Bumpnose Residents Voice Concerns to Marianna City Commission Over Possible Land Use Changes

By: Shelia Mader

A nearly standing room only crowd turned out Tuesday night to share their concerns about a possible development on Bumpnose Road the Marianna City Commission.

It was standing room only Tuesday night at the Marianna City Commission meeting, where the first reading of Ordinance 1179 took center stage. The ordinance proposes an expedited amendment to the City of Marianna Comprehensive Plan, specifically the Future Land Use Map Series.

City Manager William Long read the ordinance into the record, followed by Municipal Development Director Kay Dennis, who explained the measure.

“This is an amendment to our Comprehensive Plan with Ordinance Number 1179, an expedited amendment to the Future Land Use Map Series,” Dennis said. “This will be the first reading.”

Long said the Marianna Planning and Zoning Board met in December, reviewed the proposed change, and recommended approval. The amendment involves two lots owned by Crisp Properties totaling approximately 57 acres. The property is located north of Kelson Avenue, south of Gilmore Street, and east of Bump Nose Road. It is currently designated for residential use. The proposed change would allow mixed-use development.

According to Long, the mixed-use designation could allow for apartments and possibly neighborhood-scale commercial development.

Dennis added that the ordinance would be sent to the state for review following the first reading and would return to the commission for a second reading.

Public opposition to the proposal was clear, with several residents speaking against the change. One of those was Jim Moore, who lives on Bump Nose Road.

“I reside at 3745 Bump Nose Road with my wife,” Moore said. “I will reiterate Karen has already said. When I retired from law enforcement, I moved up here to enjoy my life. I didn’t know I was moving next to an interstate.”

Moore said traffic conditions on Bump Nose Road have worsened over time.

“They paved it, and now people are driving 67 miles an hour through there,” he said. “The 25 mile-per-hour speed limit sign at the top of the hill is ignored. If you don’t believe me, come stand out there on a Sunday morning when I’m heading to church in Trinity and watch the cars fly by. It’s not just Sundays. These roads are narrow, not well marked, and it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

Other residents echoed concerns about traffic, safety, and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods, making it clear they opposed the proposed land use change and intended to continue fighting it.

The commission voted 3–2 to send the ordinance to the state for review. Commissioners Kenny Hamilton and Mayor Travis Ephriam voted against the measure.

After the meeting, Commissioner Rico Williams explained his vote. “I voted to send it to Tallahassee so I could make a more informed decision after reading their opinions,” Williams said. “I am not in favor of loading up that area with traffic that the road can’t handle.”

The ordinance will return to the Marianna City Commission for final consideration after the state review. The Jackson County Times will continue to follow this story as it develops.