Reports - Mississippi Renewal

THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION REPORT | 13■ Preservation of South Mississippicharacter. Rebuilding efforts mustencourage the preservation of certainqualities of the region, such as, the diversityand the friendly nature of itspeople; pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods;public access to the water andthe beach; the waterfront as a place tolive, work and play; the architecturalcharm of historic buildings and artdistricts; the urban forests created bythe majestic live oaks; and the naturalbeauty of the wetlands and marshes.■ Pre-storm problems. Rebuilding effortsshould also address issues criticalto an improved quality of life for allSouth Mississippi residents, including:housing and mobility needs of allresidents; improved building standardsto protect structures in the event offuture natural disasters; land use andzoning laws and regulations modifiedto improve the human scale and thewalkability of neighborhoods, downtownsand commercial areas; mixeduseneighborhoods and downtownsthat meld commercial and residentialuses; and architectural standards toprotect the pre-hurricane character ofcoastal communities and foster newdevelopment sensitive to that character.■ Problems created by the need to rebuild.Some issues rose to the surfacebecause of the hurricane.Amongthem: Federal Emergency ManagementAgency (FEMA) flood zonemodifications and the changing requirementsand availability of floodinsurance; access to affordable, easilyfinanced housing; restoration of historicneighborhoods and downtowns;incentives for investment; replantinglive oaks and other trees to encourageurban forests; re-establishment andprotection of wildlife; and evaluationof the efficiencies of regional planningand regional utility systems forwater and sewer.The Commission proposes the followingpriorities that should be supportedby resources available from theCommission or a state office continuingthe Commission’s efforts and byextended public efforts that will rebuildthe Mississippi Gulf Coast:■ Mixed use. Each county and cityshould adopt amendments to land useordinances for mixed-use alternativeswhich promote walkability. Walkabilitycan be defined as pedestrian accessto basic services, recreation, and retailwithin a five-minute walking distanceof their homes. Mixed-use alternativesinclude: (a) business and residentialin downtown areas; (b) mixed use inneighborhoods using “communitybasedretail,” which incorporates onlythose commercial amenities neededand approved by residents; and (c)neighborhood residential areas withoutmixed uses but connected to otherareas by a sidewalk or pedestrianpath system.■ Safe, affordable housing. Redevelopmentefforts should provide safe,affordable housing that can be easilyfinanced for the Coast residents.Residential and mixed-use developmentsshould encourage a specifiedpercentage of affordable housing thatis compliant with building standards.■ Environmental sensitivity. All counties,cities and regional authoritiesshould make land use and economicdevelopment decisions that accommodateand are sensitive to the protectionof existing natural areas includingwatersheds, wetlands, urbanforests, and natural habitats.■ Regional shared services. On a re-