tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post8633556304408095991..comments2024-03-28T16:37:14.096-05:00Comments on Jackson Jambalaya: "We will use all tools in our toolbox"Kingfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06184990110961727404noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-85936672648525752192018-04-13T23:45:05.547-05:002018-04-13T23:45:05.547-05:00To be honest the Zoo should be moved to the bluffs...To be honest the Zoo should be moved to the bluffs and if not the bluffs fix the flood problem and put it at the southeast corner of Pascagoula St. and Jefferson St.. I think the Jackson Administration need to take a back seat on this one and concentrate on regular functions of the city. How can they know what is best for the city when they are to busy arguing with each other. The zoo represent more than just west Jackson but the city as a whole. I the councils spend less time naming streets and more time focusing on what matters in a city. That zoo can be a magnet for other developments if it is relocated to the right spot. I think it should be more than a zoo wherever it relocates to such as a family adventure. The existing zoo land can make way for the development of much needed single family housing and townhouses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-25117632499860366342018-04-13T12:37:13.661-05:002018-04-13T12:37:13.661-05:00Mr. Mayor, please DO use the tools in your toolbox...Mr. Mayor, please DO use the tools in your toolbox, as in lawn mowers and weedeaters, along the path entering and exiting Downtown Jackson. How embarrassing for all of us as our visitors come in for business purposes and cultural events. Surely you notice this on your way to and from work every day!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-67745646489715678032018-04-13T08:51:52.389-05:002018-04-13T08:51:52.389-05:00I think it's selfish, down right ridiculous an...I think it's selfish, down right ridiculous and just stupid for anyone to want that zoo stay in it's current location. There is a season for everything and right now unless the city is willing to pump a whole lot of money in west Jackson it will make no sense to keep that zoo there. The zoo is not just for West Jackson it's for the whole state and people who are visiting Jackson cause they like it. First off the appearance of that area has gone down very badly. Second off the city only wants to step up due to them wanting to move it. If the same energy would have been into the zoo before hand and the surrounding area this would not be happening. For the city of Jackson administration step aside and let these developers and people who are experienced with developing things do so. Also, if they just let their city planners have his way and stop blocking him from doing things the right way and instead of the racial way Jackson will be a better. Moving the zoo to the bluffs will be a boom to city. Hopefully will draw other developments to that area such as new hotels, other attractions and more shopping.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-75998408755240294832018-04-13T08:02:15.648-05:002018-04-13T08:02:15.648-05:00"all the tools in the tool box" . . . re..."all the tools in the tool box" . . . reminds me of junior high physics and six simple machines (tools). The mayor's first choice tool is the simplest of all, the wedge, although his only skill is the metaphorical use thereof.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-78406516194793403722018-04-13T07:39:29.045-05:002018-04-13T07:39:29.045-05:00I am a life long Jacksonian and have enjoyed our z...I am a life long Jacksonian and have enjoyed our zoo for many years. As others have experienced, I have not been to the zoo in over 10 years because my car was burglarized while on my last visit to the zoo. Interestingly enough, I was parked about 30 feet from the entrance zoo, a fact that did not deter the burglar. He (coulndn't have been a woman) took a a hammer like tool destroyed my driver's side door, also. He was never caught, of course.<br /><br />About the move: I sincerely sympathize with those who want the zoo to remain where it is. However, If we had no zoo, where would the city build it to ensure its success? <br /><br />Would you build it in a blighted neighborhood or at a location close I-55 and other parks and attractions? <br /><br />Politics aside, we need a larger market of locals and visitors who would feel comfortable taking their families to the zoo. <br /><br />If anyone thinks that blacks feel any safer going to Livingston Park than whites, just step forward. <br /><br />If anyone feels that businesses near the zoo would be hurt, then just understand that there are no businesses near the zoo. Even it there were, folks who go to the zoo in its present location, rarely-if ever-do anything but drive to the zoo and then drive back from where they came. <br /><br />For the life of me, I can't find any reason why the current location of the zoo benefits West Jackson or the City of Jackson.<br /><br />The zoo is doomed in its present location. Anybody who disagrees is simply making a political statement. It is sad, but the mayor is simply wrong in taking his position. He is a smart man, but he is rejecting what his best judgment is telling him and playing politics. Good bye, Jackson Zoo.