BYRAM, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The City of Byram has a new vision for a lake with a once ruptured dam that left residents with a dry bed in their back yards.
Tuesday, Mayor Nick Tremonte unveiled future recreation plans for Lake Dockery residents during a public meeting at the boat launch.
"We intend on putting about half a dozen or so picnic pavilions out here," said the mayor.
Development includes a 2.2 mile multi-purpose trail bordering the lake.
The 10 foot wide asphalt trail is for walking, jogging and biking.
No motorized vehicles will be allowed.
There will also be playgrounds, tables, barbeque pits and exercise kiosks along the trail.
"I've caught people walking from the lake up to my back yard door, and this is gonna make it more hazardous," said George Renfroe who has lived on the lake for four years.
Although he spoke about safety issues, the Hinds County resident said he's all for the project.
"I'm glad the lake is filled up. I'm glad that we're gonna get a walking trail and it's finally going to be used for what it was originally intended to, and if they want to put a pavilion in my back yard that's fine," said Renfroe.
About 40 homes border the lakeshore.
More than 20 homeowners attended the meeting.
Some residents had concerns that wildlife like the egrets, geese and deer would be displaced by the construction and increased human presence.
Other talked about noise, wanting lighting along the trail with signs and barriers to prevent strangers from entering their property.
"I'm just worried they make sure that there's nobody coming in my back yard crossing my boundary. I'm not really worried or concerned with the fact that they're building it. I just don't want anybody crossing on my property," said Bruce Moss.
City officials said there will be open access from the trail with no lighting, and police will be charged with securing the 80 acre area.
"We want to address the concerns of the city. They may not understand that we have the right of way, a 100 foot right of way all the way around the lake. The walking trail is gonna be on that right of way," said Mayor Tremonte.
The project is funded by a more than $770,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the state Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
The mayor also said the Secretary of State's Office and legislature helped make the plans possible.
Officials expect work to begin in June.
They urged residents to attend future Thursday board meetings to offer input and keep up with the development's progress.
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