Byhalia Main Street Charette Article

This week Byhalia Mayor, Phil Malone, and Sarah Sawyer of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce began work on a study with the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) aimed at the revitalizing of Main Street Byhalia.  The idea behind this effort is to enable local business owners and property owners to work with professionals from the around the State to find ways to improve the Main Street area.  Mayor Malone says, "I have a responsibility to the citizens of Byhalia to bring them access to every available tool to help our city grow."  With this in mind, Sarah Sawyer, working with her peers in Chambers of Commerce across the State, brought the idea of this program to the Mayor's attention. He felt this would be a great time for area residents and business owners to take advantage of the experience gained by the work that MMSA has done across the State of Mississippi. 
Kent Mathis (UBS Financial Services) a Member of the Byhalia Area Chamber has volunteered to assist in taking the first steps on this project.  Kent will begin talking with business owners and residents in Byhalia to find out the areas that they see as important to the health of their city.  In addition, he will be offering the opportunity for these people to meet with the representatives of the Mississippi Main Street Association and have their input included as a real part of this process.  Mr.Mathis states, "No idea is to small, no issue is unimportant.  In order for this effort to have the desired effect, we need everyone's participation."  The scheduled dates for the Main Street Charettes will be August 31, September 1, September 2,  2010. If you are interested in becoming a part of this project, all stakeholders are encouraged to contact the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce at 662-838-8127.  More information on this community effort will be forthcoming. 

 LEFT TO RIGHT
Phil Malone (Byhalia Mayor), Sarah Sawyer (Executive Director, Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce), and Chamber Member, Kent Mathis (UBS Financial) working with Sam Agnew of Mississippi Main Street Association on development of a new program to revitalize Main Street.

TOWN OF BYHALIA GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The last comprehensive planning effort for future development for the Town of Byhalia occurred in the 1960's and no major comprehensive planning initiative has occurred since that time. This current initiative is intended to respond to new growth and development prospects spurred by significant changes in the community's geography, transportation system, and a rekindled emphasis on renewing and enhancing the community's character.

This plan is presented in four major sections. Section I of the plan analizes recent development trends related to population and demographics, local economy, land use, transportation, community design, and identifies community development needs and issues related to those trends. Section II sets out the goals and objectives that the Town of Byhalia intends to achieve over the planning period. Section III establishes Byhalia's community development plan and Section IV provides the implementation recommendations necessary to achieve the goals of the plan. New planning documents and codes are presented in the appendix.

To see the "Working Draft 2008" please click below:

Town of Byhalia PDF