Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Feds Paid for Smith-Wills Stadium

 The past is never dead, it's not even past.

The Faulkner truism applies today, even to Smith-Wills Stadium.  Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is fond of saying the city of Jackson built Smith-Wills Stadium when discussing the state's termination of the lease for the property, thus implying the state is getting something for nothing.   However, the federal government, not the city of Jackson, paid for the construction of the stadium just as it paid for nearly almost all of the construction for Jackson's airport.  

Once upon a time there was a federal program called revenue-sharing.  Cambridge University provides an apt description of the program: 

In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act, creating a program of general revenue sharing with state and local governments. At the signing ceremony, Nixon proclaimed that the new program would “give these hard-pressed governments the dollars they need so badly” and “the freedom they need to use those dollars as effectively as possible.” With virtually no strings attached, general revenue sharing offered state and local governments unprecedented spending discretion. And at the time of passage, its $30 billion price tag over the first five years made it the largest federal grant-in-aid ever enacted (Stephens and Wikstrom 2007, 39). Not surprisingly, state and local officials had lobbied vigorously for its passage; indeed, Nixon observed that its enactment would have been impossible without their support.

 

The program was terminated as part of the 1986 Tax Reform Act.  However, the program paid for Smith-Wills Stadium.  The Northside Sun reported on October 30, 1974: 


It might be hard to read the print so here is an expanded version of the relevant passage. 


The Clarion-Ledger reported the federal funding as well on September 25, 1974:

The city of Jackson purchased the property for $50,000 in 1944.  However, the deed contained a reverter clause that stated the property would return to the state if the city did not use it for "park purposes."  The  legislature passed a bill this year that terminated the lease and directed the Attorney General to take appropriate action because the property was not used for park purposes.  

Proponents of the bill said allowing a cigar bar to operate in the stadium and subleasing the parking lot to the V.A. for $360,000 a year violated the deed restrictions.  The city of Jackson sued in Hinds County Chancery Court for a declaratory judgment last week.  

Kingfish note: If the state successfully terminates the lease, it should refund Jackson's payment and do so in 2024 dollars.   

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do y'all know how to determine if Chowke be lying? Easy: His lips be moving. Right?

Anonymous said...

'...and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality—judiciously, as you will—we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors...and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do'.

Anonymous said...

why should the State refund the money? does the lease specify this? If not, that would be illegal.

Anonymous said...

Cut Choak some slack. None of his people knew, If they had, they would have told him. At that point, assuming he was listening, he would have known. As he probably told his girlfriend, "It ain't his fault."

Anonymous said...

Is there still a baseball park there? And is that park ever used to play baseball or some other sport? Even though a part of the property is rented and used by the tenant for other purposes, unless those purposes are strictly prohibited by the state, I don't see how the reverter takes effect. There is still a functioning ball park there. I almost never agree with this sorry mayor but......

Anonymous said...


Appreciate you, Kingfish. It is a breath of fresh air when someone investigates what is claimed and posts facts.

Gonna have to think about the state reimbursing the city. Part of me thinks that would be very nice. Part of me thinks this was a contract and it was broken, which should not have a reward attached to that.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, Chowke's "useful idiot" voters believe every word out of his lying mouth.

Anonymous said...

Rounding-up, to better capture TRUE inflation between now and 1944, I get a tidy million Dollars for that property. It's nothing, really. And paying it, would be a gracious gesture.

However, the Cigar Bar was so foul/egregious/nasty/obscene/brazen.... I don't see that the state should be making any gracious concessions toward the city, over the Stadium. The State should be as PUNITIVE as it can be.

Anonymous said...

So, this was good research in discovering articles discussing the federal government/Jackson revenue sharing agreement. However, it’s disingenuous and not journalistic to not gather more facts before making a post.

Unless, of course, this website is merely an opinion piece by disgruntled conservatives and right-wing shills whose sole purpose is to bash Jackson - to further their own agenda of creating division and confusion and anger.

The journalism thing would be to obtain the actual revenue sharing agreement and read its terms. Perhaps the feds were fully repaid and/or repaid to the terms of the agreement in the twelve years the program was in place after the stadium was built? Why bash the city for making a good deal with the revenue sharing agreement? It enabled the stadium to be built. And that stadium was really enjoyed by many people in its heyday.

Anonymous said...

I pledge allegiance, to the federal checkbook.

Chok's playing everybody.

