Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Fairview Inn: a view from above
















Guess no one explained to the two attorneys who are trying to force the closure of Sophia's what will happen to their property values if the Fairview Inn shuts down. Nothing like having a building next door sitting vacant because no one else will buy it since they can't make a profit. Of course, one expects that from blueblood attorneys for whom reality is merely an abstract concept to be manipulated in court or someone whose idea of a rough life is waiting an extra five minutes to get a facial and pedicure.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Even more interesting would be if other restaurants got together and begin banning Mark and Anita from their places. Those folks can be a pretty tight-nit community.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like to me that what these two homeowners don't like is the crowds generated from the events. The restaurant patrons park in that empty parking lot next door. Do these people not realize that if Peter Sharp is forced to close the restaurant, he is going to be forced to have even more larger scale events to generate more revenue? Whoever these neighbors are, they do NOT have the best interest of the neighborhood or the city of Jackson in mind!!

Kingfish said...

What would be funny would be if one of the homeowners moved in the next couple of years.

Also it would be funny if this decision is used against Butler Snow in Ridgeland.

Anonymous said...

Yeah that whole "spot zoning" thing can be a bitch. A good lesson in be careful what you wish for.

For the life of me I don't know what these knuckleheads were thinking. If it is about home value, they just screwed up and did the exact opposite of what they should do to preserve value.

Anonymous said...

The Sharps have done so much for the community. Who are Mark and Anita Modak-Truran and Daniel and Katherine Baker? The Sharps have invested a lot in Belhaven as well as Jackson. Sophia's is hardly generating a bar crowd. Half of Jackson has dinner parties bigger than the crowds generated by the restaurant. I think these attorneys just did this to prove a point. I mean, after all, they live on the corner of North State Street. If they are looking for peace and tranquility, move to the country!

Anonymous said...

Saturday.... I remember a few years ago, the King of Spain stayed at the Fairview, when the Spanish Exhibit was in JXN.
****
Many of U remember Bill Simmons who died in November 2007, He (and Carol) are the ones who worked so very hard to build the tremendous addition, that is on the N. side of the facility.

Anonymous said...

Anita does "movie reviews" on Ch 16

Kingfish said...

Its a shame they Sharps are not Sharpianos. The lawsuit would've never been filed because those two houses would've been burned down if they had while the Sharpianos were overseas on a family vacation.

Anonymous said...

I guess they won't like the fact that the Spa can serve local people outside the hotel too.

How can you tell a local that the Fairview can only serve the Guests of the hotel for lunch.

This is rediculous.

Anonymous said...

I hope that Sophia's has more "events". I bet that could come up with a new "special event" every day now. I for one would love to come to them more now that this has happened. The Fairview is an asset to this community. I for one will keep the names of these people who have done this fresh on my mind. I will not do business with them and will encourage everyone I know not to.

Anonymous said...

What if they bought the office building on the corner? Could the two properties be combined? They could take the office building and turn it into a high end conference center with a dozen upscale rooms. Just throwing out ideas because it is hard to imagine that the Supremes are going to reverse a 6-3 decision.

Anonymous said...

Went to the Belhaven Lights street party last night and had a delightful time. What a great evening! But that's what worries me - it was too good. I'm sure those two are scheming today how to get that shut down.

What are their law firm(s)?

Anonymous said...

Butler snow. She is an attention hog.

Anonymous said...

Looks like we should boycott WAPT where she is a movie Critic

Anonymous said...

Goodness, I would think reviewing movies would be beneath the lifted noses of Butler Snow. And what on earth makes her qualified for that post?

Anonymous said...

There is a small but vocal group of Belhaven residents whose main purpose in life is, it seems, to complain about anything that might bring "outsiders" into their midsts. These are the residents who actively fought the addition of a First Pres portico and complain endlessly about the school. They actively fought the plan to make the Welty House an active museum with actual VISITORS. They also are known to leave very ugly notes on the street-parked cars of night students at Belhaven College.

Of course, all of those things add to the legendary "charm" of the neighborhood. I don't know what they think would happen to their precious homes if those institutions all of a sudden disappeared.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that regular congressional candidate Jimmy Giles has received a great deal of voter support in Belhaven.

Anonymous said...

wapt SHOULD " CAN " her!

Anonymous said...

This is unbelievable. A Butler Snow Attorney getting involved in a suit like this with the "Butler building" facing a haircut if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the local homeowners. With little case law on this issue, she certainly threw the other side a bone.

Anonymous said...

That’s nothing - I heard they intentionally harm small animals on a regular basis....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R31s35u8ywM

If I may briefly interrupt your festival of anonymity, I may be able to clear up a few misconceptions. I am the diabolical Katherine Baker, one fourth of the Fairview Quartet of Evil - but you can call me Kathy.

