Redevelopment Planning Initiative at the Columbus Site
In 2016, we started a Redevelopment Planning Initiative (RPI)
to determine how the Site might be reused in the future, following its cleanup.
The goals of the RPI were to identify reuse options that are:
protective of people and the environment
economically sustainable
community supported
We encouraged participation in availability sessions, focus groups, and neighborhood activities.
The redevelopment planning team prepared redevelopment concepts and implementation guidelines. These are based in part on public input provided through a community survey, listening and availability sessions, focus groups, community meetings, and meetings with the Memphis Town Community Action Group (CAG).
Learn about the Site’s Opportunities here and the Site’s Constraints here.
Community Survey
We conducted a community survey to ask residents what they want to see included in the Site redevelopment plan. The chart below highlights reuse ideas that survey participants liked. A health clinic and adult education center received the most votes. These results are being used to help shape possible scenarios for the future redevelopment of the property.
What uses do you most want included in the Kerr-McGee redevelopment plan?
Our Market Study
A market study was conducted in 2019 to identify potential future land uses and businesses that could be economically successful. To attract development and businesses to the Site that can contribute to long-term neighborhood benefits, it is important to understand what the community needs, and what the local economy can support.
Housing
There is a need for more affordable housing in this neighborhood, particularly for seniors and disabled persons.
However, there may not be financing available to support
construction.
Manufacturing
Limited access to the Site and vacant properties in other areas may reduce interest from manufacturing companies.
Social Services
Neighborhood-based educational and service programs would support overall neighborhood and community development.
These include workforce training, early childhood education, after-
school programs, services for the elderly, and access to affordable, healthy food.
Retail
Current information suggests the stores most likely to be successful would be those serving surrounding neighborhoods.
Other factors and Potential uses
Recent market conditions have been poor for transportation, warehousing, and entertainment businesses.
Lowndes County has experienced a recent increase in jobs in the
information, technology, and professional services industries.
Prior Planning
Future reuse of the former Kerr-McGee Site must meet City of Columbus zoning requirements and land use laws. Recognizing that land use is governed locally, the Multistate Trust is committed to advancing redevelopment of the Site consistent with the goals of the city and its residents.
City of Columbus Comprehensive Plan
The City of Columbus Comprehensive Plan identifies the former Kerr-McGee property as an activity center, or at least bordered by activity centers to the west and south, with a mix of industrial and medium density residential uses. Find a copy of the full plan here.
Preliminary Planning in Partnership with Mississippi State University
In 2016, the Multistate Trust worked with Mississippi State University (MSU) to lay groundwork for redevelopment planning.
The MSU Department of Landscape Architecture prepared conceptual plans for the Site to help the community envision the range of potential future uses. The MSU College of Business provided an initial assessment of the market opportunities and financial considerations for future redevelopment.
The conceptual plans, as detailed in the Memphis Town Redevelopment Plan, illustrate a wide range of ideas and highlight broad land use strategies. The Memphis Town Redevelopment Group held a public event to showcase options and to survey attendees about their preferred plans. Below were the two most popular plans identified:
Redevelopment of Other Superfund Sites
This map shows Southeast U.S. sites in reuse and continued use. Learn more here.
Learn how other communities in the Southeast United States are preparing Superfund sites for a better future.
Read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 report “Putting Sites to Work: How Superfund Redevelopment in the Southeast Region is Making a Difference in Communities” here.