Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Developers say project stalled because city is "Mickey Mousing around" (Video)

Update: City went to site and located the water line Friday.

A frustrated Ted Duckworth spoke his mind to the Jackson City Council at its regular meeting yesterday, as he said a lack of cooperation from the city is delaying construction at The District at Eastover. (18:00 in the video posted below.)

Mr. Duckworth said The District project is stalled because Interim Economic Development Director Harold Lathon was "retrading the deal."  He said the city was "Mickey Mousing around" in signing an agreement over environmental cleanup tax credits.  Mr. Duckworth said he had been "working the deal since 2007" and it was very "frustrating", as they were told the agreement would be signed by the end of January.  He said there had been no problems with the Johnson administration, but things changed when Mr. Lathon released employees in the planning department and tried to impose new conditions on the agreement.  

Mr. Duckworth said the city is holding up the project over the matching funds for a "Brownfield rebate."  The rebate is a DEQ program that allows a developer to recover 25% tax credits for environmental cleanup costs on a designated site.   The state committed $1 million  to the project under the program, but apparently requires a $150,000 in matching funds from the city.  More information about DEQ Brownfield program. He said a $110 million project was being "held up" over $150,000 after the city had already committed a $7 million TIF (Tax Incremental Financing).



A visibly frustrated Mr. Duckworth said the project would lose tentants if "we did not get this thing done." He said there was a theater "deal on the table we will lose" if the project continues to languish. 

The problems did not end with signing agreements, as co-developer Breck Hines said the department of public works would not come to the site and locate a thirty-inch water line. He said buildings can not be built unless this step takes place.  "We can't get anybody at public works to come out and locate their line" said Mr. Hines. IF the line is not located, well, remember those videos posted on this site of geysers erupting on city streets?  That is what will happen if the line is struck during construction.  He said they had made "time commitments" to tenants and the delay meant they were in danger of losing them. Interim Public Works Director William Bell said they never spoke to him about the problem.  They replied they were speaking to public works employee John Thompson.  He seemed to take offense to the accusation of his department being accused over the inaction of one employee.

Mayor Lumumba said the developers should talk to him if the project is experiencing problems with the city. Mr. Duckworth told the Mayor he was not the "most accessible person, sir" as he threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. He said the Mayor gave him his card and he called his office only to get a meeting with the Mayor that turned into "a meeting with the chief of staff that turned into a meeting with Mr. Lathon there."  The Mayor replied, "We will get you a meeting with me. I didn't know you were trying to get a meeting and I will make sure you get a meeting."  Mr. Duckworth said he "just wanted to get the agreement signed."

The District project was placed on the agenda by Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon.  She also demanded answers from the city on the Westin Hotel project, as she said it was stalled as well. He said Westin received $20 million from MDA (through Hinds County) and $18 million from private developers.  The Mayor said the city is to commit $7 million but wanted to make sure it did not impact the city's bond rating. 

Kingfish note: Notice all of these interim directors.  Interim title means they do not have to be confirmed.  What is also interesting is that Mr. Lathon admitted he was looking at moving the Westin Hotel project.  See 5:50 of video.  He told Councilwoman Simon, "Oh yeah, there has been discussion about it" and that such discussion had been recent.  Interesting. 

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nothing but a shakedown from Detroit !

Anonymous said...

Unfortunate....the City of Jackson is certainly encouraging more development.......in Madison and Rankin Counties.

Anonymous said...

The "hat lady" was in error, its been a new day for about 15 years.
This video is an embarrassment to those who are trying to improve the city of Jackson. Unfortunately, the level of incompetency shown in this video has been going on for quite a while.

Anonymous said...

I wonder why Duckworth thought it would be any different than in the past? um, YO! TED! white boyz ain't welcome!!!

Anonymous said...

Y'all are without a clue how business gets done in the Kush.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the good mayor misunderstands. It seems Mr. Duckworth doesn't want a meeting. He just wants shit done.

Anonymous said...

Not unusual. Try getting a routine permit from the city to replace, at your expense, a half-dozen cracked and hazardous sidewalk sections in front of your building. Can't be done.

Anonymous said...

no, 8:26 AM, the king of kush does in fact understand. he just wants the opportunity to show off his leather day planner.

