The Biloxi City Council met on July 30, 2025, to consider several agenda items, including a proposed zoning change for a large residential development, a waterfront rezoning for a car wash, and a contract for HVAC replacement at the Grewwich Community Center. The meeting featured extensive public comment and council debate. Public Comments & Testimony - Laurie Silvestro (181 Iris Street) spoke against the zoning change for Beauvoir Villas (Boulevard Villas), arguing that similar units at Monarch Villas remain unsold, that the builder (Elliott Holmes) has a history of changing plans after approval, and that the proposed density is too high. She urged denial. - Speaker from the Second Liners thanked the mayor and council for support of a backpack giveaway event that distributed 400 backpacks and provided food. - Steve Shepard (Gulf Coast Group Chair, Sierra Club) opposed the Beauvoir Villas subdivision, stating it lacks sufficient open space—less than 5% set aside, falling more than 100,000 square feet short of the 20% minimum required by law. - Mike Capanal (134 St. Jude) spoke against the development, citing a Change.org petition with 330 signatures (mostly Biloxi residents). He noted the proposed 232 two-story homes on 1,500 sq ft lots—denser than mobile home zoning—and argued the PDR designation is being misused to bypass zoning laws. He also stated the open space shortfall. - Bobby Heinrich (representing the developer) stated that the project has worked with the DRC, answered all concerns, and received a 15-1 vote at the Planning Commission. He claimed the density numbers cited by opponents are incorrect, that the project meets density requirements, and that it will be a gated community with single-family homes (not rentals), preserving live oaks. - Daisy Gayton (334 Free Art Street) raised a concern about garbage cans left out by city crews, impeding sidewalk work, and praised police for ticketing cars parked on sidewalks. - Sherry (170 Hours Street) opposed the development, noting that existing homes on the beach remain unsold, and that the property cleared for the school has been overgrown again, attracting homeless individuals. - Carol Dean Drew Teague (2507 Orleans Road) spoke against the development, citing traffic impacts on Pass Road and smaller streets. - Sean Legate (334 Thayer Street) expressed frustration with lack of affordable housing and asked when something affordable would be built. - A former housing authority board member (appointed by the mayor) urged support for the development, noting a need for housing and that people are struggling to find affordable homes. Discussion Items - Zoning Map Amendment – Beauvoir Villas (Boulevard Villas): The council considered a first reading of an ordinance to rezone property at 2003 Lawrence Street from RS-10 to PDR to allow a 213-lot single-family residential subdivision. After a motion and second to move the item for discussion, the council discussed whether a motion was required. The chair clarified that no motion was made. Consequently, the item did not proceed; no vote was taken. - Zoning Change – 1732 and 1736 Beach Boulevard: A proposal to rezone two parcels from Waterfront to Community Business (C-B) to allow an upscale car wash and future development (e.g., hotel). Councilman Creel explained the parcels are too small for casino development and the new zoning is appropriate. Councilman Tisdale asked about parcel sizes and future plans. The motion passed unanimously. - Resolution for HVAC Contract – Grewwich Community Center: A resolution authorizing a contract with DNP for HVAC replacement at the Grewwich Community Center. Councilman Marshall questioned the use of CDBG-CV funds, arguing the money should have been used for direct assistance to low-income residents (e.g., roof repairs, housing aid) rather than infrastructure. He noted that the funds were originally meant to help those affected by COVID and that the city had other funding sources for capital projects. The mayor and staff defended the project as eligible and approved by HUD. After extensive debate, the resolution was moved and seconded, but the transcript ends before a final vote is recorded. Key Outcomes - No action on Beauvoir Villas rezoning: The item failed to receive a motion to move forward; effectively denied or tabled. - Unanimous approval of waterfront rezoning (1732 and 1736 Beach Boulevard) to C-B. - HVAC resolution status unclear: The resolution was moved and seconded, but the meeting transcript concludes during discussion; the outcome of the vote is not recorded.
