What does Petal need?

[Tully Mars]

Since many of you live in Petal what are some things in terms of businesses or services that Petal could really use? What could someone open in Petal that would make you stop there instead of driving west?

One thing that I have thought of for years is that Petal could really use a good, locally-owned men's clothing store. There is nowhere to buy any type of men's clothing in Petal (other than at walmart). Since there is virtually no competition, it would seem that a store with quality merchandise that is locally owned and operated with an emphasis on personal service would do well.

[aaron]

Do they have a good lumber yard? I'd like to see some solid chain restaurants there also.

[Tully Mars]

Do they have a good lumber yard? I'd like to see some solid chain restaurants there also.

They have Big Red Supply, I don't know if I would go as far as to call them good. They don't open on Saturdays, so weekend projects still mean a trip to Lowes or Home Depot. I will say that since Ace Hardware moved to their new location I enjoy shopping there more. The store is a bit more open and their selection is better.

[aaron]

Well, my parents live east of Petal and I'm trying to think why thy drive through. Lowe's is one reason.

[MSQueen]

i don't know about the lumber yard, aaron. as far as fast food/restaurants go, DEFINITELY a Taco Bell (although i know about the franchise deal and that there won't be one in petal as long as the current franchise owner has the one in hbg, etc.....). but they just don't realize the market and MONEY they are missing out on by not having one in petal. if there was another taco chain (Taco John's??) or some other one that had as good and reasonable prices as Taco Bell, i believe that would be beneficial to both the franchise AND the residents. Definitely, a sit-down, get waited on full-service restaurant! of course, that probably won't happen until they are able to also serve liquor. Steak house, seafood restaurant would be great!
i agree about the men's clothing store. we used to have one -- Efird's -- it was men and women. i also think there should be a "re-vamped" skating rink with video games, maybe laser tag, etc. for young kids.

[MSQueen]

Well, my parents live east of Petal and I'm trying to think why thy drive through. Lowe's is one reason.
yes, a Lowe's or Home Depot would be great, although i don't know that petal would qualify as for as the #s are concerned... :smt102

[Tully Mars]

yes, a Lowe's or Home Depot would be great, although i don't know that petal would qualify as for as the #s are concerned... :smt102

I don't know, they built a Home Depot in Brookhaven and the population is comparable to Petal's...of course they don't have Hattiesburg as a neighbor either.

[aaron]

Well, Wal-mart has the standard stores and super stores. Maybe Lowe's or Home Depot has the same thing. It'd be a great move for Marvin's in my opinion.

[fuzzis]

I know that Home Depot has been experimenting with some smaller stores...to attract women customers. The lumber and tool departments are smaller, the landscaping/nursery sections have been expanded. The screaming orange has been muted and the shelves don't go all the way to the ceilings. Apparently many women feel "overwhelmed" by the standard Home Depot (I would include myself in that category).

:smt102

fuzzis

[Conveyor Belt]

"Overwhelmed"? Really? That's facinating to me.

I think that Taco Bell would be a solid investment, but some people can't see that or can't raise the capital to realize it. Anyone in franchising can tell you that opening a location 2 miles down the road isn't going to impact the first business signicantly, but will expand your base.

I know with all the building going on, it would be handy to have a building supply store closer to Petal.

I wonder if Petal couldn't find a way to build a mall at nearer the Hattiesburg city limits of the new Gandy Parkway. Most of that land is uninhabited. It would be great to have the "new mall" in Petal, instead of Hattiesburg. Turtle Creek is getting older, and even people in east Hattiesburg drive to Petal for some stuff instead of going across to the 98W area. Not only that, but you'd have the draw of the people from Laurel who drive to either Meridian or Hattiesburg to do their shopping. I'm sure it'll never happen, but it's just an idea.

I think we need another gas station near the new Wal-Mart. Whoever builds that is going to rake in the $$$.

[MSQueen]

i think we are gonna see SO MANY changes after the parkway is completed and then we will CONTINUE to see changes! it is going to be exciting and kind of "scary" anticipating and actually seeing what happens to that area and ALL the other parts of petal within the next few years!
my main concern is that the older parts (business AND residential) don't fall to the way-side and become the "slums" of petal (which is already happening in some business and residential locations). not only would this greatly affect my family, but it would really upset me since i have been here since before incorporation in '74 -- i think we originally moved here when i was 8 or 9 (1964 or 1965) and was in Mrs. McElhaney's class in the 4th grade at W. L. Smith. so i have seen a "metamorphasis" of all things in petal over a long period of time. :-D

[mike327]

Marvins relocate to petal, great idea. Upper end campground. We stayed in a very nice campground/park in Ruston LA. that was on a small lake with a walking track very well maintained. Quality being the focus not quanity like other campgrounds.There isn't anything like this in our area. The closests thing to compare to is Topsail in Destin FL. I know we do not have the beach but we do have USM and the Leaf River. Build it and people will come, let it run down and the converted school busses will come. The target group would not have any problem spending several hundred a day in the area. Paved roads concrete pads manicured mini-yards.

