TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Last year, the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at MSU found that the South Gloster area needed more green space and less pavement.
It also called for a more uniform appearance along the stretch of roadway.
Almost one year since that study, work is still progressing on the widening of South Gloster Street although it's finished in some parts.
City leaders say they have high hopes this part of town will be redeveloped with the addition of Highway 6, updated city codes, and a better mixed development of residential and business properties.
Tupelo Zoning Administrator Marilyn Vail said, "When a new business looks to locate, that's one of the things they look for. They want to find out the number of rooftops in the area, how many houses they can serve, how many people can drive to their business."
For businessman Hoyt Sheffield, more people are driving to his business since road construction work was completed in front of it.
Sheffield of Tupelo Auto Sales said, "We had a one-way street here for about nine months before they opened it back up. Traffic is improving. Business is improving."
City officials say such businesses like a new Waffle House and a relocated Imaging Center will add to the traffic in this part of town.
They also hope to develop a medical corridor along the stretch of road to feed off North Mississippi Medical Center.
Also plans are to add sidewalks to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
City officials point out the redevelopment of South Gloster will take time. They use Barnes Crossing area as an example.
Vail said, "That's 20 years ago when that mall was first started. Now we have unbelievable shopping with people coming from Alabama, Tennessee and everywhere to shop. We could have the same effect on South Gloster. We have to be patient and let things develop more fully."