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-53696841978095763972018-04-12T22:32:34.241-05:002018-04-12T22:32:34.241-05:00What on earth was the Board of Directors thinking ...What on earth was the Board of Directors thinking by making this announcement right now?! <br /><br />It's going to take, at the VERY least, three years to get the move in order. Why wouldn't the board at least entertain the City's renewal offer for the year and use the announcement as leverage to increase funding into 2019? Making the move announcement after the September renewal would take away all the City's leverage, it would have taken the wind out of the mayor's political sails, and it would have given the zoo the ability to make the move sooner. <br /><br />From where I'm sitting, this move is a strategic nightmare. The announcement was too early (the zoo still needs to conduct land studies at the new location, sure up investment, etc), it snubbed the city by not giving them the chance to make a good faith offer, and it's couched in mathematical fantasy. Director Poff should resign and the rest of the board should do the same. The fact that it took 10 years to roll this horrible plan out is amazing. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-83428840677947278882018-04-12T21:30:50.720-05:002018-04-12T21:30:50.720-05:00The Mayor isn't smart enough to make it throug...The Mayor isn't smart enough to make it through UMC,MC Law, or Millsaps; yet he "runs" the city.<br /><br />You want to make this a race thing, lets look at how white people are treated that go into West Jackson (crickets), now lets flip the races.<br /><br />Dear Black Jackson Community,<br /><br />Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of white people have come to Jackson for college or graduate school, none of whom are racist, yet here their buttons are pressed, they care more about the black children than you care probably, on top of that those that are homeowners pay insane property taxes just to be taken for granted and label as racist for a giving a crap.<br /><br />Imagine your tax base, Mayor, without the area east of the tracks.<br /><br />Not a racist, just a former JPS teacher from elsewhere who knows how messed up Jackson is. I really enjoyed having students come to my class that have committed felonies before, no big deal. Shame on y'all for letting these children think its ok to be a butthead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-83404009620770188192018-04-12T19:28:26.510-05:002018-04-12T19:28:26.510-05:00Simple. Leave the zoo, open up a new zoo in Madiso...Simple. Leave the zoo, open up a new zoo in Madison and see who is open in 5 years.<br />Mayor moron can have it his way with all his cliches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-2103424459031506962018-04-12T17:19:36.222-05:002018-04-12T17:19:36.222-05:00I am shocked that Jackson still has a zoo at all ....I am shocked that Jackson still has a zoo at all . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-5869054986821220722018-04-12T17:05:13.843-05:002018-04-12T17:05:13.843-05:00KF, at the end he said the city gives the zoo 900k...KF, at the end he said the city gives the zoo 900k each year. What are the other funding sources? Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-73746735747683640762018-04-12T15:29:43.161-05:002018-04-12T15:29:43.161-05:00Went to the zoo a few days ago and asked one of th...Went to the zoo a few days ago and asked one of the employees about the move. Was told the time frame they are looking at is 6-10 years IF the funding can be secured. So I don't know why the Mayor and everyone are protesting about the zoo moving. It's far from a done deal. The zoo will be in west Jackson for at least 6 more years, and let's be honest, it will likely be there forever (or until it closes permanently) because where is the funding going to come from? I was excited initially about the proposed move, but I really doubt it will ever happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-40084085854443216442018-04-12T14:40:30.254-05:002018-04-12T14:40:30.254-05:001:07 you’ve been watching too much Westworld 1:07 you’ve been watching too much Westworld Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-6423929162456450612018-04-12T13:07:26.127-05:002018-04-12T13:07:26.127-05:00The mayor needs to think outside the box. The zoo ...The mayor needs to think outside the box. The zoo is no major economic resource to west jackson. Honestly, how many people stop and buy gas or eat at any of the fine eating establishments in that part of town when traveling to the zoo. I grant you there may be a couple of dozen people from that area that are zoo employees but the fine mayor could provide buses to transport those to a new area. <br />He needs to transform the zoo into a co-op village which would be self sustaining. Everyone could contribute to the whole and create a model for a socialized village. The site already has walking trails, part of a rail system, and recreation potential with Livingston Lake. It was a fine swimming hole in the 1960's. The mayor could use the residents to help in disassembling many of the abandoned houses in the area and use the lumber to build cottages. Once inhabited it could be a showcase for academicians, think tanks, social justice advocates, and socialists. Hawkins field could benefit by having these groups fly in and experience this village lifestyle. Seminars to discuss this concept could be held regularly. The residents could also help revitalize Sonny Guy golf course so visitors could have recreation when they visit the area. Why not construct a lodge or bed and breakfast housing and let people from around the country live the life of utopia. It would be kind of like visiting a Dude Ranch. This particular village could be name Co-OP-Lumumbaville. Other Co-Op villages could be generate along Ellis, West Capital, and Woodrow Wilson streets.