April 21, 2026 - 2026-04-21
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Gulfport City Council denied closure of two railroad crossings at 3rd Street and John Clark Road after strong community opposition, citing traffic concerns and business impacts. The council approved a zoning change at 635 Oakley Ave. from B-2 to R-2 (5-1 vote), and postponed CDBG public facilities funding decisions to a special meeting Monday, April 27 at 11 AM. Tax exemptions were approved for Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding and Design Precast expansions.
Key Decisions (8)
Railroad Crossing Closures at 3rd Street and John Clark Road
Council denied CPKC Railroad's request to close two crossings - 3rd Street south of Highway 53 and John Clark Road north of O'Neill Crossing. Multiple residents testified about traffic congestion concerns, business impacts to Vogel's and Maples Gas, and lack of accidents at these crossings. No vote count stated as motion to close hearing passed without formal vote on closures.
Rezoning at 635 Oakley Ave. from B-2 to R-2
Planning Commission recommendation to rezone property at 635 Oakley Ave. in Ward 2 from B-2 (commercial) to R-2 (residential). Property has always been used as residential but was zoned commercial. New owner wishes to sell as residential property. Planning Commission approved unanimously.
Downtown Parking Time Restriction Amendment
Ordinance amending parking restrictions on 23rd Avenue to limit two-hour parking enforcement to 8 AM to 4 PM only, allowing evening restaurant patrons at the Markham building to park without time restrictions after 4 PM.
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding
Five-year tax exemption for Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding expansion. City's portion is $5,549 per year for five years. Company currently pays $223,000 total in taxes to city, county, and school. Adding 7 jobs to reach 82 total employees. Harrison County already approved.
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Design Precast
Five-year tax exemption for Design Precast expansion. City's portion is $4,900 per year. Company currently pays $37,000 in taxes annually. Adding 20 jobs to reach 150 total employees. Harrison County already approved. Family-owned Gulfport business.
CDBG Public Facilities and Infrastructure Projects
Resolution approving $2 million in CDBG funds for public facilities projects including Soria City streetscape ($1.5M estimate), Gulfport Central Middle and West Elementary safe routes ($735K), Lewis Ave. improvements ($1.2M), Turkey Creek Road ($800K), and park improvements. Total project list estimates $6 million but only $2 million available.
Queen Victoria Townhome Development MOU and Easements
Approved MOU between City of Gulfport, Menso Quad, Victoria No, and TGC Contractor LLC for Queen Victoria Townhome Development located between Texas Ave. and Courthouse off Highway 90. Also approved water and sewer easement over city property to access 16th Street. Development includes approximately 13 lots with sewer lift station.
Landon Road Widening Quantity Adjustment Reconsideration
Council reconsidered and approved quantity adjustment for Landon Road widening project, saving the city $214,000 in reimbursable costs.
Zoning Changes (1)
635 Oakley Ave., Ward 2
New property owner (name not stated)
Development Activity (6)
Queen Victoria Townhomes
Approximately 13 lots with sewer lift station and water infrastructure. Easement granted over city property for utility access.
The Markham Building Restoration
100-year-old building restored. Restaurant and rooftop bar opening. Ribbon cutting scheduled April 23 at 4 PM.
Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding Expansion
Shipbuilding facility expansion adding 7 jobs to reach 82 total employees. Enhanced production facility.
Design Precast Expansion
Expansion adding 20 jobs to reach 150 total employees.
Ward 1 Fire Station
Metal building framework delayed. Notice to proceed scheduled May 16. Eight-month construction timeframe.
Gulfport High School Stadium
Multi-million dollar stadium approximately five months from completion. First game expected fall 2025. Sidewalks and lighting around school completed by school district.
Market Signals (6)
Infrastructure
Amtrak Gulf Coast service reached 100,000 passengers since August 2024 inaugural run, far exceeding projections.
Commercial Demand
Downtown Gulfport seeing investment with Markham building restoration including restaurant and rooftop bar, driving parking ordinance changes.
Housing Demand
Multiple new subdivisions along John Clark Road and O'Neill Road area creating significant traffic congestion concerns.
Infrastructure
City insurance renewal showing 1.2% increase with cyber liability coverage being added; property insurance market described as 'extremely soft' allowing coverage expansion at no additional cost.
Sentiment
Strong community opposition to railroad crossing closures indicates residents prioritize traffic flow and local business access over railroad safety upgrades.
Housing Demand
CDBG Emergency Home Repair program launching April 27 with 50 application slots and $780,000 available, maximum $25,000 per applicant, indicating significant deferred maintenance in low-moderate income housing stock.