Now it's getting ridiculous

[politically incorrect]

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/NEWS01/701110324

I spoke with several Petal citizens today about this story and each one thought it was the most ridiculous complaint possible. Walgreens paid for the property, they pay the property tax, they had their building permit approved, they did everything they were supposed to do, yet our city fathers and mothers believe it is their business to comment on how much parking space is or is not needed.

Mr. Moore, I know you are a good guy and mean well. You are doing what you think is best for Petal. I respect that. But, come on. Give us all a break and stop trying to micromanage each and every private business in the city. Just be glad Walgreens built in Petal and is adding to the sales tax. It is not like the downtown is some historic landmark that is now forever sullied by the "concrete wasteland."

[Conveyor Belt]

Outside of a football game, have you ever seen more than 10 cars at either WalGreens or RiteAid? What about IGA for that matter?

WalGreens WAY overbuilt their lot. it's stupid the amount of parking spaces. My hope is that something will come along that will make people want to park there. Then Walgreens will have to get protective of their spaces.

However, it is Walgreens property, and if they want 100 unused parking spaces, it gives the kids a great place to skate, which is what they've been using it for, that and the teenagers hanging out at night.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I am with you both! Yeah, there is a waste in that enormous parking lot. Sure you could put a Seattle Drip in there and make tons of $$$$$$$$$. However, Walgreens paid for all that land not part of it.
I know for a fact the plans had to be approved by the city as was my house. They view the plans in full then issue a permit to construct. They should of bitched at the time the plans were dropped off not now or simply refuse them.
They keep crap up like this up and other developers will be reluctant to build.

BACK OFF!

[carsalesguy]

just my 2 cents, but do you think walgreens saw that petal schools was having a parking problem during football games? the stadium is right there, and when people leave, and they park in their parking lot, then they go into walgreens?

maybe the concrete wasteland was a little excessive, but what it looks like is petal is trying to get business into the city and not to the walmart, and now they moan and complain because of a parking lot.

if someone really thought this through, why didn't they force walgreens into the old walmart/sunflower building? that is a building that is rotting, and is probably going to rot forever.......

[Tully Mars]

The plans were approved by an administration that is no longer in office and by a code official who is now retired. I see nothing wrong with the administration having a desire to insure that land available for development is used wisely. IMO, overbuilding a parking lot by 40% or more is not a wise use of land resources.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I agree Tully. However, the land belongs to Walgreens now. How can they come back on them after the fact. Dan Tolbert I guess might of approved the plans he approved mine as well. I think he is a fine fellow. I just don't know how the City can do the things they do.
I really wished Walgreens would of built out by the high school then they would be reaching this end of town.

[carsalesguy]

The plans were approved by an administration that is no longer in office and by a code official who is now retired. I see nothing wrong with the administration having a desire to insure that land available for development is used wisely. IMO, overbuilding a parking lot by 40% or more is not a wise use of land resources.


i agree about the wrongful land use by walgreens, but there must have been a reason why they did that..........

[Tully Mars]

I agree Tully. However, the land belongs to Walgreens now. How can they come back on them after the fact. Dan Tolbert I guess might of approved the plans he approved mine as well. I think he is a fine fellow. I just don't know how the City can do the things they do.
I really wished Walgreens would of built out by the high school then they would be reaching this end of town.

I don't think that there is any real intent by the city to try and come back on Walgreens after the fact. The point is that the city is trying to modify its regulations to ensure that it doesn't occur again in the future. I really am dumbfounded by some of the criticisms that the city receives through the course of developing policies with the intent of making Petal a better city. I am curious to know what some think that the role of the administration should be. Should they behave more like previous administrations and do literally nothing?

i agree about the wrongful land use by walgreens, but there must have been a reason why they did that..........

The folks who selected the site, developed the plans and built Walgreens have little to no ties to the city. I can assure you that the chances of the site design being a result of altruistic motives are slim to none. Walgreens is in Petal to make money. Had another structure been built on the corner then the visibility of Walgreens from Rite-aid would have been limited and could have reduced their profit potential. Let me ask this question...Do you think that there was any motive or intent in located Walgreens directly across and within plain site of Rite-aid?