<br /><br />Isn't this what Antwar and his Dad were visualizing?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-26075410022087527052018-04-12T12:45:24.966-05:002018-04-12T12:45:24.966-05:00What tools...bricks, sticks and bottles?What tools...bricks, sticks and bottles?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-86113782738376659052018-04-12T12:33:31.874-05:002018-04-12T12:33:31.874-05:00To Plain Ol' Catfish, you make some really goo...To Plain Ol' Catfish, you make some really good points, particularly about property owners in the area not maintaining their properties. Old abandoned buildings are allowed to rot and the owners, many out of state, are not sanctioned for allowing blight to fester. The city administrators for the last several decades have neglected this.<br /><br />I also like your idea about an aquarium, but I think we should forgo the zoo altogether and use the funds to build a new aquarium near the children's museum. Aquariums attract more visitors than zoos these days it seems, and I would imagine the expense is equal, if not lower. You could incorporate an aviary to have exotic birds on display as well. It would be a far better investment than a transplanted zoo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-25656593197087285732018-04-12T12:17:05.783-05:002018-04-12T12:17:05.783-05:00Why does it need to move? Because many people, esp...<i>Why does it need to move? Because many people, especially white ones if we're honest, don't want to go to it any longer because it's surrounded by a "bad" neighborhood. The condition of that neighborhood is, of course, the result of all the worst parts of Jackson's distant and recent history. When I and many of you were growing up, Jackson's perceived (and "safe") center of gravity had not yet moved so far north and east because whites had not yet fled much of Jackson, taking wealth and caring about the entire city with them.<br /><br />So white people fled. Fast forward a few decades, and now many people say the zoo is supposed to pick up and follow them. There are people who claim to care for the city who believe the zoo should be out toward the flood plains surrounding Lakeland Drive because, they tell us, people will go to the zoo there.<br /><br />The right people, the implication is.<br /><br />I dare say the new Mississippi way, the "subSIPPI" way let's call it, is to not pick up and move the zoo (and probably leave a huge abandoned hulk in an already-challenged neighborhood). The smart and compassionate approach is to support the zoo in whatever way we can exactly where it is. I've been there many times and have never feared the drive to and from (sure we're not talking about the "I see black people" problem here?). The zoo has security. And it's beautiful and historic.<br /><br />Go for a romantic stroll at the zoo, take your kids, book a party there. It's time that we become the type of city and state that does not run from our problems, but stays, digs in and works together to repair them.<br /><br />We can do this, Jackson. Together we heal</i><br /><br />- <b><a href="http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2013/10/really.html" rel="nofollow">Donna Ladd, October 2013</a></b>Seventeen Blues Clubs!!!!!noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-71748301396719801112018-04-12T11:27:46.422-05:002018-04-12T11:27:46.422-05:00To get to the zoo you have to drive through a run-...To get to the zoo you have to drive through a run-down neighborhood. It would be unadvisable to walk around in that neighborhood if your car broke down. <br /><br />The actual roads around the zoo are terrible. Potholes, cracks--infrastructure nightmare.<br /><br />The zoo itself now looks run down again. Kids barn? closed. Display with the fish and otters--major repairs needed. Old crummy bear displays. <br /><br />Poor giraffe doesn't have grass to go into anymore. What about the bored monkeys in small cages? The rhino looks happy in the old elephant yard...<br /><br />do we need a zoo? i'd rather funds from the state that would go towards a zoo go to enlarging the science museum, renovating the ag museum,--if they are in position to give the zoo anything.<br /><br />jackson needs to improve many areas of the city--keeping a zoo where it is isn't helping anything..let alone the animals who sometimes get killed by packs of roaming dogs. at least the cougars and tigers can fight back..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-11357404700511011852018-04-12T10:50:59.880-05:002018-04-12T10:50:59.880-05:00I'm a loyal Jacksonian, and think that my fair...I'm a loyal Jacksonian, and think that my fair city has a lot to offer, but this is absolute nonsense for a mayor elected to represent the WHOLE city. There are some very important issues that the city of Jackson and the Mayor need to accept. The zoo is inconvenient for the majority of the population of the city of Jackson. The zoo is in a blighted area. The infrastructure around the zoo is in disrepair. These aren't racial, they aren't socio-economic, they aren't Republican or Democrat. These are facts. <br /><br />How the City of Jackson and the Mayor can refuse to give the Zoo and the infrastructure of around it the support it needs for decades, and then act offendAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-29861663173140151142018-04-12T10:46:21.241-05:002018-04-12T10:46:21.241-05:00Y’all sure do a bunch of whining about the zoo. He...Y’all sure do a bunch of whining about the zoo. Hell I take my white ass and tow headed kids over there regularly and we have a blast! Now admittedly I don’t suggest you stroll through the surrounding area at night by yourself but we have always felt very comfortable with all the “colored folks” at the zoo and will continue to patronize it until it’s dying breath. