A major construction project is underway at Memorial Garden Cemetery on Armstrong St. which will result in many changes and a much more pleasing look. The cemetery sustained major damage during the tornado of 2014, including heavy damage to the entrance across the street from Pineywood Dr. necessitating the construction and renovation project.
That entranceway, which required driving up a steep incline, will be completely closed and moved a short distance to the east on Armstrong St. where a new entrance gate will be constructed, along with appropriate landscaping.
The high bank along Armstrong St. was unsightly, as well as presenting an erosion problem. To solve both issues a retaining wall will be built which will give a much nicer look from the street.
A large turnaround area will be located in the vicinity of the old entrance drive, along with proper landscaping.
The project is being completed with federal recovery funds, which has caused a delay in getting the project underway, whereas the entrance on East John C. Stennis Dr. was funded through private donations and therefore able to be completed much more quickly.
According to City Code Enforcement Officer Jody Fulton, the projected completion date is around the end of April. Construction on this project is already underway.