[pEtAl pUrr-Dog]

Yeah, there is a waste in that enormous parking lot. Sure you could put a Seattle Drip in there and make tons of $$$$$$$$$.

A little off the subject at hand, I know, but HOW AWESOME WOULD A SEATTLE DRIP BE?????? They have seattle drips in other wasted parking lots and can you imagine how much business that place would get??????
(thanks for stealin MY idea misfit!) ;)

[pEtAl pUrr-Dog]

I

Let me ask this question...Do you think that there was any motive or intent in located Walgreens directly across and within plain site of Rite-aid?

I have honestly ALWAYS wondered that! But wouldnt you think they would have gotten MORE business by building at the OTHER end of petal?
They could have had 1/2 the business just because of convenience sake to that side of town!

[Tully Mars]

I have honestly ALWAYS wondered that! But wouldnt you think they would have gotten MORE business by building at the OTHER end of petal?
They could have had 1/2 the business just because of convenience sake to that side of town!

I don't know much about the marketing strategies of national chains (And maybe CB can chime in on this) but I would guess that it is the same reason that you generally see a Wendy's, Burger King, etc. within eyesight of a McDonalds. Or perhaps the same reason why car dealerships tend to build adjacent to one another...maybe they are hoping for residuals. If you can't find what you want at one, the other is within a reasonable distance. :smt102

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

[quote=Tully Mars;161167]I don't think that there is any real intent by the city to try and come back on Walgreens after the fact. The point is that the city is trying to modify its regulations to ensure that it doesn't occur again in the future. I really am dumbfounded by some of the criticisms that the city receives through the course of developing policies with the intent of making Petal a better city. I am curious to know what some think that the role of the administration should be. Should they behave more like previous administrations and do literally nothing?


There is a ton of things that this bunch has done that has been great. I am glad they are proactive and improving the city. However, I don't agree with all that they have done. Some things should have been voted on. I know they have spent tons of money to replace what this and that administration did or didn't do. Making it hard on people to pay their taxes with all the enormous increases. The city is sinking to much money too fast at the tax payers expense.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

A little off the subject at hand, I know, but HOW AWESOME WOULD A SEATTLE DRIP BE?????? They have seattle drips in other wasted parking lots and can you imagine how much business that place would get??????
(thanks for stealin MY idea misfit!) ;)


didn't steal it just decided to use your brainy idea.... could not think of something else small and oh so good...

[thrillseeker]

I think that this is all a bunch of bullsh*t. Walgreens paid for the lot. They can put as much parking as they please. At least we have a Walgreens. People need to realize that Petal is growing every year. Maybe Walgreens realizes that there might very well need to have sooooo many parking spaces in the near future. I wish the people of Petal will stop complaining so much. This little town desperately needs the extra income that these businesses produce. When the Gandy Parkway opens up all the way Petal is going to see alot more growth. I sure hope this and other issues lately do not interfere with other Major businesses deciding to make Petal their home. This is my town, I grew up in Petal and Petal people have always had this attidude about them. If you aren't from Petal we don't need you. Well I hope this attidude has changed over the years to a more pleasant We would like you to come to our town and see what we have to offer you and yours. This might just help increase revenues. But this is just my thinking of things.

[Tully Mars]

There is a ton of things that this bunch has done that has been great. I am glad they are proactive and improving the city. However, I don't agree with all that they have done. Some things should have been voted on. I know they have spent tons of money to replace what this and that administration did or didn't do. Making it hard on people to pay their taxes with all the enormous increases. The city is sinking to much money too fast at the tax payers expense.

I can agree that there are some decisions that could have been handled differently (as I'm sure the administration will also agree). I certainly don't agree with everything that they do but some folks seem to take issue with everything that they do and every decision that they make whether it is good for Petal or not.

[politically incorrect]

I am curious to know what some think that the role of the administration should be. Should they behave more like previous administrations and do literally nothing?

