Jackson Free Press

[Verbatim release] Mayor Frank E. Melton issued a veto today that will prohibit the use of eminent domain by the Jackson Redevelopment Authority to acquire owner-occupied residential property located west of Jackson State University. The controversial proposed University Park Project-Phase I, consists of single-family homes and apartment complexes that would be constructed on at least 50 acres near the Jackson State University campus and anchored by Dalton Street and J. R. Lynch Street.

"The interests of the community must be weighed against the displacement of senior citizens that are homeowners," said Mayor Melton. "True economic development is built on all parties working together, which includes residents participating in the planning process and not forcing honest, hard working property owners from their homes."

Homeowners living in the JSU area began petitioning the City Council several weeks ago to rescind the action that granted JRA unprecedented authority to acquire owner-occupied dwellings. Residents maintain that they were not fully informed of the proposed project by the JRA or the Jackson State University Foundation, Inc., the developers of University Park.

Previous Comments

ID

99736

Comment

I'm a bit confused: Did he "veto" something Council had voted on? OK, I'll ask Adam. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-03-27T14:06:38-06:00

ID

99737

Comment

That's what it looks like to me. But then again, everything about Melton is confusing. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2008-03-27T14:22:20-06:00

ID

99738

Comment

I'm sure he vetted it with SORE first, so it all makes perfect legal sense.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-03-27T14:24:47-06:00

ID

99739

Comment

OK, the early word here is that he seems to be trying to veto a move by JRA, which he doesn't have power to do. Sigh. Anyone want to weigh in?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-03-27T14:27:48-06:00

ID

99740

Comment

I really don't think "veto" is the right word for what he is trying to do.

Author

QB

Date

2008-03-27T14:43:55-06:00

ID

99741

Comment

Tell him that.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-03-27T14:49:03-06:00

ID

99742

Comment

He and Hosemann must use the same publicist.

Author

QB

Date

2008-03-27T15:05:38-06:00

ID

99743

Comment

He'd probably try to veto the Ten Commandments if he could get away with it. And I mean the actual ten commandments: not the movie.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2008-03-27T15:59:12-06:00

ID

99744

Comment

as your future mayor...i must say that this is stupid...but his quote is something that may be promising...can we agree that he cant do what he thinks he is doing...that it makes him sound stupid...but that his quote says he is trying to protect elderly homeowners...lets give him some credit...honestly...i dont think he said that but if he did good job...i agree with his quote...

Author

skipp

Date

2008-03-27T17:31:02-06:00