Jackson Free Press

Update July 16, 2007: The zoning committee of the Jackson City Council today voted to delay a $75 million development by the Jackson Medical Mall. People over the project fear the 30-day delay could essentially kill the project. Councilmen Leslie McLemore, Kenneth Stokes, Frank Bluntson and Charles Tillman voted to hold the project. Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon disagreed.

A local developer fears that a proposed $75 million development project near the Jackson Medical Mall could crash when the council holds a vote on the project at a zoning meeting on Monday. Former Department of Planning and Economic Development Director Carl Allen said he feared Mayor Frank Melton might oppose the project, proposed by MPI Center, LLC. Allen said the mayor might also use his voting bloc of three council members to tie approval of the project with a 3-to-3 vote, essentially killing it.

"I'm getting messages from the mayor's office that the neighborhood doesn't want us over there so he's not going to be in favor of it either," Allen told the Jackson Free Press. "I know how the votes tend to go on the council when the mayor takes a stance, so I fear the worst."

Councilmen Kenneth Stokes, Charles Tillman and Frank Bluntson vote in accord with the mayor, causing a 3-3 tie on controversial issues ever since the abrupt departure of swing-voting Councilman Ben Allen last month.

Melton has not returned calls for comments.

Livingston Village would transform the site of the closed Hood Furniture plant on Livingston Rd into a 72-acre mixed use development containing condominiums, single family homes, a job training center, a daycare, retail and office space.

Attorney James Peden, who represents MPI head Michael Smith, told the JFP that the project would employ 350 workers during the construction phase and provide 300 full-time and 50 part-time jobs after construction.

"We expect the annual sales tax to the city to be approximately $150,000 per year. We estimate that ad valorem taxes should go up to $647,000 each year," Peden said, adding that MPI also planned to make $3.1 million in street improvements, almost $3 million in drainage improvements, $770,000 in sewer improvements and $655,000 in water line replacement and construction.

Councilman Kenneth Stokes said recently that he opposed the development, despite the influx of new money it would bring Ward 3, one of the poorer wards in the city.

"We don't need another gated community in this city," Stokes said. "And I've got an ethical problem with two former city employees using their position to make money like this. I don't think that's right."

Allen and former Planning and Development Deputy Director Corinne Fox work for MPI Center.

Allen's fear may prove premature, so long as Tillman and Bluntson don't change their opinions over the weekend. Both council members told the JFP that they strongly supported the development on Friday.

"For the record, I'm for economic development for this city, so they're going to have to prove to me why we shouldn't have it," Bluntson said. "I've talked to (Jackson Medical Mall Foundation Executive Director) Primus Wheeler, over at the Jackson Medical Mall—and you know how beautiful the Medical Mall has become. If Primus Wheeler is for it, I'm for it."

Tillman said the project obviously needed better PR to sell itself to neighborhood residents.

"We need a better way for getting the good things coming to Jackson out to the good people in the neighborhoods, because I don't think they have all the facts," Tillman said. "When you have investors who want to come in and take that land, destroy those old buildings and put in new development that will add to the tax base and make the community more viable, then I have to be very favorable toward that, because I'm very favorable toward the future of Jackson."

Previous Comments

ID

93308

Comment

Well, Thank Heavens Tillman and Bluntson are for progress. What a story, Adam! Wish I had know about this sooner. Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth; surely Stokes knows better than that!

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-07-13T14:12:29-06:00

ID

93309

Comment

I'm baffled why people, particularly Stokes, wouldn't want it there. This is property that will make the area look better, spur more economic development and put much-needed revenue on the tax rolls. Let's see, Frank wants to tear down businesses, Stokes wants to keep businesses from coming into his ward...so much for progress, eh?

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-07-13T15:20:45-06:00

ID

93310

Comment

Tillman said the project obviously needed better PR to sell itself to neighborhood residents. "We need a better way for getting the good things coming to Jackson out to the good people in the neighborhoods, because I don't think they have all the facts," Tillman said. "When you have investors who want to come in and take that land, destroy those old buildings and put in new development that will add to the tax base and make the community more viable, then I have to be very favorable toward that, because I'm very favorable toward the future of Jackson." You know, even though Tillman usually votes with Stokes and Bluntson, we don't hear much from Tillman. I think he has the potential to be a swing vote if he didn't follow the crowd.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-13T15:43:40-06:00

ID

93311

Comment

Once Archie wipes off the black ink covering the "3" in "Ward 3" off his trashy signs in two years he'll be able to say, "Kenneth Stokes didn't want a $72 million dollar development that would provide better housing, play areas, and retirement facilities for many of our people, our single mothers, and struggling dad's out here in Ward 3. Folks, Enough is Enough!" Amen!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-13T16:13:36-06:00

ID

93312

Comment

Stokes hardly ever supports any kind of economic development in his ward. I guess he had rather keep'em poor and disenfranchised in his ward. MPI should sponsor his "kids" on a field trip, they might get his support.