1. Provide Police and Fire Protection.
2. Provide well-paved streets.
3. Provide for sanitation services.
4. Provide water and sewer services.
5. Keep city taxes AS LOW AS POSSIBLE to attract residents and businesses to locate within the city.
6. If possible, promote and provide some kind of family-friendly parks or recreation activities - but only if funds are available after the previous points were taken care of.
7. Keep their nose out of private business and allow residents and business owners the widest possible latitude in determining their own future and how they want to conduct their affairs.

That should give them a start. I think the administration started out on the right track with the water and sewer improvements. I also give them credit for creating a wonderful playground for the kids. Where they got off track, IMO, was when they decided to get into things like the tree ordinance, the pet ordinance, the ban on metal buildings, the sign ordinance, etc.

Stick to the basics and you won't be "doing nothing." You will be doing your job.

[Tully Mars]

I think that this is all a bunch of bullsh*t. Walgreens paid for the lot. They can put as much parking as they please. At least we have a Walgreens. People need to realize that Petal is growing every year. Maybe Walgreens realizes that there might very well need to have sooooo many parking spaces in the near future. I wish the people of Petal will stop complaining so much. This little town desperately needs the extra income that these businesses produce. When the Gandy Parkway opens up all the way Petal is going to see alot more growth. I sure hope this and other issues lately do not interfere with other Major businesses deciding to make Petal their home. This is my town, I grew up in Petal and Petal people have always had this attidude about them. If you aren't from Petal we don't need you. Well I hope this attidude has changed over the years to a more pleasant We would like you to come to our town and see what we have to offer you and yours. This might just help increase revenues. But this is just my thinking of things.

Understood...however, there has also been a purvasive attitude that in order for Petal to attract businesses then the city has to bend over backwards and allow them to build whatever they want, how they want with little regard for how those decisions will affect the city over the long term (South Main Street is a perfect example, as is Walmart). Economic development is about more than just rooftops and parking lots. It is about building a city in a way that adds to quality of life rather than detract from it. Like it or not aesthetics and quality of development does add to quality of life.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I can agree that there are some decisions that could have been handled differently (as I'm sure the administration will also agree). I certainly don't agree with everything that they do but some folks seem to take issue with everything that they do and every decision that they make whether it is good for Petal or not.


Yes sir, your right. It is called opinions and well all have them. We are not all going to agree on everything 100%. I just wish before they would do something big vote on it. You know the ol majority rules. I do love Petal even though I am a misfit (was not born, raised nor marry a person from Petal). I have plenty of Petal friends who are just wonderful hardworking good people. I love the schools here. The small town atmosphere. I am glad to see it start growing with enormous potential.

[Tully Mars]

1. Provide Police and Fire Protection.
2. Provide well-paved streets.
3. Provide for sanitation services.
4. Provide water and sewer services.
5. Keep city taxes AS LOW AS POSSIBLE to attract residents and businesses to locate within the city.
6. If possible, promote and provide some kind of family-friendly parks or recreation activities - but only if funds are available after the previous points were taken care of.
7. Keep their nose out of private business and allow residents and business owners the widest possible latitude in determining their own future and how they want to conduct their affairs.

That should give them a start. I think the administration started out on the right track with the water and sewer improvements. I also give them credit for creating a wonderful playground for the kids. Where they got off track, IMO, was when they decided to get into things like the tree ordinance, the pet ordinance, the ban on metal buildings, the sign ordinance, etc.

Stick to the basics and you won't be "doing nothing." You will be doing your job.

So a municipal government has no role in economic development, quality of life issues, code enforcement and land use decisions. I believe that Euclid vs. Ambler Realty (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=272&invol=365)firmly established a city's right and responsibility with regard to land use decisions.

[carsalesguy]

is the walgreens in petal 24 hours?

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

is the walgreens in petal 24 hours?



NOPE

[Pop]

Some things should have been voted on. I know they have spent tons of money to replace what this and that administration did or didn't do. Making it hard on people to pay their taxes with all the enormous increases. The city is sinking to much money too fast at the tax payers expense.