[MSQueen]

Marvins relocate to petal, great idea. Upper end campground. We stayed in a very nice campground/park in Ruston LA. that was on a small lake with a walking track very well maintained. Quality being the focus not quanity like other campgrounds.There isn't anything like this in our area. The closests thing to compare to is Topsail in Destin FL. I know we do not have the beach but we do have USM and the Leaf River. Build it and people will come, let it run down and the converted school busses will come. The target group would not have any problem spending several hundred a day in the area. Paved roads concrete pads manicured mini-yards.

campground/park sounds like a good idea, but not sure where it could be built. also, not sure that it could be a very big "draw". interesting idea, though. :smt038

[Conveyor Belt]

The one thing Petal could use is a hotel/motel.

[mike327]

The one thing Petal could use is a hotel/motel.

Bingo. I bet that becomes a reality if the 4 lane is ever completed.

[mike327]

campground/park sounds like a good idea, but not sure where it could be built. also, not sure that it could be a very big "draw". interesting idea, though. :smt038

Build on the river, build a small lake. Make the campground the draw.

I wish someone would build a atv/orv park for us rednecks.

[Conveyor Belt]

I thought they were supposed to open it in stages. Stage 1 from 11 to 59, stage two from 42 to 11. Right now, it's really inconvienceing me because it's closed my main road to work and I have to go around every time I go anywhere. I'll be glad when they're done. I thought they were saying first of June, but I don't see that happening.

[Blondie]

I'm giving away my idea, but Petal really, really needs a book store with a coffee shop. There's no place to get a good cup of coffee in Petal. When I have a couple of hours free from the kids, I love to go drink a cup and look at books/mags but hate driving to OG from Petal, especially now that BAM moved farther west. I like Main Street Books, but they are never open when I want to go. I like to go at 8:00 usually on weekend night.

That's the only really big thing that comes to my mind. Petal does good to have as much as they do but be a small town.

[Tully Mars]

I'm giving away my idea, but Petal really, really needs a book store with a coffee shop. There's no place to get a good cup of coffee in Petal. When I have a couple of hours free from the kids, I love to go drink a cup and look at books/mags but hate driving to OG from Petal, especially now that BAM moved farther west. I like Main Street Books, but they are never open when I want to go. I like to go at 8:00 usually on weekend night.

That's the only really big thing that comes to my mind. Petal does good to have as much as they do but be a small town.

Excellent thought Blondie. We could certainly use a nice indy bookstore with a coffee shop. I would at least settle for a drive-through coffee shop like Seattle Drip. It would be real nice to be able to get a good cup of coffee on my way to crime-ridden downtown to start my work day. As it is now I have to drive to Java Works or Starbuck for my caffene kick.

I have heard that Java Works is considering a downtown location though.

Hmmm, a coffee shop/indy book store, sounds like a good venture for some enterprising souls to embark on...

[MSQueen]

blondie, that is a good idea! i had also thought about a second-hand book store (like the Book Rack in hbg).
:-D

[aaron]

I looked into starting a coffee shop in downtown Hattiesburg. Food equipment will cost about 25k, and another 25k for business equipment/misc. I was figuring about 40k to do it and then you take the regular startup cost multiple that figures in what you don't know and come up with about 60-70k. Now, if a banker/investor would just join myhattiesburg...

[RevranAL]

Excellent thought Blondie. We could certainly use a nice indy bookstore with a coffee shop. I would at least settle for a drive-through coffee shop like Seattle Drip. It would be real nice to be able to get a good cup of coffee on my way to crime-ridden downtown to start my work day. As it is now I have to drive to Java Works or Starbuck for my caffene kick.

I have heard that Java Works is considering a downtown location though.

Hmmm, a coffee shop/indy book store, sounds like a good venture for some enterprising souls to embark on...

Dearest Brotha Tully,

Say it isn't so.....What about all them relaxin' photos of buirldin's and fountains??

RevranAL

[Neenytwo]

One thing Petal needs for sure and thats a 24 hour convienience store. I dont believe there is one now - unless I have missed it.

I would like a taco bell - Chilis- and something more for our children to do.

[Conveyor Belt]

The texaco on the corner of central and main is 24 hr. The Shell with the KFC in it used to be, and looked to be the other night...

The new park/playground behind the library is great and is 100X better than the one at Kamper park.

[Tully Mars]

Dearest Brotha Tully,

Say it isn't so.....What about all them relaxin' photos of buirldin's and fountains??

RevranAL

I can assure you Brother RevAl that my comments were intended to be tongue-in-cheek...as opposed to the foot-in-mouth that seems to be prevalent these days. :-D

[Blondie]

CB, you got that right about the playground. My kids LOVE it. Plus, it's free!!

