Natchez aldermen approved a policy Tuesday night that prohibits new construction within 100 feet of the bluff and added a restriction on swimming pools.

Aldermen delayed making a decision on the policy at their last meeting until they could take a first-hand look at what property a 100-foot buffer zone would include.

Officials have plans to draw a hotel development to city-owned property located across from the downtown convention center site, near the bluff.

City Engineer David Gardner recommended the buffer zone earlier this month based on opinions from a Christopher Chadbourne study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a local geotechnical engineering firm.

Heavy equipment and foundational work associated with construction could damage the Corps’ stabilization efforts, Gardner said.

After talking further with engineers, Gardner suggested that a 200-foot restriction on swimming pools be added to the policy.

The construction buffer zone does not include parking lots, and other developments could be allowed if a geotechnical study proves the area to be stable.

Special precautions for swimming pools, such as double lining or leak-detection systems, could also preclude the policy, Gardner said.

In other business, the board:

4Proclaimed Saturday, Oct. 28 as Make a Difference Day. A Rally Against Racism sponsored by the Mayor’s Youth Council will be held at 1 p.m. at Main Street Marketplace.

4Reappointed Sam Gwin to another term on the Natchez Housing Authority. His current term expires Nov. 14.

4Heard the report of City Attorney Walter Brown, who asked aldermen review the scope of work prepared by metropolitan planning firm Christopher Chadbourne and Associates.

Brown asked the aldermen to prioritize those studies they would like to seen undertaken and submit the forms to him by next week.

4Agreed to meet with Adams County Board of Supervisors and the National Park Service Nov. 2 to discuss the path of the Natchez Trace Parkway extension.

4Agreed in a finance committee meeting to submit recommendations for a new appointee to the Historic Preservation Commission by Nov. 14. Bob Dodson resigned from the commission last month.

4Heard the report of Ward 3 Alderwoman Sue Stedman who asked the board to visit property near Aldridge and Fourth streets. The city has an option to purchase the land, which Stedman said might be useful for low to moderate income housing.

4Heard comment from Mary Jane Gaudet, program director for Adams County Youth Court, who announced the newly-named Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition recently received a $78,000 grant with a required match to streamline the court process for juveniles.

The coalition will use the money to hire an administrator and an intake officer, she said.

4Heard the report of City Clerk Donnie Holloway who said a recent trip to Jackson to research telecommunication towers was beneficial. Holloway said a committee has since met and is now looking at properties on which to locate towers that would be owned by the city.