An appeal was sent to the Jackson County Circuit Court to overturn the county’s decision to allow the development of the Ocean Springs Islands RV Park (OSRV) in Mississippi. Circuit Court Judge Keith Miller is set to hear RV park development arguments on May 16.
Eamon Mohiuddin, a Gulf Park Estates property owner, voiced concerns about the RV park development. Residents argue that the county violated its zoning laws and that the project could impact the community’s residential character.
According to a Sun Herald article published on May 6, the proposed project includes plans for 476 RV sites and amenities such as a lazy river and tree houses. Plans for the RV park include a phased construction over two years.
The controversy began when OSRV, a company formed specifically to develop this site, purchased the property on March 22, 2023. “In the present case, OSRV bought a piece of land for an RV park that does not allow RV parks. OSRV caused their own dilemma,” Michael Fondren, Mohiuddin’s attorney, said in the report.
In addition, the land in question has remained undeveloped since it was inundated by Hurricane Georges in 1998. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) designation prohibits the use of RVs for living purposes.
Other concerns are that the RV park could degrade residents’ property values and lead to increased traffic on Beachview Drive, the road used by the community. These concerns culminated in a series of protests initiated by Mohiuddin and other local property owners.
However, developers of the OSRV argue that the project is a fitting use of the property given its vulnerability to flooding, which can be evacuated in the event of a hurricane. Due to concerns about flooding, the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors approved a special-use exemption for the developers from the PUD ordinance.
Developer Adam Dial highlights the RV park’s economic benefits, suggesting it will create over 25 jobs and enhance the county’s tax base.
Campground operators can glean several important lessons from the ongoing legal and community challenges the Ocean Springs Islands RV Park development faces. Understanding and strictly adhering to local zoning laws is crucial. Those looking to establish or expand campgrounds should conduct thorough due diligence, including consultations with legal experts, to ensure compliance with all local planning and zoning requirements to avoid costly legal disputes and community backlash.
Additionally, engaging with the community early and transparently is important in gaining support for a development project. The significant opposition from local residents, as seen in the Ocean Springs case, underscores the need for developers to proactively address community concerns, such as the impact on property values and local traffic.
Campground operators can foster a more positive relationship with the community by initiating open dialogues with residents and stakeholders and incorporating their feedback into project planning, potentially smoothing the path for future developments or expansions.