About the coffee shop/book store - I would love to open one up but I'm way to short on cash. No way I can do it. Would love to possibly do something when I retire from the State, but that's not for another 14 years, and by then surely someone would have opened one.

I'm still waiting for something to open in the old Wal-Mart and Sunflower buidings. Tully, do you know of any businesses that have even inquired? Just seems like such a waste, and with the businesses moving farther east, I hate to see such good real estate wasted on teenagers parking in the parking lots drinking every night.

[Blondie]

I just thought about something else Petal needs - a hotel/motel, but not a big one. I just know I've had family and friends come into town but I didn't have enough room for everybody. It would have been really nice for them to stay in Petal closer to our house than driving to H'burg. Plus with the Parkway opening, just seems like we'll get more traffic which could increase our customer base. Not sure how many would even be looking for a place to stay, but it would be nice to offer.

Anyone know if there is a real need for a hotel/motel?

[Tully Mars]

Tully, do you know of any businesses that have even inquired? Just seems like such a waste, and with the businesses moving farther east, I hate to see such good real estate wasted on teenagers parking in the parking lots drinking every night.

I am not aware of any immediate inquiries. I do know that a few businesses have and plan to move east. However, the city is in the process of considering incentives for businesses that may want to locate in the older, central part of the city.

[RevranAL]

I can assure you Brother RevAl that my comments were intended to be tongue-in-cheek...as opposed to the foot-in-mouth that seems to be prevalent these days. :-D

Dearest Brotha TM,

RevranAL is with you on that my Brotha -- Yes Indeeds...

Be lookin' for ya in Prayah Suhrvice come Sunday
Tell Brotha jmack that I ax how he was doin'
RevranAL

[SoMissTV]

I'm still waiting for something to open in the old Wal-Mart and Sunflower buidings. Tully, do you know of any businesses that have even inquired? Just seems like such a waste, and with the businesses moving farther east, I hate to see such good real estate wasted on teenagers parking in the parking lots drinking every night.

Hmm... sounds like it's time for the Sunrise community to incorporation in order to "protect our community."

SoMissTV

[wilebill]

Petal could use a good ice house. :)

[MSQueen]

Petal could use a good ice house. :)
yeah, but not right in front of a strip mall! :)
(maybe BEHIND a strip mall??) :smt102

[MSQueen]

Hmm... sounds like it's time for the Sunrise community to incorporation in order to "protect our community."

SoMissTV
yep, u might need to get some "pointers" from hub... :-D

[SoMissTV]

yep, u might need to get some "pointers" from hub... :-D

I was hoping Joe Fortenberry and Dale Beavers would take this project on. After all, all it takes is one bill in the legislature to deincorporate Petal and annex it into Hattiesburg, which incidentally is as likely to happen as overturning the ruling regarding school district lines following annexation lines.

[Conveyor Belt]

Sunrise incorportation... What are there, two convience stores? That's funny!

[noway]

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060606/NEWS01/606060305/1002


Q: Describe, briefly, your vision of a perfect Petal.
A: In many ways, we have already reached levels of perfection in Petal. A school system that is the envy of the state, churches that reach out in times of disaster and community-supported recreational programs for all ages proves that we are a community of sound values. We are a working-class community that lives and teaches the American work ethic.
My vision is to make the outward appearance of Petal as attractive as the values shared by our citizens.
Q: At this point, how do you rate your chances for re-election?
A: The question assumes that I would choose to run again, and that decision will not be made until I prove to myself that I can fully deliver on my three campaign promises. Should I run again, then the electorate would compare their current vision for Petal to my vision for the city and vote accordingly.

[politically incorrect]

We certainly don't need more gas stations. I think we have about 23 in the city and outlying area. What we do need is some family restaurants like Chilis, O'Charley's, Logan's, etc. We have lots of fast food, but only a couple of places where you can sit down and have a meal without feeling rushed. We also need to hold off on projects such as bike trails and more parks until we can fix the sewer and water lines. The streets also could use work in several areas.

[Smokey Bear]

Petal needs the first Dunkin Donuts in Mississippi. They are franchising into Texas in 2007.

[Tully Mars]

We certainly don't need more gas stations. I think we have about 23 in the city and outlying area. What we do need is some family restaurants like Chilis, O'Charley's, Logan's, etc. We have lots of fast food, but only a couple of places where you can sit down and have a meal without feeling rushed. We also need to hold off on projects such as bike trails and more parks until we can fix the sewer and water lines. The streets also could use work in several areas.

Please allow me to address the issue of recreation versus other infrastructure needs. No one is arguing that Petal's infrastructure is showing its age and needs repair...those efforts are currently being made with some success. The efforts that are being made to improve quality of life through recreation are entirely seperate and are not in any way taking funds or energy away from the effort to update and improve critical infrastructure.

