By Staff
THE PITCH Local developer Robert Ward, left, talks to Ward 2 Councilman Mary Perry about a proposed extension of 10th Avenue. On Thursday, Ward took Perry and Ward 4 Councilman Jesse Palmer Sr. on a tour of his Windmill Crossings subdivision. Photo by Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Aug. 31, 2001
A Meridian developer Thursday proposed that the city expedite construction of a new road to his subdivision at Windmill Crossings, an effort he said could attract residents back to the city.
During a tour of the development, Robert Ward, accompanied by two members of the city council, said the new road could essentially extend 10th Avenue to Windmill Drive, the site of his subdivision.
Ward said the new road could connect with the current dead-end of 10th Avenue about a mile north of North Hills Street, or spill onto U.S. Highway 39. He said his proposal could open up a large tract of land for residential development.
The city has already launched one road project in the vicinity along a 1,200 foot stretch of what officials referred to as "the new" 10th Avenue.
Census 2000 showed a marked decline in Meridian's population as residents moved to Lauderdale County or elsewhere. Ward said he believes construction of new patio homes would help attract families back to the city and boost property tax revenue.
The tour of Ward's development came at a time when Mayor John Robert Smith has proposed a 5 percent increase in property taxes to help fund city government operations for fiscal year 2002. That plan is currently under city council review.
Meanwhile, council members Mary Perry and Jesse Palmer Sr., who accompanied Ward on the tour, said they were pleased with what they saw.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228 or E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.