Asst City Clerk said...

"Any new or improved commercial development within the city of Jackson, MS, with construction or renovation beginning on or after March 6, 2001 shall provide, at cost to the developer, suitable, direct public transit access connecting with the JSU campus and Stewpot Community Services.

Such connection to be contracted at the will and pleasure of the Jackson City Council at their sole discretion, unencumbered by any form of bid or RFP process, with all costs and assessments borne by the developer of said project.

Such developments or renovations must also incorporate a Red/Green/Black color scheme, observe minority set asides and subcontracting as determined suitable by The Council."

Source: Minutes, Jackson City Council, Regular Session, March 5, 2001, approved, filed, quorum, volume 3, 2001.

Anonymous said...

8:38, just do it. Don't ask them for permission to fix your sidewalk. They'll fumble it up somehow. They are completely incompetent, especially that Thompson guy mentioned in the video. They will work hard to find 50 ways to sit on their ass and do nothing when doing the right thing would have been easier!

Anonymous said...

GREAT reporting Kingfish! This video, which I highly recommend you watch all of, truly gives a lot of insight into what its like to do business in Jackson and to get anything done in Jackson. To the Mayor's credit, he at least in political speak seems willing to meet to get these things moving. However, it appears that he has appointed a stumbling block in the form of Mr. Lathon to progress for the city. (I think I just stated the obvious.)

Anonymous said...

Obviously, Ted did not read the chapter about cooperative socially-just models of ownership in the Kush City Charter.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Mayor,

A meeting is not necessary. An executive, who one would suppose has interest in stopping the backslide Jackson has been on for the past several decades, would be proactive and demand a meeting time with Mr. Duckworth instead of attempting to "kingly" pass the buck. Or better yet, just say honor the city's commitment to the project, even though it was a prior administration, unless you can articulate why it should not be honored.

I've been a Jackson resident for 44 years, a business owner for 20 years and have never owned a business whose address is within the city limits. It's never been a conscious effort to avoid Jackson, it's just been doing what is best for employees and the business model itself. I applaud any effort someone puts forth to have to battle things that should not even be a discussion, much less a battle, in order to quiet the naysayers. I have personally not put my money where my mouth is, though I have always stated I will stay in Jackson out of commitment and the "potential" for business growth. I would love to see my city become a place people want to invest in and not a fiefdom of attempted retribution and acquiescence towards remaining so.

Please get out of the way. Government is not supposed to be this involved in business, but this is the modern U.S. we live in. But get out of the way and do your best to make Jackson more appealing to those who would invest their time, money and effort to improve it.

This appears to be the single most significant investment in Jackson that would work to retain and possibly build households in the city. It should be a tax positive investment to the city, a quality of life improvement for those living here and a feather in your cap, if that is all that matters to you.

Anonymous said...

Anybody taste the chitlins at Whole Foods yet?

Anonymous said...

While I agree with some of your comments, it is also fair to say that Duckworth chose the wrong forum to vent his frustrations. More than that, to invoke Harvey Johnson and the terminated planning department personnel is petty at best. Perhaps, the good old days are gone. Perhaps, the the hookups have left the building. Perhaps, more is needed that a mere 150k grant. For the record, being a cry baby will not get things done any faster.

I think pointing a finger is fine as long as you remember there are three others pointed at the originator.

If the City doesn't get its act together so be it. We all have options here. I'm not sure about the references about the Land of Kush but they too are in bad taste.

I read this blog daily, but I think its time we channel our energies toward things that are constructive.

There are some positive things happening in Jackson i.e. the Westin, Iron Horse Grill, The Civil Rights Museum, Capitol Street Improvements, UMMC locating a clinic in the CBD, and the District of Eastover. Rather than destroying the City try supporting it. Join the Chamber, volunteer for a cause.





Anonymous said...

Why would anyone invest money in a community where you don't have a seat at the table?

You cant get anything done and no one is willing to help.

Ted, make a call to Mayor Rhodes and I bet he will buy your lunch.

Anonymous said...

Nothing on the list that 9:55 mentioned is a stand alone private investment. They all required public financing to some degree. Let the market work. It will be painful to let things bottom out on their own, but the eventual come back will be accelerated if we will just quit propping things up with state tax dollars.