I agree with the tax issue to property owner with an increase of 5.4 and 5.9 mills for the past two year increases (may not be exact off the top of my head). Many communities in the area had no increase or reduction. Any one with a homestead exemption has been pissed in the wind. Many people won’t realize these increases if they have taxes escrowed into the mortgage until this year. It will hit them when they have to make up a shortage in escrow. Granted some of the visions are admirable but a diamond is not made over night.

As for voting on things. That was done when the current administration was elected. I guess we'll get to vote again in the next election:smt103 .

P.S. If you have issue be at the Town hall meeting and bring facts not opinions. I will.:smt118

[Pop]

...That should give them a start. I think the administration started out on the right track with the water and sewer improvements. I also give them credit for creating a wonderful playground for the kids. Where they got off track, IMO, was when they decided to get into things like the tree ordinance, the pet ordinance, the ban on metal buildings, the sign ordinance, etc.

Stick to the basics and you won't be "doing nothing." You will be doing your job.

I do agree with controls and enforcement of building codes and signage. Many of the older properties during the refinance boom of the past several years had been purchased for rentals. With many owners living out of town, up keep was not a priority but rental income. Some houses had a high turnover with some residents that really didn’t have a stake in the community.

Also have you ever been to an area where there is nothing but bill boards and advertisement signs as far as you can see?

[Conveyor Belt]

Seattle Drip apparently is not interested in selling a franchise to someone who wants to locate in petal. I have tried numerous times to contact someone, but the emails and calls go unanswered. However, it seems that we'll be getting a coffee shop in front of WalMart in the next few months, if what I've read is true.

As for building things together, I think it's because when we want to eat, we really don't know what we want. So, we group together and hope that our deals are the ones that snag the customers. I guess we could ask why all the clothing stores are located in the mall. I like having a new resturant open up. Gets me on my toes and gives me the opprotunity to lure people away, or to let the know where we are. I've already put Burger King and Popeyes out of business. LOL!

[Mr. Bama]

A city's job is to ensure that the citizens receive the best quality of life possible. Too much parking causes unecessary impermeable surfaces leading too runoff which in turn leads to polluted water. It also discourages pedestrian activity and encourages driving (like Atlanta).


Here is an aerial photo of what happens with no growth management, aesthetic controls, or setback regulations. . Notice the unused parking? Notice how there is enough parking for the day after Thanksgiving sale, but other wise would be unused? Also look there are sidewalks but there isn't anyone walking. Notice that any kid with a crayon could design these buildings; no design, merely plain "big box" stores. The scenario below causes increases in traffic which in turn lead to increases in the amount of infrastructure necessary, which will lead to increased taxes. The longer distances mean slower response time for emergency vehicles and police. This also causes increase commute times which takes away from family time. Notice the chain reaction of poor planning?
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k305/crimsonblake/WalgreensColumbia-Prov.jpg

Here is the Walgreens you get with no aesthetic controls. Just a plain ole tin can building. While Walgreens rakes in the money, your community suffers and doesn't reach it's true potential.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k305/crimsonblake/Walgreens2.jpg

Now below is a Walgreens in a highly attractive setting. It is walkable yet easily accessible by car as well. This is the function of growth controls, an attempt to offer a wide variety of transportation including walking, biking, driving, public transit and to force billion dollar corporations into investing the most amount of money possible into the community.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k305/crimsonblake/Walgreens.jpg

[threekidspa]

A city's job is to ensure that the citizens receive the best quality of life possible. Too much parking causes unecessary impermeable surfaces leading too runoff which in turn leads to polluted water. It also discourages pedestrian activity and encourages driving (like Atlanta).


Here is an aerial photo of what happens with no growth management, aesthetic controls, or setback regulations. . Notice the unused parking? Notice how there is enough parking for the day after Thanksgiving sale, but other wise would be unused? Also look there are sidewalks but there isn't anyone walking. Notice that any kid with a crayon could design these buildings; no design, merely plain "big box" stores. The scenario below causes increases in traffic which in turn lead to increases in the amount of infrastructure necessary, which will lead to increased taxes. The longer distances mean slower response time for emergency vehicles and police. This also causes increase commute times which takes away from family time. Notice the chain reaction of poor planning?



