The next phase of the Southside Dream is now in the hands of the Monroe City Council as members ponder a $25 million request from the Southside’s planning district.
The Southside Economic Development District Board of Commissioners (SEDD) unanimously approved a request of the city to pump $25 million into plans to revitalize South Monroe.
In May, the council approved an ambitious 25-year plan for the SEDD that includes initiatives to fight crime, economic development and help build safer, business-friendly neighborhoods.
May’s council vote endorsed the plan but did not commit any funds to the 47-project plan estimated to cost up to $500 million.
Last year, Mayor Friday offered SEDD $12.5 million over 25 years to jumpstart help, but it came with lots of strings that would limit the full implementation of the plan.
A year later, the mayor…
