Developers seek zoning change in Sumrall

SUMRALL, MISS. – Sumrall residents came to town hall for Tuesday night’s public hearing, to seek answers about a new residential subdivision that could be coming to the city.

“I didn’t know anything about the development or variance until last week,” Pam Graves, a Sumrall resident said.

Several months ago, developers from the Magnolia Station LLC purchased 200 acres worth of land in Sumrall, near the intersection of Todd and Rayburn Road. Developers also mentioned they will seek a zoning change, to change the land from commercial property to residential property. “There were some rumors flying around about what we were trying to do,” Jeff Sims, the manager of Magnolia Stations LLC said. “What we were actually trying to do is create a really nice subdivision.” News of the development and possible zoning change sent the town into shock, and word about these possible changes began to spread like wildfire on social media. “People didn’t know about it,” Graves stated again. “I think that’s what brought the shock.” During Tuesday night’s hearing, Sims and his co-workers spent 31 minutes trying to explain how the city can benefit from the subdivision. “It’s going to allow the local businesses to further develop,” Sims said. “As well as [possibly] produce a large enough population that will attract new businesses to move into the area.” A local business owner agreed with Sims suggestion, mentioning that local businesses can profit from the subdivision. “For people that have businesses here, we need to have growth,” Judy Russell, a resident and business owner in Sumrall said. “[If not] our doors won’t stay open.” Angela Brooks, the chair of the Sumrall’s zoning and planning board welcomes grow to the city but believes it’s important to make sure that the growth happens in the right places, so certain areas do not become overcrowded. “We don’t want houses that when you walk out your backdoor, you’re in your neighbor's backyard,” Brooks said. The board motioned to move the zoning change before Sumrall’s Board of Aldermen, where the aldermen will make the final decision.