How do I know all of this? Primarily because I am currently assisting the city in obtaining funding for the bike trails, pedestrian corridors and other recreation projects. If all goes well, the city will receive grant funding that will pay for around 80 to 90 percent of the cost of funding the recreational improvements that we have all been hearing about. In addition, we are currently seeking other funding for land acquisition for a business/light industrial park for which there are already interested and potential tenants that would bring increased revenue and jobs to the city.

Please understand that the efforts being made to improve Petal on all fronts are not being undertaken without a solid plan to ensure that the improvements are both cost effective and obtainable. Very often in government there are monies that are available for one specific activity that simply cannot be used for other programs or projects. I can assure you that funds being used to finance recreation are in no way taking away from efforts to shore up and improve critical infrastructure.

[politically incorrect]

An industrial park? Why not wait until the one in Hattiesburg is filled first? Or the one in Ellisville? Or the one in Lamar County? How many industrial parks can this region sustain? Are we being flooded with requests from industries to locate here? I thought they were all going to Mexico. Don't get me wrong, progress is great. But, progress can not be measured in how many industrial parks we have or how many bike trails. Progress is having a safe community - safe from crime and drugs. It is having streets to drive on that don't rattle your teeth. And it is having a tax rate that is affordable for middle class citizens. So many times our government - at all levels - believe that it must show us what it can do for us. So they give us more and more of things we don't need or can't sustain, and then tax us out the wazoo to pay for them.

[Joelaw]

How do I know all of this? Primarily because I am currently assisting the city in obtaining funding for the bike trails, pedestrian corridors and other recreation projects.
tell me more about the bike trails I like to ride the trace but sometimes I wish we had something on this side of the bridge like that.

[Conveyor Belt]

I like it here, and the streets I drive on are better than the one's in Hattiesburg that I drive on. I don't mind the talk of the bike trail, especially since a majority of the money for it is grant money.

Sure, we need some utility infastructure, but that's not uncommon in any city. That's something that will ALWAYS be needed.

As for the industiral park, sure, we should just sit back and let all the potential industries move to Hattiesburg and Laurel and Lamar country. C'mon... if someone wants to locate here, the least we could do is offer a place for them to come. It's not like they're going to buy up a lot of houses in town and tear them down to build it... It'll be located on some of the many currently forested acres that are within our city.

We may not be 100%, but we're sure a lot closer than our neighboring incorporated areas.

[Tully Mars]

An industrial park? Why not wait until the one in Hattiesburg is filled first? Or the one in Ellisville? Or the one in Lamar County? How many industrial parks can this region sustain? Are we being flooded with requests from industries to locate here? I thought they were all going to Mexico. Don't get me wrong, progress is great. But, progress can not be measured in how many industrial parks we have or how many bike trails. Progress is having a safe community - safe from crime and drugs. It is having streets to drive on that don't rattle your teeth. And it is having a tax rate that is affordable for middle class citizens. So many times our government - at all levels - believe that it must show us what it can do for us. So they give us more and more of things we don't need or can't sustain, and then tax us out the wazoo to pay for them.

One of the reasons for not waiting until the other existing industrial parks are full is because the City of Petal receives no direct benefits from businesses located in those parks. And, if you will check with the ADP, you will learn that the development capacity of the Hattiesburg industrial park is almost completely diminished (save for a few parcels that have significant environmental constraints that would greatly increase the cost of development). Please re-read my post...it will be a business/light industrial park encompassing no more than about 40 acres, not at all similar to the one in Hattiesburg. And yes, there are already businesses that have expressed an interest in locating there. New businesses=increased revenue and jobs for the city=a greater ability to pay for needed infrastructure improvements.

tell me more about the bike trails I like to ride the trace but sometimes I wish we had something on this side of the bridge like that.

The initial plan is an attempt to connect several facilities and make them accessible for pedestrians or cyclists. Among these include the YMCA, W.L. Smith Elementary, Petal Middle School, Friendly Park, Relay Park, the Optomist Park, and the planned riverfront park.

The long-term goal is to develop a pedestrian/cycling bridge to provide direct access to the planned riverfront park in Hattiesburg and ultimately to Longleaf Trace.

[Conveyor Belt]

The initial plan is an attempt to connect several facilities and make them accessible for pedestrians or cyclists. Among these include the YMCA, W.L. Smith Elementary, Petal Middle School, Friendly Park, Relay Park, the Optomist Park, and the planned riverfront park.

The long-term goal is to develop a pedestrian/cycling bridge to provide direct access to the planned riverfront park in Hattiesburg and ultimately to Longleaf Trace.

I like this idea, a lot. Let's do it now!

