Tupelo City Council adopts urban renewal amendment, tables golf driving-range change and approves routine budget and procurement items

The Tupelo City Council on May 6 approved an amendment to the city’s urban renewal plan that adds about 17 acres to the urban renewal area, tabled a proposed change to the development code and approved a series of routine budget, procurement and permitting actions.

Why it matters: The urban-renewal amendment brings newly acquired city-owned vacant property under the Tupelo Redevelopment Agency’s jurisdiction, allowing the city to pursue redevelopment and private development programs on that land.

The council voted to adopt a resolution to amend and restate the city’s urban renewal plan, adding approximately 17 acres along Elizabeth Street across from the fish hatchery into the urban renewal area. A city staff presenter said notice of the public hearing was published as required, the planning committee found the change consistent with the comprehensive plan and no objections were recorded at the hearing. The resolution was approved after a motion and voice vote.

The council also considered an ordinance to amend Chapter 4 of the development code to…