Steps Taken For Land Exchange

During a Monday meeting of the George County Board of Supervisors, the first steps were taken for a land exchange between the county and city in order for the city to finalize a Mississippi Development Authority Municipal Improvement Grant application.
If awarded the $650,000 grant, the City of Lucedale is planning to build a 1,000 square foot public restroom facility in the forward area of the 9-space parking area at the corner of Commerce and Mill Streets; also make improvements to Lucedale City Park, pavilion and park restrooms; and make improvements and pave a 50-space parking area between Commerce and Oak Streets, on either side and behind the Chisholm's Flea Market Building.
Part of the planned new parking area is owned by business owner Craig Vincent, but Vincent has agreed to a 10-year lease.
In the portion of the planned parking area owned by the city, the city officials have agreed to replace the land given by the county for the proposed public restroom facility, with an equal share of property in the said parking area, approximatly 68 by 30 feet, with the city bearing the expense of appraisals and other necessary cost to make the land swap legal and binding.
City Attorney Cheryl Cook and County Attorney Robert Shepard agreed to work up a contract agreement between the city and county, but without the actual land deeds, in order for the city to meet the grant application deadline.
The Board of Supervisors approved the agreement during the Monday meeting, and the Lucedale Board of Aldermen is expected to approve the agreement at a special called meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.