Johnson highlights growth, safety, and progress at Hernando Chamber luncheon

Key Points:

• Commercial and Residential Growth: Mayor Johnson reported significant growth in 2024, including 2,592 total permits issued year-to-date, 112 new residential homes, and major commercial developments such as the mixed-use Delta Landing project.
• Infrastructure and Safety: The city celebrated the opening of McIngvale Road and the new Green T roundabout, which Johnson noted has reduced T-bone accidents at the intersection to zero.
• Recreation and Tourism: Future projects include a new $38 million YMCA at Delta Landing, ongoing upgrades to Renaissance Park, and the return of the Hampton Inn, which will bolster local tourism tax revenue.

NESBIT, Miss. – Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson delivered an optimistic annual update on the state of the city Tuesday, detailing a surge in commercial development, critical infrastructure improvements, and future recreational projects during the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce awards luncheon held at The Gin at Nesbit.

Addressing a room of business leaders and community members, Johnson attributed the city’s ongoing expansion to a collaborative environment between the city, the school board, and law enforcement.

“It’s growing because we created a great city together,” Johnson said. “Where do you want to live? Right here.”

Permits and Housing Numbers

Johnson presented statistics illustrating a steady climb in construction activity. To date in 2025, the city has issued 2,592 total permits, ranging from plumbing updates to new construction.

Specifically, the city has issued 17 new commercial permits this year, up from 10 in both 2023 and 2024. Residential growth remains strong, with 112 new residential permits issued so far this year, following 141 in 2024.

“That’s a lot of new people that are joining our community, and we have to take care of them and welcome them when they get here,” Johnson said, noting that the city’s building department handles this volume with a staff of five and a single building inspector.

Infrastructure and Safety

A significant portion of the update focused on infrastructure projects designed to alleviate traffic congestion around the new Hernando High School. Johnson highlighted the completion of the McIngvale Road project, a $4 million investment, and the subsequent installation of a roundabout at Green T and McIngvale.

While acknowledging the traffic backups that occur during school drop-off and pick-up times, Johnson emphasized the safety benefits of the new traffic pattern.

“The big T-bone wrecks we were having at Green T and McIngvale are at zero,” Johnson said. “So when you’re sitting about 15 cars stacked up… just remember, we’re saving lives.”

Johnson also noted a $70 million upgrade by Entergy to the Pine Tree Loop substation, which is expected to improve power reliability for local businesses, and a 100% grant-funded project to repair drainage ditches along Highway 51.

Commercial and Recreational Development

The mayor provided updates on Delta Landing, a major mixed-use development located across from the new high school. The first phase includes 16,000 square feet of retail space, with tenants such as “Two Crazy Fellows” already signed. The development features 53 lofts, nearly half of which are already rented, and 129 residential lots.

The anchor of this development will be a new YMCA, a project estimated at $38 million. Johnson announced that the YMCA facility will include amenities such as a lazy river, which he believes will drive tourism.

“I can see people coming to a new hotel in that development and spending the night just so the kids can go play in the lazy river,” Johnson said.

In hospitality news, Johnson noted that the Home2 Suites is now open and filling rooms. Additionally, the Hampton Inn & Suites, which has been closed for renovations following insurance delays, is expected to reopen soon. Johnson stressed the importance of these hotels to the city’s tourism tax revenue.

Parks and Community Events

Upgrades to the city’s parks are ongoing, with baseball fields and a new concession stand at Renaissance Park expected to open in the fall of 2026. The park is receiving approximately $7 million to $8 million in grant-funded improvements, including a wildflower meadow and disc golf course.

Johnson closed his remarks by encouraging attendance at the upcoming “Dickens of a Christmas” festival this weekend, urging residents to utilize the city’s app for the schedule of events, which includes a trolley tour and cemetery walks.

“Invite your friends,” Johnson said. “That’s what this is for, is to get people to come to our town, shop here, and come back.”