First, the Bakers and the Modak-Trurans did not sue anyone. We appealed a 2004 City Council decision to monkey illegally with the zoning ordinance to create an exception from the law based upon the political clout of Mr. Simmons. We have never opposed the bed and breakfast inn operating within the bounds of its use permit. We are thrilled that the Sharps own the property (you have no idea). Ironically, the inn probably would not have been sold had the Simmons been able to realize their goals for the property. The Sharps are astute business people who purchased the property being fully advised about the pending appeal.

In 2003 we had the gall to tell the Simmons that their plans for a full scale restaurant were unacceptable. When the BIA did not endorse the Simmons’ plans for reservation only dining, things turned ugly. Mr. Simmons proclaimed he would establish a grass roots movement, which with all his experience with the Sovereignty Commission and the Citizens’ Council made perfect sense. Of course this grass roots movement consisted of providing lovely meals to many, many neighbors, and casting the noncompliant neighbors as malcontents.

Though the Planning Board issued a negative recommendation (the end of the road for ordinary folk), on unsupported assertions that the inn would shut down without a restaurant, the City Council approved the amendments. Astoundingly, the subsequent sales brochure for the inn touted 2004 revenues in excess of 1M with good net revenues. Incidentally, in 1993 the same threat was used to obtain the use permit. One wonders if the BIA felt just a little bit duped when the amended ordinance did not include the promised revisions. Being aggrieved, we appealed the decision all the way to the state Supreme Court, who agreed with us.

Though Bill’s “grass roots” feeding-o-the neighbors did generate much enthusiasm, the problem is that grass roots political causes are, well, political. The law is abundantly clear that zoning must not be political, but instead must be a valid exercise of police power (that nutty constitution). As to that medical office building, it’s zoning would not permit a restaurant either. As an interesting aside, I recall a letter in the zoning file from the lady who lived on that lot. She recounted how our great preservationist, Bill Simmons, advised her to sell her home to the Baptist Hospital.
One final note regarding the hilarious knowledge of our evil deeds that the anonymous possess: we do not scream at people (immediate family excepted); nor do we run like Wee Willie Winkie down to Belhaven college at night posting nasty notes on cars; we dearly love First Pres., and have had children at the Day School for the last 11 years; we are unaware of controversy regarding the church’s portico, the Welty museum, etc., and we have no desire to assail the Bright Lights festival. The Modak-Trurans and the Bakers could not be more different from one another and yet we have enjoyed more than a decade as neighbors and friends- so much for the intolerance anecdotes. I guess the laundry, car pool, homework, birthday parties and writing Supreme Court briefs while simultaneously making PB&J’s doesn’t leave much time for silly outlandish gossip. And I’m the one out of the dastardly four with the most free time. But alas, I see my butler has arrived with tea and crumpets -

Oh, and in case you are interested, I noticed this in the far right column, perhaps some might wish to avail themselves -

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered.

Kingfish said...

Lady, get off your high-horse. I never smeared anyone with my post. I merely gave people a better idea of the property involved by posting an aerial photo and I do think you guys are being short-sighted as when that property goes out of business, I seriously doubt it will be sold rather quickly. What exactly is going to happen to your property values when it sits vacant for awhile?

If you didn't sue but only "appealed" a zoning decision, how exactly did it wind up before the state supreme court? It was my understanding the Court only heard lawsuits and disciplinary actions filed by the bar and commission.

Anonymous said...

10:47 being serious? Sure want to think not.

Anonymous said...

f I may briefly interrupt your festival of anonymity, I may be able to clear up a few misconceptions. I am the diabolical Katherine Baker, one fourth of the Fairview Quartet of Evil - but you can call me Kathy.

But how do we know you are Kathy Baker? You've posted anonymously. For all we know you could be Donna Ladd.

Anonymous said...

Kathy,

I live in Bellhaven and love the resturant and Inn. I hope that it does not go out of business as my family have stayed there when they come to town and I enjoy the resturant. I wish YOU would move. You should have left this alone.

Anonymous said...

I posted the first response to this a few days ago and don't know why it got deleted. I suggested the owners move to the vacant space next to Bonefish in Madison, across the pond from the Hilton. I suspect they would do very well there as the locals there appreciate the superb food that has been available at Sophia's. As for how long the Fairview building would remain empty after they move: that's Belhaven's problem. Let them worry about diminishing their property values.

Anonymous said...

I guess I don't know about the article - I don't regularly keep up with her paper, being more conservative than most of her readership, but I certainly respect her work. I simply saw the workshop announcement in the right hand column of this site. Since my IT peeps have gone back to school, I will just sign below like the techno dinosaur that I am.

Kathy

Kingfish said...

workshop announcement?

You don't get humor much, do you?

Anonymous said...

Well, I will confess that it was late and that I am not familiar with this site, so I took it at face value - isn't she always doing workshops? whoops! Like I said, I don't really follow the JFP or blog, as one can readily tell. That must have been confusing, but I'm the most disappointed that my squirrel, groundhog, whatever link didn't activate - bummer.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.