[MSQueen]

... Progress is having a safe community - safe from crime and drugs. It is having streets to drive on that don't rattle your teeth. And it is having a tax rate that is affordable for middle class citizens. So many times our government - at all levels - believe that it must show us what it can do for us. So they give us more and more of things we don't need or can't sustain, and then tax us out the wazoo to pay for them.
pc, i agree with u on these issues, but i also believe that any grants that might be available to help us enhance the "appearance" of our city and make it more attractive (and which require little money to be put up by the city to pay for and/or maintain) are a very good thing. i, for one, am so glad to know that the current elected representatives of our city DO have a "vision" and have set up long-range planning, not only for the "new" portions of petal but also for revitalizing, upgrading and maintaining the "orginal" portions of petal. that is VERY IMPORTANT to me since i have been here since BEFORE petal was incorporated and i 've seen the cosmetic changes over the years -- some good, some not so good. but if the current administration plans on cracking down on the "trashy" areas in the original portions of petal and make folks (businesses AND residences) clean up their messes and actively ENFORCE the building codes and restrictions for ALL, they will have me behind them cheering and smiling all the way! :smt038:-D

they have made progress in some areas, ie, percy scarborough's building coming into petal from hwy 11/42 and the feed mill or whatever to the right of the railroad tracks coming into petal on west central. there are still some other places (businesses AND residences) that i have issues with, and i had submitted pictures of those to the previous aldermen and mayor, which no one but tony phillips even acknowledged, but didn't take much action on any of it as it was almost time for the elections and he knew he wasn't going to be running again. i talked to carl scott about some of those issues when i was told that he was going to be running for mayor, and he assured me that he totally agreed and that he had lots of plans for cleaning up petal. so far, he seems to be working on it. of course, things have taken a back seat since Katrina -- and that is very understandable. i will just be keeping my eyes open to see that some of the remaining "eyesores" are either cleaned up, closed down or torn down.
:-D

[Blondie]

I'm all for an industrial park. Why let H'burg or Lamar Co. reap the benefits when they could come here. Especially with the Parkway opening (if it ever does).

I do have one gripe - the garbage can issue. Here's the HA article.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060621/NEWS01/606210330&SearchID=73248742177885

I got behind a garbage truck Thurs. and while I thought this new system was suppose to help save money and not have 3 guys on a truck, they still had 3 guys on the truck. They have to pick up the cans and put them on the truck, wait for the machine to turn the can upside down and back again, then they take it off. What a waste!! I'm sorry, but I don't see how this is a big way to save money. One of the workers was an MDOC inmate, but why spend $188K on this? There's no way my family of 6 is going to be able to fit a week's worth of garbage in this can. We had really good cans. There are just a lot of other things (like repairing Chappel Hill Road and NOT JUST PATCHING IT!!) that they could spend the $188K on. I'm not impressed AT ALL with this administration. Steve Stringer is the only one who has seemed interested when I have contacted City Hall.

[Blondie]

I just now noticed the thread on Petal Garbage. Sorry I posted here.

[Conveyor Belt]

From what I understand, you can purchase another can of that size. I think they're going to be emptying all cans in the meantime.

My issue with twice a week service is you don't have the stink building up and the potential for rodent infestation if the garbage is removed quickly. However, my family of 3 will miss several trash days before I finally get around to taking it down to the end of the drive. I didn't like the single big can when Enviro started that stuff in the county. Then, we had too much trash, and they wanted to charge you another contract for another can. I'm not sure the cost of another green can, but I'm sure it's not over $100.

[politically incorrect]

I think that a lot of what the new administration - for all of whom I voted - have done some good things. For too long the city fathers would neglect areas such as the water and sewer lines that should have been addressed years ago. My point is that most of the time when an area around here creates an industrial park - light or otherwise -they give so many tax incentives away to lure a business that there are no real financial awards in terms of property tax for 10 years or more. What is the point? We do reap the rewards of other industries in the area, since most of the people in Petal work in Hattiesburg or Lamar County. Petal is a bedroom community; a nice, quite place to raise your kids and send them to good schools. Our goal should be to continue to make our city and outlying community safe from the crime spreading from Hattiesburg, provide the basic services needed and keep taxes as low as possible. As for the much vaunted parkway, much of the land available for development along its path is located in a flood plain or has already been developed residentially. I don't anticipate as much growth from the project as others seem to think will occur. It will ease traffic congestion, yes. But it will also divert a lot of traffic from existing businesses in "downtown" Petal, making it easier for folks living in Richton and Perry County to drive on through and get to Hattiesburg quicker to shop. I love Petal and would not want to live anywhere else. I am not downing the city or its leaders, simply presenting an alternative viewpoint than what is normally given by our movers and shakers.

[Conveyor Belt]

For me, I'd love nothing more than to also work in Petal. There's nothing quite like cutting your 30 min commute down to 5 min or less. With the new playgrounds here, which put the Kamper Park one to shame, it's becoming more and more family friendly. We no longer have to make our own fun, but have a community which provides places for us to interact with our fellow citizens.

[Tully Mars]

As for the much vaunted parkway, much of the land available for development along its path is located in a flood plain or has already been developed residentially. I don't anticipate as much growth from the project as others seem to think will occur.

