Tupelo officials take next step in Fairpark expansion
TUPELO — Following months of behind-the-scenes work and a silent public hearing, Tupelo officials have taken the next step in expanding the city's downtown Fairpark District.
The Tupelo City Council voted unanimously among present members to approve an amendment to the city's urban renewal plan to include 17 acres south of the existing Fairpark District. This comes after months of discussion and a public hearing last month that saw no participation from the public.
"What this does is adds an additional 17 acres of additional property … into the urban renewal area,' Assistant Attorney Steven Reed said, adding it made the property 'ripe for redevelopment.'
The area is a 'pizza-shaped' wedge south of Fairpark, Reed said. The property sits between the Canadian National Railway line and the BNSF line on Elizabeth Street downtown.
Officials said there were already prospective buyers for some of the land, but they have repeatedly declined to go into detail, calling it an economic development matter. The board has only discussed the potential development during closed-door meetings.
The order also puts the acreage under the jurisdiction of the Tupelo Redevelopment Agency. The TRA owns a 5-acre lot on Fairpark Drive, a little over 4 acres with some parcels next to the 5-acre plot on Elizabeth Street and another parcel just under an acre north of the two.
The process of expanding Fairpark began about a year ago. As part of the project, the council voted to enter into a contract with Tupelo-based firm Cook Coggin Engineers for engineering services related to the development project. It also contracted with Tripp Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates for a master plan for the property.
The Tupelo Planning Committee previously recommended approval for the project in their meetings.
The Fairpark District was established in 1999 with 50 acres designated for urban renewal development by the TRA. At the time, the city took out $22.7 million in bonds to accomplish the goal.
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