What, you mean like Lamar County and Hwy 98??

[Tully Mars]

What, you mean like Lamar County and Hwy 98??

Exactly!

[James Moore]

1. Provide Police and Fire Protection.
2. Provide well-paved streets.
3. Provide for sanitation services.
4. Provide water and sewer services.
5. Keep city taxes AS LOW AS POSSIBLE to attract residents and businesses to locate within the city.
6. If possible, promote and provide some kind of family-friendly parks or recreation activities - but only if funds are available after the previous points were taken care of.
7. Keep their nose out of private business and allow residents and business owners the widest possible latitude in determining their own future and how they want to conduct their affairs.

Stick to the basics and you won't be "doing nothing." You will be doing your job.

PC,
With the exception of #4 above could you just as well be describing the role of 'county' government rather than city government? James Moore

[James Moore]

Regarding the HA article on the Walgreen's store please allow me to reprint a more detailed explanation I posted on their site explaining that we ARE appreciative of their investment, but we also feel the same $$ investment could have been made in a way that would have better benefited our citizens and still made the company money.

From the HA forum;

"Please let me clarify that both the mayor and board of aldermen greatly appreciate the significant investment Walgreen's made in our community.

We also agree that they did exactly as approved by the previous building inspector, Mr. Dan Tolbert, and I have no doubt that Dan was adhering strictly to the existing guidelines when the permit was issued.

Since the issuance of that permit the board and mayor have completed literally hundreds of hours of training learning how to design better ordinances which lead to better communities.

One concept that ALL city planners will agree on is that a pedestrian friendly business district is beneficial both to the financial success of the businesses as well as the community as a whole. As the Evelyn Gandy Parkway bypasses our Central Avenue Business District we need to be even more proactive in creating a desirable shopping experience including improving pedestrian access to our businesses.

Placing a business on the back side of a block long lot requiring pedestrians (including children, senior citizens, and the handicapped) to walk through a vast parking lot to access the building is not a practice in keeping with our desire to become pedestrian friendly.

To create a pedestrian shopping atmosphere store fronts must be at the sidewalk and one store front needs to be reasonably close to other store fronts. Such a large expanse between the Walgreen's store front and such a long walk to the next shopping opportunity violate those proven principles of city planning.

Again, we intended no offense to the investor who chose to build in our city and had this business been located out Highways 42 in a non-pedestrian environment, such a parking arrangement would have been appropriate. As we try to improve over past practices we are placing into effect a site review process where similar siting mistakes can be avoided in future pedestrian settings." James Moore

[Maggie-Doodle]

When I saw the picture in the HA it looked really strange to me...it left me wondering about all the concrete, that is for sure.

I think however, that with Petal growing as fast as it is, one day, the problem will take care of itself and the lot will be full. I do think however that they could have still had a big parking lot and make it look better at the same. The Walgreens at Hardy St/Hwy 49 in the Burg has a big lot but the building is more towards the center of the lot with parking all the way around the building. I think part of the problem with Petals Walgreens is the building is off to the side, leaving the parking lot looking like the top of an air-craft carrier out to the front.

[tha Dean]

It doesn't matter if the plans where approved by an administration that is no longer in office and by a code official who is now retired.

If this new administration has a problem with a business and its parking, then I hope they close shop and come over to Lamar County.

I think there are plenty of other properties in Petal to worry about being an eye-sore than Walgreens parking lot.

[Tully Mars]

I think that there is maybe a general misunderstanding of the content of the HA article. I don't believe that anyone is faulting Walgreens. They were in full compliance with the city's codes at the time of approval. The problem does not lie with Walgreens but rather with the city's codes. Simply stated, the city is taking steps to improve their land development codes to ensure that future developments are done differently.

[Mr. Bama]

Bama, downtown Atlanta is actually quite pedestrian friendly. Perhaps you're talking about the entire metro-Atlanta area, which may be an unfair comparison when you consider how huge that area really is. Inside the 285 loop, great pains have been taken to maximize a person's ability to walk or use the Marta system.