At the risk of sounding contentious I am posting an aerial image of the Highway 42 corridor. As you will see, there are a couple of areas that are in the floodplain (particularly around the interchange at Highway 11). However, most of the corridor is not in the floodplain. You can also see that while there are some areas along the corridor that are developed for residential, the majority of the corridor is passing through open or undeveloped land.

http://static.flickr.com/58/175425519_ba36148724.jpg

[Conveyor Belt]

Wow... look at the EGP!!! I'm still kinda confused as to how 42's going to link to it, although it's starting to take shape day by day...

[politically incorrect]

Tully, nice photo. I think, however, it does make more of my point. There is developed residential areas near most of the parkway, just not right alongside. So, yes, you could, and will, see commercial development immediately along the highway. More gas stations, a few restaurants - which are needed - and perhaps a few shops. However, I fail to see where the "explosive growth" we keep hearing about will take place. Moselle is along I-59 and it has not grown because of easy access to the highway. Neither has Ellisville, although the locally-owned Howard Computers is generating some action now. I firmly believe that what is most likely to happen is the withering of the downtown Petal business as traffic is bypassed to a faster route to West Hattiesburg. I hope I am wrong, but only time will tell.

[Smokey Bear]

Nice aerial view Tully, I was wondering about the floodplain area of Petal.
Are there going to be traffic lights on 42 to get off the EGP ? Another set of lights to enter the Walmart shopping plaza ? I also thought of something that either Hattiesburg or Petal could use, a good deli, not just to serve sandwiches, but a good variety of meats and cheeses.

[Tully Mars]

Nice aerial view Tully, I was wondering about the floodplain area of Petal.
Are there going to be traffic lights on 42 to get off the EGP ? Another set of lights to enter the Walmart shopping plaza ? I also thought of something that either Hattiesburg or Petal could use, a good deli, not just to serve sandwiches, but a good variety of meats and cheeses.

As far as I know right now there will be lights at the intersection of EGP and Old Richton Road, and at the intersection of EGP and Byrd Parkway at Walmart. (Shhh, don't tell anyone but I hear that the owner of Gordon's Creek Deli is interested in opening a second location in Petal).

However, I fail to see where the "explosive growth" we keep hearing about will take place. Moselle is along I-59 and it has not grown because of easy access to the highway. Neither has Ellisville, although the locally-owned Howard Computers is generating some action now.

I think that much of the growth that has been rumored about with respect to EGP will happen on the eastern end of 42 from Walmart to Sunrise Road. This area has alway had development potential but it has been limited because of access issues. The benefit of EGP is not necessarily the development potential of the new corridor itself but what it opens up in terms of access to other areas that were previously tough to access. As far as the older commercial areas of Petal are concerned, steps are being taken as we speak to ensure that those areas remain viable.

As far as Ellisville, Moselle, etc. is concerned...I have long stated that there are three primary elements necessary for a community to grow and prosper: quality schools, a good transportation base, and quality housing. Retail generally follows rooftops. With the existing developments (Trailwood, Trailwood West, Pecan Lakes, Acadian Square, The Willows at Pecan Lakes, and others) along and near 42, the demand for goods and services will continue to increase along that corridor. I know for a fact that there is another residential development being planned that will front Highway 42 and will include 12 to 14 acres of retail and office space.

[wilebill]

Nice map, Tully.

They're building a Hardware Store on 42 right beside that old convenience store between Wal-Mart and the school. Can't think of the name of it right now, but it's something I've never heard of.

I also know that Petal has hired a very good code official so maybe they're going to try and up their building standards.

Looks like Petal is taking some steps in the right direction. If they'd kept Wal-Mart out, that would have been a big improvement. :smt003

[Joelaw]

I guess i'm not the only one who likes the idea of a bike path
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060628/OPINION01/606280307/1014

I think its a good idea. Yeah I know other stuff needs fixing first but I still like it, maybe not today but some time soon.

[Dispatcher01]

Less Traffic Congestion

[Joelaw]

does anyone know when the parkway will be open?

[Tully Mars]

does anyone know when the parkway will be open?

Taken from the MDOT website:


SR 42 from I 59 to US 11 in Forrest County
Tanner Construction, 3.8 miles, paving project, 4 lanes on new location, cost of 7.7 million. Placement of intermediate layers of asphalt and paved shoulders is underway. Fall 2006 completion is anticipated.

SR 42 from US 11 to the East Corporate Limits of Petal in Forrest County
Dunn Roadbuilders, 3.0 miles, paving project, 4 lanes on new location, cost of 5.0 million. Placement of intermediate layers of asphalt and paved shoulders is underway. Fall 2006 completion is anticipated.

[Emmalees]

When we moved here our choices were Oak Grove or Petal. We chose Oak Grove because I like the shopping conveniences on 98. I frequent Hobby Lobby, Lowes, Target, Ross... I still live in the country (out on 589 S) but I get the benefits of these conveniences close by. I guess it more reminds me of life in NE and it makes the culture differences more bearable.

[Farside]

A store with a good selection of wines.

