Residents in the Sunny South Neighborhood who want join forces to make their community a better place will find like minds at 4 p.m. Saturday at B-B-Q Express, 801 Elmore St.

"All concerned citizens who would like to come out are encouraged to come," said District 2 Commissioner Zephaniah Timmins. "This is just the first meeting to get with the neighbors in the Sunny South to heal their concerns and organize."

Timmins and Marshall Mayor William "Buddy" Power are banding up with like minds in the neighborhood for an organizational meeting and formation of the Sunny South Neighborhood Association.

"We have received plenty of calls from concerned citizens. One of the main concerns was drainage and flooding," said Timmins. "We hear about Youngsdale Circle and New Town, but other areas have the same problem."

Timmins added that he and Power have been talking with residents and walking through the neighborhood to view the drainage system and devise possible solutions.

"I'm am very interested in getting that community up and going as I am all communities," said Power. "There is a wonderful working relationship with the community already, and I'm very interested."

The Sunny South Neighborhood extends from Pinecrest Drive in the south to East Travis Street in the north and Garrett Street in the west to U.S. Highway 59 in the east.

"Anybody that is in that particular area who would like to come is welcome," said Timmins, who has seen success from the efforts of other neighborhood associations.

"New Town Association and the Historic Neighborhood Association have both seen success," he said. "Hopefully I can be a part of the Sunny South Neighborhood Association as well."

Timmins is interested in protecting the integrity of the Sunny South Neighborhood's historical significance in Marshall as well as promote its active and interested population.

"That's a historical area in the city and we don't want to see it continue to decline," said Timmins. "One of the strongest points for the Sunny South are the neighbors who own properties and live in that area. We would like to help them get started in forming this neighborhood association."

Refreshments will also be served during the meeting.