Yes, I'm aware of downtown Atlanta. Most people don't venture downtown and live in the sprawling burbs around it. Atlanta is going through an urban reinassance right now as urban infill projects are springing up all over (Atlantic Station). Atlanta is in the process of constructing the Beltline a 28 mile light rail loop around the city. The city is hoping to get TOD's (transity oriented development (high density)) around these transit stops to encourage use of the transit system, to get people to move back into the city (already happening) and to discourage sprawl. Atlanta is finally making some good decisions.

[Biggie]

As long as these new codes aren't retroactive.
I need a big parking lot so I can park my 22" ride in a safe place without some fool denting it.

[aaron]

Well, I'm for building codes and trying to dress things up as much as the next guy, but the problem is you cut small business out of the equation when you enforce codes that increase the startup costs for a guy just wanting to take his chance at the American dream. For the small business owners that do have the money, they'll have to increase their prices so much, they won't be able to compete with a huge corporation like Wal-Greens and be run out of business.

I love walking through communities like Bama posted, but it's always a tourist-type location where image is important or it's a section of a city. It's not an entire town where the majority of the people there just want to get groceries.

[Imapepper]

I certainly don't agree with everything that they do but some folks seem to take issue with everything that they do and every decision that they make whether it is good for Petal or not.

There is a small group of people who are not happy with anything this administration has done/is doing for the good of Petal. If Mayor Scott decided to line the streets with gold and told everyone to chip away, these same people would gripe because he didn't give them a pick-ax!

[James Moore]

Well, I'm for building codes and trying to dress things up as much as the next guy, but the problem is you cut small business out of the equation when you enforce codes that increase the startup costs for a guy just wanting to take his chance at the American dream. For the small business owners that do have the money, they'll have to increase their prices so much, they won't be able to compete with a huge corporation like Wal-Greens and be run out of business.


Doing it right doesn't have to mean doing it more expensively. Just with a little more thought.

The Walgreen's is a perfect example; Our suggestions would have cost the developer nothing more than they were already investing but the finished product would have better complimented the surrounding small businesses. In fact, fewer paved spaces would have actually saved thousands in concrete. James Moore

[aaron]

I realize that you might be talking about things that don't cost a small business owner anything. But, I'm just saying I would seriously consider the things that are going to cost the small business owner. I don't know what the future plans are for building codes.

[Tully Mars]

I realize that you might be talking about things that don't cost a small business owner anything. But, I'm just saying I would seriously consider the things that are going to cost the small business owner. I don't know what the future plans are for building codes.

In many ways the new codes will save money in development costs. In addition, the codes will result in a more attractive community and more attractive businesses that may ultimately result in more buyers entering the stores...resulting in increased revenue. Less cost + more revenue = better business for everyone.

[metal protector]

maybe walgreens has a plan to be the next walmart or something :smt102

[politically incorrect]

So a municipal government has no role in economic development, quality of life issues, code enforcement and land use decisions. I believe that Euclid vs. Ambler Realty (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=272&invol=365)firmly established a city's right and responsibility with regard to land use decisions.

Reasonable control of land use through logical zoning patterns is one thing, but fretting about the number of parking spaces a business feels it needs it another.

As for the idea that Petal's "downtown" needs to be pedestrian-friendly, please. The city paid to put a pedestrian crossing and "walk, don't walk sign" (sorry I don't know what else to call this) from the corner of Rite-Aid's block to the small patch of land around the flag-pole at the intersection of Main and Central. Who walks there? I, for one, don't want to have to walk to shop. I like to find a parking spot close to the store, go in, shop, get back in my car and go home.

Again, there are several good things that the administration has done. I am not one to criticize everything. They mean well and are doing what they think is best. That's good, too. But, IMO they all need to slow down, take a deep breath, and cool off on the new ordinances and such for at least a few months. Too much of a good thing is NOT always a good thing.

[James Moore]

As for the idea that Petal's "downtown" needs to be pedestrian-friendly, please. The city paid to put a pedestrian crossing and "walk, don't walk sign" (sorry I don't know what else to call this) from the corner of Rite-Aid's block to the small patch of land around the flag-pole at the intersection of Main and Central.