Anonymous said...

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2024/10/02/jackson-ms-smith-wills-stadium-a-brief-history/75391706007/

Anonymous said...

I think it is worth asking the question of why the state is interested in taking the property now. Someone must have an interest in it. Does the Hat want to expand the Ag Museum? Is this part of the Great City boondoggle? The place hasn't been a functioning park for a while. Who is pushing the state to take it back?

Anonymous said...

12:48 PM. I see by going to YOUR website that you did some incredible research.

Not bashing the city for making the deal with the Feds to build stadium. It really was a great place for many years. Sadly, it is not anymore. That one guy seems to be making a great little payday by subleasing parking. But that's not why it was built. It would be great if it could be used for something beneficial to the community.

Anonymous said...

great work, King Fish!

Anonymous said...

refund? If we're trying to balance a ledger, how about the state's losses for improper use and a turnover of those improper parking lease charges

Anonymous said...

Go to https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer enter in 1200 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS, select aerials, then select 1937, 1955, and 1960. It looks like it was a mostly dirt baseball field in 1955 after the divided highway was constructed, along with the US-51 bypass where I-55 now sits. But in 1937 it appeared to be a field. By 1960 there are two fields north of Lakeland and three south of Lakeland.

Anonymous said...

October 2, 2024 at 12:48 PM
Again, get your own blog, Melvin.

Anonymous said...

The city can have Smith Wills, I'm sure it will flourish just as the Zoo, Libraries, Thalia Mara Hall, the roads, water system, the list goes on and on. Lumumba has the reverse Midas touch. The airport on the other hand needs to be removed from Jackson's control entirely.

Anonymous said...

I cant figure out why anyone gives a shit about smith wills stadium? There hasnt been anything of any merit happening at that stadium in at least 20 years if not more.......

all of this is just being done strictly for garnering political talking points on BOTH SIDES

its attrocious!! leave those damn people alone (coj residents) and leave that damn stadium alone

Anonymous said...

12:48 - what you suggest - that Revenue Sharing "might have" required repayment doesnt take any research, if one knows anything about the 70's,which obviously you don't.

Revenue sharing dollars were not to be repaid; in any form, for any use. Those federal dollars were a direct 'grant' from Uncle Sam to local governments. No repayment required. Thanks for playing, come back soon with a better attempt to cloud the water.

Krusatyr said...

The stadium as built has depreciated, the land under it has appreciated. The city does not get reimbursed for the land, which they violated use of. The stadium building has questionable value which must be adjusted for true cost of repairs/upgrades. Perhaps City should pay for its demolition.

Anonymous said...

Clarion Ledger did it first.

Anonymous said...

If memory is correct, the parking lot was resurfaced using a federal grant to the County somewhere around 1988 along with a small county matching grant. Again, no city dollars used to improve the area.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Flapsalot sure is opening wide and inserting foot.

Anonymous said...

It would make no sense (that means nonsense) to pay Jackson for violating the terms and conditions and retaking the parcel/facility.

Makes no more sense than the city repaying the State every dime it made over the life of the agreement.

Anonymous said...

Saw a bunch of movie set trucks out there today; who makes money for the use of the stadium?

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna!

Kingfish said...

I bet that sounded clever in your head when you wrote it. Just curious, did you go over to the CL and complain? Because Charlie Drape wrote a similar story without the documentation you so desire. Of course not because you are about trashing this site, not actually learning the truth. As for any repayment, read the post. I provided a revenue sharing definition. It was a grant, not a loan. You know what that means? No repayment. Still feel so clever? Oh, and who bashed the city for getting the feds to pay for it?

Kingfish said...

It's an old stadium. Traditional minor league baseball will not return. Period. Bennett is trying but he is recruiting from leagues that will probably never put 500 butts in the stands. If I had my way, I would tear it down and build a natatorium, similar to the Aquatic Center in Tupelo. Jackson metro area does not have a nice facility for swim meets. They have them at the old Courthouse but the parking is always a mess and it just has a few aluminum bleachers. It would bring tourism to the area, an area with museums and near retail. It would also provide a better place for high schools to practice as well instead of using Briarwood's pool.

Anonymous said...

The federal government has paid and continues to pay far more for everything in Mississippi than taxpayers pay to the feds. The city fathers anywhere in this state can't claim to have done more than give contracts to their supporters using federal money.

Anonymous said...