Author

Fitz

Date

2007-07-13T16:17:04-06:00

ID

93313

Comment

First, MPI need to give Stokes his cut out of the deal. Then Stokes would appove something coming into his castle. Until then he will make'em sweat. (Just kidding can't prove that!) However, it amazes me to hear something like that coming from Stokes, but it shouldn't. What residents of his ward is opposing this development. I bet you, this is another case of Stokes just flapping his trap without reason. MPI will not have a problem, this is a Win/Win situation for MPI and the Citizens of Ward 3 as well as Citizens of Jackson.

Author

Roc

Date

2007-07-13T16:44:47-06:00

ID

93314

Comment

What residents of his ward is opposing this development. I bet you, this is another case of Stokes just flapping his trap without reason. It could also be that the residents have been told something to scare them.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-13T16:55:00-06:00

ID

93315

Comment

Everything Stokes said in this article shows he's intellectually dishonest and downright full of shi_tte. Ward 3 deserves everything it gets (or doesn't) for continuing to elect and support this brain-dead idiot. As Roc suggests, I fully believe part of the problem is that he's not getting his cut from the developers. And I also suspect that he won't support it because the two developers/former city employees are white. The glaring hypocrisy in his statements about them supports my assertion.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-07-13T17:00:23-06:00

ID

93316

Comment

Anyone Blogging from Ward 3?

Author

Roc

Date

2007-07-13T17:31:49-06:00

ID

93317

Comment

What residents of his ward is opposing this development. I bet you, this is another case of Stokes just flapping his trap without reason. It could also be that the residents have been told something to scare them. The Ledge had a story on this about a couple of weeks ago. The ones opposed to it the most cited traffic, overcrowded schools and crime as the main reasons. Of course, all those things happen when you bring in new development. That's why you plan ahead. I remember when the Department of Defense, during the Clinton years, had the Jackson Mall on a short list of places for some new project that would've brought thousands of jobs to the area. That project, however, was scraped. But had that gone through, whatever traffic this proposed development on the Hood Furniture site would've generated would've looked like a Sunday picnic compared to the DoD project. I didn't hear Kenny Boy opposing that.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-07-13T17:58:49-06:00

ID

93318

Comment

I meant to add that Bluntson and Tillman are politically smarter and know that this project is good for everyone in Jackson. Yes, Ward 3 benefits the most; but, good development is great development for the City as a whole. So, hopefully, Kenny is a moot point. This is a good opportunity for Melton to heal some wounds and show he does want to see other areas of Jackson, outside of Downtown, developed for the better! Heck, isn't this place near the infamous Ridgeway incident? What better way to show you mean business in moving drug dealers out through methods that are smart, creative, modern, and economically advantageous for the City coffers. I am sure everyone of the residents who oppose this, including Kenny, have gone to visit family and friends in areas of Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta, Birmingham, and other cities where these types of projects exist and thrive. And, when they drive home they complain how Jackson doesn't have anything new like they do in those cities. Well now you can! Don't be sidetracked by empty rhetoric and street talk.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-13T21:25:20-06:00

ID

93319

Comment

Yes, it is right down the street from Ridgeway. I bet if this development had Gene Phillips' name on it, Frank would be more than willing to support it.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-07-13T22:28:18-06:00

ID

93320

Comment

Stokes hasn't gotten a cut from the developers, so he's against it. Also; if it'll emancipate his serfs from his control he'll be against it. Machines hate that.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-14T12:53:06-06:00

ID

93321

Comment

You can bet that anything that makes sense,provides for the general good of all, is not rooted in mob-like behavior, and is not a project that melton thought of, will be killed. This has been his MO and wll continue until this train crashes!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-16T08:15:40-06:00

ID

93322

Comment

I have faith that the other two Councilmen will do the right thing - that Melton will do the right thing. You can't pass up this kind of development.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-16T09:50:57-06:00

