Jackson Free Press

Sept. 20, 2011

Despite a recommendation from the city's legal department, Jackson City Council members voted at its meeting last night to conduct an audit of the Farish Street Entertainment District.

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes introduced the item, saying he wanted to determine how Jackson Redevelopment Authority, a quasi-governmental entity that owns the majority of the property in the entertainment district, is assisting the development. He acknowledged that the audit was a symbolic gesture to express his frustration with the development's lack of progress.

In order to assist with the development of the Farish Street Entertainment District, JRA entered into an agreement with the developer, Watkins Partners. Jason Brookins, executive director of JRA, said that under the agreement, Watkins Partners subleased the property from JRA but did not have to pay rent until they secured subtenants or the JRA board decided enough time had passed without payment.

Watkins Partners began paying rent to JRA this month. Brookins said the developer is paying a total of $1,500 a month for the properties.

City Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen told council members that JRA operates independently like Jackson Public Schools and the airport. He said that JRA is not legally required to produce an audit just because the council demands it.

"You can't order another entity to do something. You can pass it, but if they don't comply, don't be surprised," Teeuwissen said.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon suggested that the council ask for the information instead of demanding an audit.

"I share the frustration with each one of you, I just don't think this order before the council is the right way to go about this," Barrett-Simon said. "I think it's divisive, and I think a request to any of the entities involved for information would be met immediately. I hope that we wouldn't do anything right now that would cast a doubt on what I believe is the best chance we've had in a long time on Farish Street."

The measure passed in a 4-to-2 vote with Barrett Simon and Council President Frank Bluntson voting against the measure. Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell abstained.

Developer David Watkins said earlier this month that 15 clubs and restaurants would occupy the first block of the district when complete. He hopes that the majority of the clubs will open in 2012. Earlier this year, B.B. King Blues Club and accompanying Itta Bena Room, a fine-dining restaurant, signed a lease, making that venture official. Since then, the district has signed leases with Al Stamps (former owner of Cool Al's), Zac Harmon's Blues Club, a sports bar and a cigar lounge. B.B. King's is expected to open in December.

Brookins said today that his agency would prepare financial documents and present them to the council at a later day.

Also see: A Long Time Coming.

Previous Comments

ID

165007

Comment

Yes indeed!!! Thought? Please, thoughts people? Kenneth Stokes has received some "vocal" support from the burbanites of Jackson on this one, so I am curious to see all the regulars on here have to say on this one?

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-09-21T12:12:54-06:00

ID

165012

Comment

It would appear to be a politically motivated waste of time and money. An audit would only serve to delay the project further.

Author

tombarnes

Date

2011-09-21T13:22:35-06:00

ID

165015

Comment

I've noticed a dead project move forward with historic renovations that are very time consuming, Watkins effort should be applauded. The progress is undeniable and the fact that Stokes is leading this charge for "opening up the road for business" and auditing is a bit odd and seems very personal. Looking at the current state of Farish, it's clear that new restaurants can move into these buildings very soon.... it looks great !

Author

Sanity

Date

2011-09-21T16:10:17-06:00