Using the theory of where money orignated for our expensive expenditures, the state government could take over every city and town in this state! Indeed, Madison County wouldn't annex anything that didn't already have federal water and sewer lines already in place 46 years ago nor would Ridgeland.

map maker said...

There was a major federal grant which upgraded SW also along the way .

Anonymous said...

It strikes me that the original legislation did not define "park purposes and purposes incident thereto." That leaves a hole wide enough to drive a Mack truck through. There is a great argument that a Cigar bar brought revenue to the stadium, Just as the Left Field Lounge did years ago. No one complains that the quasi-public Central Miss. Planning and Development District has operated there for years. Also, no one complained when the parking lot of the stadium was used as a staging ground for COVID vaccinations. The same could be said of the sub-lease to the V.A. for parking. Each generates revenue to facilitate the continued functioning of the park. The bill to re-take the property simply declares that the property is not being used for "park purposes" and again does not define what is or is not a "park purpose." One questions whether the enabling legislation could be altered as such 80 years after the fact anyway. For that reason alone, my money, at least at the Chancery Court level, will be on the City.

Anonymous said...

What an idiotic statement - there were no federal sewer lines in Ridgeland and Madison prior to their being incorporated, and any waterlines that may have existed were part of a rural water association's system that have long been replaced, as those 2 and 4 inch lines would never provide adequate service.

Did either use federal dollars to assist in the construction of water, or sewer, or roads, or whatever? Very possible. But this is not a case of 'where money originated' but rather a deed restriction that rides with the property.

Try again next week once you come up with a better claim. This one sounds no more intelligent than the crap that comes out of the Mayor's mouth.

Anonymous said...

I had the pleasure of attending the 2022 GCAC Baseball Championship, sponsored by Hope Credit Union, at the 5,200-seat Smith-Wills Stadium—a well-known venue for college-level baseball games. As an alumnus of Dillard University in New Orleans, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was impressed with the facility. Teams like Tougaloo College and Rust College from Holly Springs participated, and I felt safe and engaged throughout the entire experience.

While I didn’t stop by the Cigar Shop for snacks or an adult beverage, I did take note of it among the stadium’s amenities. It brought to mind the Braves stadium in Pearl, which features a restaurant and drinks, and I thought the Cigar Shop could have thrived similarly with the right support. Rather than shutting it down, I believe concerns or complaints could have been addressed, making the space more inclusive and family-friendly. With a few adjustments, it could have enhanced the overall experience for a wider audience.

Jackson needs more venues like this, and if we work together to improve them while being inclusive of all races, ages, and backgrounds, we can create entertainment spaces that attract visitors—even from places like New Orleans—for an afternoon baseball game.

Anonymous said...

"The same could be said of the sub-lease to the V.A. for parking. Each generates revenue to facilitate the continued functioning of the park."

Except that the guy who leased from the city and sub-leased to the VA didn't pay the rent he was supposed to pay to the city, and the city turned around and forgave the back-due rent.

Anonymous said...

At 9:03 a.m., it was noted that building a natatorium in Jackson would be a great idea. There's enough space to preserve Smith Wills Stadium while also constructing the natatorium. The complex in Laurel, with its walking trail, excellent swimming facility similar to Tupelo's, and overall impressive health amenities, serves as a strong example. Jackson, as the state's capital, could greatly benefit from a facility like this, promoting health and family-friendly activities. Keeping the baseball stadium would further enhance the appeal, making the city a hub for both recreation and wellness.






Anonymous said...

he GCAC Baseball Championship 2022 held by Hope CreditThere have been baseball games on a college level held at the 5,200 seat venue known as Smith Wills Stadium. I am an alumnus of Dillard University in New Orleans Louisiana. I went out to t Union. The facility was very nice. Tougaloo College and Rust of Holly Springs were participants. I did not go to the Cigar Shop for snacks or an adult beverage; however, I did visualize it. The Braves stadium had a restaurant and drinks in Pearl so if the Cigar shop was a success in attendance, than it seems it should have been supported. I actually thought they should have stayed open and the complaints should have been addressed so all felt comfortable attending and a change to have made the Cigar shop more family friendly.

Anonymous said...

@11:43 AM But whether or not the City was paid or was operating at a profit at all is not the State's concern, nor was it a stated rerason to try to revert the property back to the State.

Anonymous said...

making the cigar shop family friendly…that’s rich.


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
.