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-45967383134502711372018-04-12T10:36:06.648-05:002018-04-12T10:36:06.648-05:00The way Antar says "RIGHT?" after about ...The way Antar says "RIGHT?" after about every other sentence he utters is just the worst thing in the world. Literally nails on a chalkboard listening to this cunning linguist.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-84483788521301153422018-04-12T10:25:54.399-05:002018-04-12T10:25:54.399-05:00@ 8:56am
What kills me is the state will fund th...@ 8:56am <br /><br /><i>What kills me is the state will fund the civil rights museum & try to remove the flag. To be honest most whites & Hispanics will never attend. This museum is about promoting black folks & the majority of black will attend.</i> <br /><br />I seriously disagree. <br /><br />1st - the state legislature has not done anything to change the flag. You have some elected officials that feel the flag needs to be changed. But the leadership, from the Governor to the Leftenant Governor, to the Speaker of the House, has kept all proposals at the committee level and nothing has been brought to a vote. Most actions against the flag have come from private groups and local municipalities at their own discretion. For the record, the state flag is terrible for our branding and image, even Kingfish will tell you that. Its time we change it just like Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina already have done so. <br /><br />2nd - The civil rights museum is not simply about "promoting" black people. There are plenty of white people showcased in that museum, showing they were on the right side of history and contributed to the civil rights movement as well. That museum is an educational institution and is a tourist attraction to the state of Mississippi. I am pretty sure the surrounding hotels and restaurants are benefitting from its success. <br /><br />3rd - due to the Zoo falling within the boundry lines of the Capitol Complex, I agree with you there, the state could funnel funds to the Zoo to make it more attractive, since it contributes to the state as a central attraction. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-24671584780424720132018-04-12T10:14:15.757-05:002018-04-12T10:14:15.757-05:00Public vs private. The only opportunity the elect...Public vs private. The only opportunity the elected leadership of Jackson has to stem the growing exit of private capital from their city is to leverage their authority over quasi-private entities like the zoo. Their problem is that zoos everywhere operate only as long as they can MAKE money. The mayor of Jackson being a socialist will not readily accept this concept. It is absolutely contrary to all he believes and loves to accept that business chases the money and the zoo is a business. It is doing what the metro-center tenants and all the other businesses that ran from Hwy 80 and west Jackson when the money left town. They followed the money. Fortunately there is still a small cut of Jackson where the money is comfortable and the zoo might survive. Even that is not a certainty. What is certain is that under the current leadership, and for the near future Jackson will have a publicly funded liability until it dies under it's own weight. The mayor and his folk don't want to see poor folk deprived of civic improvements and public<br />benefits simply because they are poor and live in squalor. But, when it comes to private business, or any enterprise requiring income, even a zoo will follow the cash it needs to operate. That's simple economics. The mayor should concentrate his socialist agenda on providing the best public service to poor folk by fixing their streets, replacing their aging infrastructure, giving them good sanitation and police protection, etc. I wish him well. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-55685512489539868732018-04-12T09:38:16.904-05:002018-04-12T09:38:16.904-05:00Frank, no I didn't.Frank, no I didn't. Kingfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184990110961727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-84234463665452852842018-04-12T09:30:23.755-05:002018-04-12T09:30:23.755-05:00For the sake of the animals please close this dump...For the sake of the animals please close this dump down and move them to zoos with the ability to provide them more humane living conditions. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-84721779398861389792018-04-12T09:28:19.477-05:002018-04-12T09:28:19.477-05:00I'm not surprised at Hiz Honner's ignoranc...I'm not surprised at Hiz Honner's ignorance--I AM SURPRISED at the number of people who responded to the recent poll who voted to move the ZOO------IT'S OVER PEOPLE--WE ARE DEAD BROKE LIVING IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY--DOES HAITI HAVE A ZOO?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com