Jackson Free Press

Fondren will see the benefits of a $2-million grant to make the area friendlier for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as for landscape reforms. The city of Jackson recently received a transportation enhancement grant through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and held a public meeting to ask Fondren residents and business owners how it should spend the money.

"It's federal money that the federal government puts aside for non-automobile-related transportation improvement, so it focuses on pedestrians, bicycles, sidewalks--those kinds of things," said Jonathan Kiser, vice president at Neel-Schaffer, the engineering and planning firm that will design the improvements.

Eligible projects for the grant include better pedestrian access and landscaping. Projects such as sidewalks, parking and new roads are not eligible.

"The city wanted to reach out to the community and find out before they send us off to design it, what is the community interested in, and what is important to the community," Kiser said.

Suggestions from citizens at the public meeting included more benches, an area for pedestrians and bikes to gather and plants on street corners.

Jeff Goodwin, who organizes community rides for the Jackson Bike Advocates, said he thinks Fondren needs a public park or space that is not affiliated with a business.

"If I had to put my finger on one thing that Fondren is lacking, it's lacking a hub or a city center," he said. "Really, it's a series of commercial or private spaces."

Electronics Recycling
A local business recently became certified to safely recycle old electronics. Magnolia Data Solutions announced earlier this month that it is the state's only R2 certified electronic recycler.

The R2 certification, which stands for "Responsible Recycling," means the company adheres to environmental and legal standards for recycling computers and electronics. Magnolia Data Solutions recycles old electronics so they do not clog up landfills and to keep toxic chemicals from contaminating the soil and water. The company also wipes and shreds data from old computers so it does not become a security liability.

Recycle Day
The city of Jackson will hold a Recycle Day this Saturday, when residents can drop off hazardous household waste.

The city will safely dispose of a variety of hazardous materials, including batteries, antifreeze, pesticides, oils, propane tanks, paint and other chemicals. People can also drop off electronics and used tires at the event.

Jackson's Recycle Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Battlefield Park (at the corner of Highway 80 and Terry Road).

Small Business Summit
Northpark Mall will host a Small Business Summit this week for people to network and learn about starting a small business in Mississippi. Representatives from the Ridgeland and Madison chambers of commerce, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance and other organizations will participate in the summit. The event will include musical entertainment, door prizes and food.

Northpark will also host a Restaurant Open House, by appointment only, to showcase the space it has available for lease.

The summit will take place Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For exhibitor information or to set an appointment for the open house, email [e-mail missing].