Actually MDOT paid for the pedestrian crossing light at Main and Central. As president of Bike Walk Mississippi (www.bikewalkmississippi.org (http://www.bikewalkmississippi.org)) I'm glad that MDOT now builds their inner city intersections to accommodate sidewalks even though non may presently exist at all locations.

That forward thinking approach significantly reduces the cost to local municipalities when they bring their pedestrian infrastructure up to the standards common place in the mid 20th century in other parts of the country. James Moore

[Conveyor Belt]

Walgreens at the corner of 49/hardy is the busiest walgreens I've ever seen. It doesn't have nearly the parking of the Petal walgreens.

In the end, some business will want to build at the corner of main/central and will buy that paved parcel from Walgreens and they'll just tear it up and repour after the plumbing's laid.

[BasSmaN45]

The Petal board of alderman have nothing else to complain about than the Walgreens parking lot being to big. Come on.
How about all the potholes in the streets of Petal or all the water leaks causing collapsing of road ways, they should be worried about that but no they are concerned about a little concrete.
The aldermen need to vote on changing the name of the city from Petal to Puddles.

[Tully Mars]

The Petal board of alderman have nothing else to complain about than the Walgreens parking lot being to big. Come on.
How about all the potholes in the streets of Petal or all the water leaks causing collapsing of road ways, they should be worried about that but no they are concerned about a little concrete.
The aldermen need to vote on changing the name of the city from Petal to Puddles.

And how do you know that they are not concerned and are not addressing these issues? I happen to know for a fact that they are being addressed. Once again, the entire issue is being misconstrued. The issue is not with Walgreens but with problems related to Petal's codes that the city is attempting to correct.

[politically incorrect]

Actually MDOT paid for the pedestrian crossing light at Main and Central. As president of Bike Walk Mississippi (www.bikewalkmississippi.org (http://www.bikewalkmississippi.org)) I'm glad that MDOT now builds their inner city intersections to accommodate sidewalks even though non may presently exist at all locations.

That forward thinking approach significantly reduces the cost to local municipalities when they bring their pedestrian infrastructure up to the standards common place in the mid 20th century in other parts of the country. James Moore

Then that's a waste of state tax money instead of city tax money. The crossing does not go anywhere. It is a patch of ground in the middle of an intersection. Who needs to walk there?

[Mr. Bama]

Maybe some of you don't want to walk, but that doesn't mean we should design cities with no alternative forms of transportation.

[James Moore]

Then that's a waste of state tax money instead of city tax money. The crossing does not go anywhere. It is a patch of ground in the middle of an intersection. Who needs to walk there?

The patch of ground serves as a refuge island for pedestrians. With it they need to cross one turn land unprotected then the light will get them safely across the three main lanes. Without it they would have 4 lanes to traverse the intersection.

One of the two citizens who often travel Main Street in a motorized wheel chair would consider the refuge island a Godsend. so would a slower walking elderly person going to Corner Market or a mom with small children in tow. James Moore

[BasSmaN45]

Its Corner Market Not County market
The man is an aldermen in the city of puddles and does not know the name of the business.

[MSQueen]

bassman, we are sooo lucky to have u here to correct us whenever we make a mistake... i'm sure U've never had to be corrected... :smt102

in case u didn't know, there used to be a County Market in Hbg, so it's not like the name was pulled out of the air or something... :roll:

[Basskicker]

As long as there are empty parking lots at both rite-aid and walgreens we must be a pretty healthy city,

[jojobeans1120]

A little off the subject at hand, I know, but HOW AWESOME WOULD A SEATTLE DRIP BE?????? They have seattle drips in other wasted parking lots and can you imagine how much business that place would get??????


They could survive off of my business alone...lol :smt118
I'm there at least once a day if not twice. I love the place. :attack: The owners are wonderful people and I sincerely hope they come to Petal very soon. I ask them about it all of the time. They've always said they'd have to wait until the bypass is finished and then look at places to put it. I actually contacted the main headquarters about opening one here, but the people in Hburg are entitled to Petal territories as well. :smt102