Ridgeland seeks to annex proposed 3rd landfill site
RIDGELAND — The city filed paperwork last Thursday to annex 3,128 acres to the west that includes the site of a proposed landfill.
The Ridgeland Mayor and Board of Aldermen earlier this month unanimously approved a resolution against the landfill.
Mayor Gene F. McGee requested multiple times for the Madison County Board of Supervisors to either update its solid waste plan to not allow for the landfill or for the supervisors to request a continuance in the hearing from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Supervisors have taken no action on the landfill.
The landfill is not the reason why the city is moving forward with annexation, leaders say, and point to the 2008 Master Plan the city developed for Ridgeland's long-term growth.
"The area of the proposed annexation has been in Ridgeland's long-range planning for over a decade because it is within Ridgeland's only available growth path," Alan Hart, director of community development, said. "Ridgeland is bordered to the south by Jackson, the north by Madison, and the east by the (Ross Barnett) Reservoir. The current proposed annexation follows other annexations that date back to 2016, 2014, and two in 2006."
Hart says the city foresees the available land to be used as light industrial space within the next 20 years, which would add jobs and increase city revenue.
"It's imperative that Ridgeland continues to protect its borders and preserve the path of growth for future development," Hart said. "Ultimately, the landfills will close, and a portion of this area can thrive as a light industrial area home to thousands of jobs with the existence of nearby rail, electrical distribution, natural gas, Highway 49, and Interstate 220."
Hart said his office handles approximately five requests each month from individuals seeking to locate their industrial businesses in Ridgeland but there is no available inventory. When the Little Dixie Landfill expires in the next 20 years, he says that land will become more attractive to industrial investment.
McGee said the city already provides water to the existing residents and will in turn be able to provide garbage and recycling collection, police service, animal control, and code enforcement in the area. He said the residents could also see a decrease in insurance premiums due to the fire protection from the city.
"As mayor of the City of Ridgeland, I am continually committed to providing quality services that will enhance the quality of life for all our citizens," McGee said. "We look forward to offering these same services, such as police, fire, road maintenance, animal control, quality water, as well as garbage and recycle pick-up to the annexed area. I would expect that property values will increase over time as a result of the annexation."
Ridgeland officials believe this annexation will also spur residential development in the area. Currently, there is a platted subdivision in the area, Woodland Springs, that has 20 residences. In total, the proposed annexation includes approximately 122 residences.
Monday was the final day for MDEQ to receive public comments regarding the permit application by NCL for a third landfill on North County Line Road.
NCL is requesting a 250-foot setback for one portion of the land. MDEQ previously denied a permit request for 250-foot setbacks, saying they must be 500-foot setbacks.