Anonymous said...

Who did Ted bring in from the minority community to get a piece of the action and make some money from this? This is a black city and black people should share the money to be gained by this development.Real simple Ted..

Anonymous said...

Harold Lathon was terminated from the planning department during the Johnson administration and was terminated from a similar position with the Delta Regional council. My question is why would Mayor Lumumba hire someone who has a proven record of incompetence. No wonder the projects are not moving.

Anonymous said...

Re: 11:06 am

Urp

Anonymous said...

Let's have a meeting about how all of these people are incompetent. It seems like all they have done is meet about different topics.

Anonymous said...

10:49: "They (developments within Jackson proper) all required public financing to some degree."

You're right about the list. What is the difference between that and the shopping malls that were developed in the surrounding areas (Renaissance and the Outlets) that also required public financing?

Were you also complaining when the State used tax dollars to build a shopping mall in Pearl?

I'm not talking down about the suburbs or anything that was built there. I just think you are using a double standard.

Anonymous said...

Just a reminder that it is the NE Jax handwringers who ultimately got Lumumba elected. Reap what you sow.

Anonymous said...

Well done guys and it is sad you had to go this far for progress in a DEAD city. Yes I live in Rankin County and want the District At Eastover to be built as it is time for growth in that area. I have worked with developers in the city for years and this has been going on for many many years. I say just get it done and by-pass the City on everything as "Most" of the officials are incompetent. The constituents are equally incompetent and don't know what progress looks like.

NIKNAR

Anonymous said...

10:20 AM needs to get over themselves. Don't like the content or comments? Tough.

Anonymous said...

Just a reminder that it is the NE Jax handwringers who ultimately got Lumumba elected. Reap what you sow.

YUP. The crackers shot themselves in the foot again.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing that the Jackson haters all post as anon and attack people working for something good. I suggest you come out of your trailer and go toe to toe with Leland, Ben or any Jackson supporter. Otherwise form a blog called Pearl Jambalaya and see how many followers you get.

Anonymous said...

As a fan of Mickey Mouse, I am offended by those comments. Mickey built an empire. Jackson, MS ain't no Disney World.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 12:49 complains about anonymous commenters. LOL Go get 'em Fido!

Anonymous said...

Wait what about the Westin? Are they forcibly moving it to the Jackson State campus?

Anonymous said...

NW Jxn elected Lumumba???? What election returns are you reading? Last I saw, NE Jxn voted heavily for Lee. Great to make comments, if and when you are at least somewhat correct. Until you get there, go join your buddies at the Tea Party - they don't worry about facts.

Anonymous said...

Lee never had a chance in Hades. The Marshand Crisler of 2013.

Anonymous said...

Shakedown, by the Mayor's hatchet man, Lathon.Is the Delta Regional Council in Memphis?

Anonymous said...

Sharing that Lathon doesn't have the "institutional knowledge" was code for calling him ignorant. Which he is.

The problem with locating the 30 inch water main is that they only use dowsing rods in the Kush and Chuckie's crew can't find one big enough to do the job.

Anonymous said...

Run for your lives
Move out of the city and never look back

What an absolute ZOO !!!!!!

Ted should have known better .......

Anonymous said...

(i lived in Jackson from 1957-2010)so I can say my piece. The 2 factions in Jackson, really do NOT have to get along or support each others plans, developments and life styles. One of the groups will put up with, or move or stay where they are til they die. The other group has a different agenda as well as different priorities. Sadly, it appears we will have a second coming of Chimneyville, before we get Jackson back where she belongs. At the TOP not the bottom of the heap.

Anonymous said...

Before doing business in Jackson, watch the video. Your time, money and effort will be mismanaged by city government. That is a tough hurdle.

Anonymous said...

I guess I'm confused. At the eleventh hour Duckworth is asking city taxpayers to kick in another $150,000 so he can become eligible for an additional $1 million subsidy from DEQ - but the City is the one trying to "re-trade the deal"? As a city taxpayer, I'm wondering why Duckworth doesn't figure out a way to give the $150,000 to the City, which can then give it back to the project which primes the pump for the DEQ match. Duckworth still comes out $850,000 richer.

Anonymous said...

