Jackson Jambalaya

WJTV posted a follow-up story alleging "scrutiny" of a David Watkins project in Meridian:

" Our I-team investigation into Jackson developer David Watkins is now getting attention from taxpayers in another part of the state.
It involves a development deal Watkins has with the city of Meridian.
Last year, Meridian officials signed a lease with Watkins of more than $300,000 to rent a building to house the new police station.
Watkins is renovating the old cowboy maloney store near downtown.
Critics say the project has been delayed for months, and Watkins forced the city to sign the lease twice after he changed the terms of the deal.
Meridian’s ward 5 council member Bobby Smith is one of two who voted against the Watkins deal.
“It was three to two, sooner or later I got a feeling everyone who voted for it will regret what they done," Smith said.
Smith says he regrets his decision to agree to pay Watkins $10,000 a month as a development consultant.
"At the time I wasn't aware of how he was operating."
Because of construction delays, Smith says Watkins monthly fee was reduced to $1.
Watkins had been overseeing two big projects for the city of Jackson
He was the managing partner of Retro Metro, which is in charge of the renovation at the old Belk building at metro center mall.
We learned he was recently bought out by three other Jackson businessmen.
Watkins told us this week he left that project to focus his efforts on renovating the historic Farish street business district.
We’ve also learned some companies are suing Watkins claiming he has not paid them for work done.
According to Watkins, all the lawsuits have been settled or soon will be.

Well, not exactly. Construction stalled on the project and the fee paid to Mr. Watkins was indeed reduced to $1. However, Citizens National Bank essentially took over the project. The local bank kicked in $1 million in historic tax credits and hired a new builder. The Meridian Star reported on June 26:

"As promised, work crews were on site Monday morning to continue renovations to the old Cowboy Maloney building on 22nd Avenue. That's where work is under way to turn the building into a new police department. The Meridian City Council approved a lease with Meridian Law Enforcement Center LLC on Saturday, paving the way for work to get going again.

Work had stalled on the multi-million dollar project as David Watkins of Watkins Development awaited valuable tax credits from state and federal sources. The new contractor for the project, Tim Allred of Heritage Building Corporation, came on board about two months ago and had told the council Friday if they approved the revised lease Friday or Saturday, he could be on the job as early as Monday".Article

The article includes some press releases from the Mayor and City Council that provide more information. My interpretation? The local bank stepped up, kicked in the money needed, the city council hired a new builder, and Watkins was allowed to keep his name on the project.

Earlier post about City reducing Watkins $10,000 monthly fee to $1