(When I first moved here the only place that carried wine also had two unrestrained pitt bulls that thankfully stayed in the back of the store.)

[Conveyor Belt]

Let's face it, for alcohol, you have to go to Hattiesburg. The prices in Petal are outrageously high.

[Blondie]

CB, I agree. Not many wine drinkers in the friendly city! I like it every once in a while, but I don't drink that much. It would be nice to have a place, though. The store on Carterville and Main has always been helpful to me when I'm choosing wine.

[Conveyor Belt]

I've tried to be a wine snob, but it just doesn't suit me. I don't like the alcohol flavor/sensation. I like my drinks wet, wet, wet unless I'm drunk, drunk, drunk. I guess it may come from non-underage drinking, or just preference. Wine always gives me indigestion.

[LAGNAF01]

A Water Dept That Is Worth A Damn. They Cannot Fix A Damn Thing In This City.
How Many Times Does It Take To Fix A Single Water Leak.
I Know The Leak On N Main St In Front Of Hudsons Has Been Fixed Or Attempted To Be Fixed At Least 3 Times And It Is Now Still Leaking. What Tha!!
Please Tell Me Again Why We Pay These Incompetent People That Do Nothing But Create More Problems For The City.
Every Time You Go Down A Street You Either Go Threw Multiple Pot Holes Or See Thousands Of Gallons Of Water Flowing Down The Street. All The Money The Citizens Pay To Live In Petal You Think There Would Be Better Roads In Petal. Come On Mayor, Show Us Some Of These Things You Said You Would.

[wilebill]

How Many Times Does It Take To Fix A Single Water Leak. Sounds like a joke. :)

Every Time You Go Down A Street You Either Go Threw Multiple Pot Holes Or See Thousands Of Gallons Of Water Flowing Down The Street.
Since water is so expensive over there maybe you should take a jug with you in your car and catch some of it. :smt118

[Conveyor Belt]

Reads like a guy who posts on the HA site... puh, puh (spitting noise). Sure like's that shift key, though... Gotta give him/her credit on that one.

[hlra07]

What does Petal need? I'll tell you.....
1) Better water department
2) Better street department
3) New Fire Chief
4) Less Traffic!!!!

[HillaryC]

WHAT DOES PETAL NEED?


mypetal.com

[MSQueen]

hillary, we have mypetal.com right here... :smt038

[Blondie]

I've tried to be a wine snob, but it just doesn't suit me. I don't like the alcohol flavor/sensation. I like my drinks wet, wet, wet unless I'm drunk, drunk, drunk. I guess it may come from non-underage drinking, or just preference. Wine always gives me indigestion.

Wine always makes me sleepy. I'll drink it every once in a while, but I'm like you CB, I can't be a wine snob.

[Farside]

Some more 'wine snobs' I guess, although I've never thought of myself as one (I even drive a pickup), so we can support a good wine section.

[LAGNAF01]

more Mexican Resturants. Hahaa
no Just Kidding.

[LAGNAF01]

YEP I AGREE
What does Petal need? I'll tell you.....
1) Better water department
2) Better street department
3) New Fire Chief
4) Less Traffic!!!!

[mullytars]

Petal needs alot more common sense. Seriously.
(and i live there now!!!)

[Biggie]

I know we have been suggesting new retail growth possibilities but are there any plans to build an overpass over south or west entrance into Petal? The trains run at random times and it always seems they are holding up traffic at busy times.

[racoonhead]

Petal needs more of these: http://myspace-626.vo.llnwd.net/00674/62/64/674204626_m.jpg

[Conveyor Belt]

Didn't that guy GO to Petal??? I swear he looks just like this guy in my class...

[racoonhead]

i believe so. He's one of Tully's good freinds.

[BiGCoUnTrY06]

A NICE NEW PARK IN A FLOOD ZONE SO IT WILL COST THE TAXPAYERS NEGA BUCKS EVERY TIME THE RIVER FLOODS OVER ITS BANK.
I THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH WALKING TRAILS AND PARKS TO DEAL WITH NOW.
HOW ABOUT LETS CONCENTRATE ON OUR POTHOLED STREETS AND FLOODING STREETS.
ALSO WE COULD USE A TACO BELL.

[doitright]

I really do enjoy the park behind the Petal Police Dept. I think that was a very great idea and it really seems to get a great deal of use.I know that the needs of the people are great and never ending.The one thing I can't understand is when the city gets a good employee, why can't they pay him enough to survive in the city he is taken care of.He needs enough to have utilities and food and shelter. Very basic and not so out of reach that it is unachievable, but it's not being achieved. If you take more time to wait and see, then just wait and see what I'm telling you YOU WILL LOSE MORE GOOD PEOPLE--( is this too long ):clap:

[thrillseeker]

Petal needs a lot of things. We need a mayor who is going to care and nurture our city while it is in his hands, not destroy what other mayors have worked years to achieve. I hate to see work that other mayors have done go to pot because this mayor wants to put all his resources in other areas.