"There are some positive things happening in Jackson i.e. the Westin, Iron Horse Grill, The Civil Rights Museum, Capitol Street Improvements, UMMC locating a clinic in the CBD, and the District of Eastover. Rather than destroying the City try supporting it. Join the Chamber, volunteer for a cause."

Do this so the majority will work against you on every front. When people do big things it looks like MAGIC to them.

Anonymous said...

no, 4:56pm, you are not confused.


you are simply attempting to redirect, fully knowing how you are misrepresenting facts. Here's a hint for you, though. Your conscious is what forced you to start your illegitimate comment off with "I guess I'm confused" because you simply could not shoot off that load of B.S. you posted without such a precursor.

Go ahead and keep trying to get approval from Sal Alinski

Anonymous said...

"Great reporting Kingfish."

Sorry, there's an echo in here.

The Libertarian said...

As a Rankin citizen, I would like to add something to Jackson......Pearl....its all yours.

Anonymous said...

Fascinating video. That these buffoons are able to successfully execute obvious shakedowns is truly amazing.

Anonymous said...

Clownishness

Anonymous said...

I choose to live in 39211 because I love it. I think all of the haters who post on here from other cities are just jealous. Living in a fake stucco house in a former cow pasture with no trees certainly must get old.
As for The District, I am glad Ted and Breck have the vision to bring new and exciting ideas to central MS. I am sure many of the haters in Madison will frequent the upscale theater (just like the Madison haters frequenting Whole Foods). People should be glad progress is being made for everyone in central MS to enjoy.

Anonymous said...

The issue here is at best does the city want to do business or not.

Anonymous said...

9:01 there is no need to be like that. I live in a house in Madison that is made of bricks with no stucco to be found. I have dozens of very old trees on my property. I would be glad to have the District succeed. I probably wouldn't visit the movie theater, not when I have Malco 3 minutes away. I would visit whatever interesting shops happen to be in the District.
I don't believe people in Madison want things in Jackson to fail. I'd like to believe people in Jackson don't waste their time thinking bad things about Madison either.
What is good for one is good for the other.

Anonymous said...

The shake down and destruction of legitimate business is in full effect

Anonymous said...

The Mayor is taking care of his friend as he states on the video and it continues as it did on the contract with Waggoner and Andrew where the mayor insisted that the percentage of ownership in a joint venture be 60 per cent Jenkins and 40 percent Waggoner illegal at best

Anonymous said...

Ted will pay up or leave town.No honest person will touch Jenkins or Waggoner.

Anonymous said...

This better not fail. We just reclaimed our wal mart. And now we are very close to getting our movie theatre back too. There might be hope for madison yet. Now, if we could just burn down JSU.

Anonymous said...

9:18 pm, I'm sure 9:01 pm has just had it with the constant attacks on Jackson in general and on those who choose to stay in particular.

There was probably some hope that since stating reasons for staying in Jackson didn't work, a taste of the haters own medicine might.

Not all houses in Madison are tacky, of course, but more than a few are actually spec nightmares so those who live in glass houses should be reminded not to cast stones.

Neither Madison nor Jackson are Utopias.

As free citizens we ought to get to choose which problems and pluses we can best tolerate.

Besides, there's not a white Southerner with an IQ in double digits that doesn't know what this Jackson bashing is really about.

Anonymous said...

7:47, we are not worthy.

Anonymous said...

Bullshit post above suggesting the 'Outlet Mall' was built with public funds.

Varying degrees of 'public money' wind up in most if not all large developments.

Some are in the form of tax abatements (in exchange for jobs, some involve complex infrastructure improvements and others, like the Taj Majal train station are 100% grant money secured by Harvey.

However, it is ALWAYS the first and primary goal of a black-majority city administration to get 'them' to pay for it. If at all, the last consideration is 'What can WE do?' or 'Where are the private investors?'

Anonymous said...

Looks like it worked...the City of Jackson is out there right now locating the pipe.

Anonymous said...

11:44, bullshit to your bullshit. The Outlets of Mississippi certainly were built, in part, with the help of public funds.

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/21192820/pearl-outlet-mall-to-be-tourism-hotspot

Now, please tell me. Were you complaining when the shopping mall in Rankin County received help from the State?


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
.