A sign that expresses opposition to Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan is seen in the front yard of a home in Ocean Springs, Miss., Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs’ Mayor Kenny Holloway and the Board of Aldermen listen as residents express their concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs residents gather at the Ocean Springs Civic Center to speak out against the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs residents listen as other residents express their concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs property owner Rana Oliver voices her concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Rana Oliver talks about her home, the historical Carter-Calloway House, and how it could be affected by Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
The Carter-Calloway House, pictured here on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, is a historical property that could be affected by Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
The Carter-Calloway House, pictured here on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, is a historical property that could be affected by Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Rana Oliver poses for a portrait in front of her home, the historical Carter-Calloway House, after discussing her concerns with Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway, right, listens as residents express their concerns about the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Samuel Washington and Greg Gipson listen as other Ocean Springs residents voice their concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs residents listen as other residents express their concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Samuel Washington voices his concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Samuel Washington poses for a portrait in front of Macedonia Baptist Church after discussing his opposition to Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan and how it would affect the church on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Samuel Washington talks on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, about his concerns with Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan and how it would affect Macedonia Baptist Church. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs residents listen as other residents express their concerns about the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway, second from left, listens as a resident expresses his concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Property owner Marie Cochran voices her concerns about the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Property owner Marie Cochran poses for a portrait after expressing her concerns with Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Marie Cochran’s property, located in Ocean Springs, Miss., is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. The property could be affected by Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Property owner Marie Cochran talks about her issues with the proposed Urban Renewal Plan in Ocean Springs, Miss., on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Property owner Marie Cochran talks about her issues with the proposed Urban Renewal Plan in Ocean Springs, Miss., on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Pascagoula resident Judith Skiba gives her support for Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Esther Payton, 54, argues with another speaker about Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway, left, responds to a speaker after concerns were expressed about the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Police try to stop an Ocean Springs resident from speaking out of order during a public hearing on the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
An Ocean Springs resident holds a sign in protest of the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
Ocean Springs residents listen as other residents express their concerns with the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan during a public hearing at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today 
A sign that expresses opposition to Ocean Springs’ proposed Urban Renewal Plan is seen in the front yard of a home in Ocean Springs, Miss., Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Residents gathered at the Ocean Springs Civic Center on Monday, October 2, to voice their concerns about the city’s proposed Urban Renewal Plan. The project emphasizes six redevelopment zones, which encompass Bienville Boulevard, Government Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and additional areas. In these locations, property owners are actively working to preserve the historically significant foundations within the City of Discovery. City officials have given their approval for residents with properties currently enrolled in the city’s urban renewal program to have the option to withdraw from the program until October 31, 2023. Mayor Holloway explained that properties that have opted out will not be subject to the plan; however, property owners choosing this option will also forego any potential benefits that the plan might offer them.
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