackson County Planning Commission has recommended the rezoning.

The final decision now goes to the Board of Supervisors, their next meeting is set for May 5th.