Hinds County Chancery Court Judge Dewayne Thomas granted a temporary restraining order against the city of Jackson yesterday on behalf of A-1 Pallet Company.
A-1 Pallet Company owner Charlotte Reeves said she had her attorney Tom Starling file the order because she feared the city would attempt an illegal demolition of her business.
"I had heard that the city was going ahead with its decision to tear down my business without even giving my attorney a chance to argue," Reeves said. She added that she feared Jackson Mayor Frank Melton was prone to duck procedure and begin demolitions without the consent of the proper authorities.
"I have no reason to think the mayor wouldn't try something illegal like that, especially after what happened on Ridgeway Street," Reeves said. Melton and Dets. Michael Recio and Marcus Wright faced felony charges last April for the demolition of a duplex at 1305 Ridgeway Street on Aug. 26, 2006. A Hinds County jury found the mayor and his cohorts not guilty, though the mayor never denied demolishing the duplex.
Code enforcement found numerous violations against A-1 Pallet Company last month, after Melton declared war on the property at a recent administrative meeting. The City Council refused to grant Reeves a continuance on the proposed demolition Tuesday night, despite concerns expressed by Councilman Marshand Crisler that the city does not have the money to finance the expensive demolition.
"I know tearing that thing down will cost more than $500,000, and I know we don't have it in our budget. Money is a big issue with the city right now," Crisler said.
Melton did not immediately return calls.
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