ID

93323

Comment

Well, so much for progress. They are all just empty shirts who don't recognize a good deal when they see one. I just don't believe this so called "delay" is about drainage. I believe it goes much further than that. Too bad for Jackson and too bad for anyone willing to invest here. They aren't beating the doors down to do this often and this type of treatment will run off more potential development.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-07-16T16:16:25-06:00

ID

93324

Comment

I agree, Chris. While there were legitimate reasons to be concerned about the existing infrastructure (drainage, water, sewer) in that area and the impact of such a development, it appeared that the developer understood that and was willing to belly up to the bar to help pay for some of the upgrades. REAL leaders would have recognized the benefit of making a project like this a reality and tried to meet these guys halfway. These "former City employees" that Stokes objected to are experienced planners who might have helped the City secure additional federal money for the infrastructure upgrades.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-07-16T19:47:35-06:00

ID

93325

Comment

Isn't this a bunch of crap! I guess Kenny didn't get his "cut" or he is going to lose out on all the drug money from the dealers this project will push out? Drainage my ass! "I know my ward wants it. But at the same time, those citizens over there need to feel that this is going to be something good for their community. Right now they are divided," Stokes said. Read what you just said Councilman. The Ward is divided? Or is it just a few people around that area? You are an idiot! Now from the above story: "We expect the annual sales tax to the city to be approximately $150,000 per year. We estimate that ad valorem taxes should go up to $647,000 each year," [color=red]Peden said, adding that MPI also planned to make $3.1 million in street improvements, almost $3 million in drainage improvements, $770,000 in sewer improvements and $655,000 in water line replacement and construction.[/color] Pretty sad to see McLemore try to go "political" on this. Thought he was for a better Jackson? In fact, so many times on radio, the news, or in church you hear black leader bemoan that "all the new stuff" ends up in Ward 1 or Downtown or Madison! That they get nothing. So, you bring the area a gift wrapped, privately financed new development to one of Jackson most blighted areas; and some folks want to act as if you are bringing the plague. Only tomfoolery can be behind anyone opposed to this! And, for the paper to even try to compare the Livingston Village project to projects in Madison or Ridgeland, like the Reunion, is absurd and misleading! Hello, the minimum home is around $400,000 out there! And, the world class golf course! If you can't compare apples to apples, then don't try! They are trying to give the people of that area affordable and better places to live if they choose. A place a newcomer may want to live when they move here! How about comparing it to other inner-city projects like those in sister Cities throughout the South? Like you did with crime and felonies! I didn't cry when I got my first bike because my neighbor got a 10 Speed! I got a new bike! Period!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-17T14:24:57-06:00

ID

93326

Comment

Pike, did you look at the Flash file? Livingston Village really would be a village: condos, a grocery store, retail space, etc. I say that if the developers can plainly spell out how they're fixing the drainage problem, any further delay would be foolish. I understand wanting to make sure that residents who own the single-family units don't end up knee deep in water, but if they have the cash to fix it, let them fix it. The city is already strapped for cash. We need to grab every dime that comes our way.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-17T19:48:25-06:00

ID

93327

Comment

LW maybe this will help because I agree with you. I'm for the project. I'm against the games being played by Stokes, others (like Bluntson and Tillman and Melton), and some vocal backwards thinking folks. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said he has concerns about sewage, streets and drainage. Stokes called on colleagues to vote to delay approval, [color=red]despite city drainage engineer Charles Williams saying he thought approving the project would help the city correct flooding caused by cluttered creeks.[/color] You don't build new stuff so it floods, nor can you build something affests the surrounding areas environmentally. I think that goes into the planning of the project. Thus this why the "professionals" with the City say it is a good project. Why employee people in planning and development if you aren't going to consider their advice? Stokes and his other cohorts, including Melton are acting like fools! Let's hope this isn't to give away a bunch of land to Deion Sanders so he can bilk the City out of valuable land for pennies on the dollar! Like he can't afford the property if he really wants to "develop" it for police, firemen and teachers. Arnott said houses would range from $99,000 to $124,000. She said the only thing that needs to happen now is for the city to turn over the land. Turn over the land!?! This City is a fucking mess! Yeah, like no one in MS can't take free land and turn it into new homes! I hope the City and those who love it do their homework on this one. Don't get dazzled by the Primetime Preacher's aura!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-17T21:43:00-06:00

ID

93328

Comment

affests.... "that affects..."