[Beauregard's Daddy]

We could use some more people willing to be part of the solution rather than complaining about the problem. A little more open mindedness when it comes to change. why is it people here really don't like change?

[Tommy9854]

Conservative? "If it ain't broke don't fix it".

[firefly]

I know we have been suggesting new retail growth possibilities but are there any plans to build an overpass over south or west entrance into Petal? The trains run at random times and it always seems they are holding up traffic at busy times. You hit the nail on the head with that, Biggie! I tried to give you rep, but it wouldn't let me! I have had to wait on that train for over 30 minutes before!

[Beauregard's Daddy]

It may not be broke but she tends to backfire a bit.

[firefly]

What's broke, BD???

[Beauregard's Daddy]

Not sure but sort of civic pride, entirely too much of the us versus them mentality. Be it the old Petal people vs. the new, the avenues vs. Trailwood, those wanting change vs. those who want status quo, haves vs. have nots.
People for the most part are proud of their city, for what ever reasons they have, good. But there is such a vehement reaction if someone tries to do something a little different from what they think as the way it should be. Almost a mentality of "if it ain't my way it's wrong."
If you read over the posts here and on ATP on the other forum you can see there is a historical trend in that the city govt. is screwing us, inept bunglers just wasting the cities money. And since I have paid my taxes they are wasting my money. (I don't get that whole logic)
There is no compassion for the people they elected, none for the school board, a little more for the police and fireman. A bit more for the teachers. These people are the leaders of our community, love them or hate them but they are. Who is the most influential person in your child's life outside of the home. That person is shaping how your child thinks and acts tomorrow.
Yes they are all thankless jobs for the most part and the people doing them knew what they were getting into when they started. But
I know most of the elected officials and they are doing what they think is best. Don't like the way things are going get to a council meeting and voice your concerns, they'll listen, may not do what you want but they'll listen. Then next time don't vote for them.
Police/fireman - thanks guys. Nobody wants your job, you have to put up with the crap and are still expected to put on a happy face.
School board is going to try to institute some changes for what they think will improve the atmosphere at school and take away a person's right to show their indviduality by showing off the crack of their butt.
Teachers just want to teach your kids. would love to do just that. But if they have to call attention to a negative situation about lil Johnny and try to get the parent involved, they get the ole it ain't my job to teach my kid that its the schools. WHAT?
Our town has a great resource and a great potential, both of which are the people that live here. But if people don't quit complaining and taking unfair potshots at our leaders character who is going to want to lead?
All you hear around town or on the forums are complaints. Not questions of how can we make it better. Is it that much easier not to take responsibility for the problem, address the problem, and correct it. No thanks, I did my civic duty when I voted now you fix things and make me happy. And don't spend anymore money than they did last year.
Where is the Lion's club, the Moose Lodge, the Jaycees any group that works that capacity? What parade, festival, charitable event has taken place in the last year?

With the exception of Relay for life. Which by the way is the best by far I have ever seen. Anyone contributing there take a bow.:clap:

It just seems to be such a current of almost hatred running just beneath the surface. The look some people give when you mention the southwest part of town. Oh it's so trashy there. Well those people run a business. A business to make money. The less they spend on appearances the more money they have in their pocket. The city has been letting them do what they want for years. Now it expects them to spend thousands of dollars and like it? Get it cleaned up in 30 days or else! Duh! There could have been a more amicable solution 90 - 180 days as long as progress is being made. It's unreal you have a fight between business owners and the city govt. And exactly what new business is going to want to come in to that relationship?
By the way A & B Cycles your fence is over the top great.

Just stop it. Stop tearing your neighbor down. Help a brother up. You want to be known as the "Friendly city"? Guess what it is not the city that will be known as friendly or unfriendly it is the people that live there. We are the city. Now quit your complaining, start fixing the problems we have here and be friendly dammit!

[James Moore]

...Our town has a great resource and a great potential, both of which are the people that live here. But if people don't quit complaining and taking unfair potshots at our leaders character who is going to want to lead?...

The entire post was spot on BG but the above segment sent the ball out of the park never to be seen again...speaking from personal experience.

Excellent post!

James Moore

[James Moore]

Petal needs a lot of things. We need a mayor who is going to care and nurture our city while it is in his hands, not destroy what other mayors have worked years to achieve. I hate to see work that other mayors have done go to pot because this mayor wants to put all his resources in other areas.

Thrillseeker,
Could you please elaborate on what prior mayors created that is being neglected currently?

Thanks.

James Moore

[ComputerDude]

Petal needs a lot of things. We need a mayor who is going to care and nurture our city while it is in his hands, not destroy what other mayors have worked years to achieve. I hate to see work that other mayors have done go to pot because this mayor wants to put all his resources in other areas.
I've only been in Petal for five years, and prior to that only visited twice since 1997, but I must say, It's been only the current administration that I've noticed visible changes being made.