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-17T21:44:26-06:00

ID

93329

Comment

Pikersam, I clicked on the link, and I can't take my eyes off this part: Texas developer Ann Arnott What is it with Texas??????

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-18T08:08:04-06:00

ID

93330

Comment

Don't mess with Texas, L.W.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-07-18T09:13:11-06:00

ID

93331

Comment

You don't build new stuff so it floods, nor can you build something affests the surrounding areas environmentally. I think that goes into the planning of the project. Thus this why the "professionals" with the City say it is a good project. Why employee people in planning and development if you aren't going to consider their advice? Excellent point, Pikersam. A project this size would have to have measures built as part of the developement to reduce the amount of increased drainage that would result from new rooftops, so the arguments about drainage by Stokes are even more bogus. I can still see how sewer might be an issue, but again with experienced planners who can work with the City to address those concerns as part of the development, it really shows that the Three Meltoneers will shut down this project if they can't give the pie away to their buddies (especially if they can get a few slices for themselves in the process I bet).

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-07-18T09:23:03-06:00

ID

93332

Comment

Arnott is the point person for Primetime's company. You will find it very hard to get a lot of information on his real estate development company. That means they either are not doing much work. Are not getting good press. Or, they don't know what they are doing per say. Do they even have a website? Can someone find a mock up drawing (like Livingston) of something this group has done elsewhere. My guess is they try to get towns to just "give-away" land so they can build homes at a price that makes it affordable. Well heck, Rosemary Barbour can do that! And, she is local! ;-) Regardless, many people in this State can do what Primetime is scheming. But, if you think just putting a new home in a vacant lot here, a vacant lot there, is good urban development then just drive down Atkins and see the two little homes they tucked down in between all the existing (and unique) properties that line the road now. They look like crap! They don't fit in! They look very small, and are best suited for rental which is not good for the neighborhood over there. Even those two brand new garden homes they built by the creek on Old Canton look odd and out of place. Hadn't sold yet either! I don't foresee the residents of that area of Old Canton tearing down their homes to build newer ones like in Eastover. Not anytime soon. And, not if the City continues to ignore that they have a huge stock of $100,000 - $125,000 homes located in safe and good neighborhoods. (search - Jackson, Area: Northeast, Price: $115,000 +/- 15%) Lots of potential property taxes, and sales tax, from the families that could be living in these homes. Pave a few roads, and start some heavy code enforcement in NE Jackson, then maybe some people will move in, move back, or stay. Invest in the areas that generate the most revenue with a passion, and let that growth pad the tax coffers while redeveloping the rest of Jackson as we are now. It's called "A Plan." Wish someone downtown had one!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-18T09:40:55-06:00

ID

93333

Comment

Exactly Jeff! I don't understand all the "rooftop" stuff; but, I figure the infrastructure is a big part of building something like this? MPI owns the land, and the City isn't going to let them build something on it? That betters that City and the area around the land! Wow! Land of the free, home of prosperity! Not in Jackson! Anyone care to research why Bernie Evers moved the MCI Center from Downtown Jackson to Clinton? Quick answer... Incompetence of the City Council is one big reason!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-07-18T09:48:05-06:00

ID

93334

Comment

"Anyone care to research why Bernie Evers moved the MCI Center from Downtown Jackson to Clinton? Quick answer... Incompetence of the City Council is one big reason! " And who was the main voice on the Council at that time opposing Ebbers' plans, even giving an exclusive interview on WLBT to make his case? Hint...he's still there!

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-07-18T10:11:19-06:00

ID

93335

Comment

The neighborhood does not want who over there? Progress, Change, Positive lifestyle? Who stated that?

Author

john W

Date

2007-09-20T01:03:36-06:00

ID

93336

Comment

How the council votes once the mayor takes a stand?? Who said that?? You mean you were voted in office to only raise your hand when the teacher does??

Author

john W

Date

2007-09-20T01:09:18-06:00

ID

93337

Comment

This is an opportunity to revive a part of our city, a start at least, drop politics, ego & please stokes! The opportunity of the investment of the idea & the monetary investments of the idea makers for a positive change!! We the people are tired of the politics & wish actual results of our elected ones!!

Author

john W

Date

2007-09-20T01:33:23-06:00

ID

93338

Comment

Wish WLBT would call me, mr citizen to give a realistic and straightforward reply to the whole ?

Author

john W

Date

2007-09-20T01:36:11-06:00

ID

93339

Comment

JohnW, perhaps you missed the council's approval of the development.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-09-20T07:36:37-06:00