Monday, August 5, 2013

The suicide of Hinds County

Hinds County supervisors Kenneth Stokes and Al Hunter want to remove several million dollars from the Byram-Clinton-Bolton corridor fund and distribute the money to each supervisor to use for roads and recreation in their districts.  The Clarion-Ledger reported Saturday:

"Hinds County is slowly spending about $12.8 million in leftover bond funds to purchase right-of-way for the 18-mile Byram-Clinton Corridor, a major economic development project expected to cost $100 million when completed.

County supervisors designated those dollars for development of the corridor after several years ago opting not to construct a $14 million parking garage, instead assigning that money to other infrastructure and building projects for which bond money can be used. About $3.2 million has been used so far, with all of it being reimbursed to the county through a $30 million Congressional appropriation awarded in 1992 solely for corridor development and construction.

District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes, a staunch opponent of the corridor, on Monday will ask board members to take $3.5 million of the $8.6 million in remaining county bond money and use it instead for improvements to county roads and parks.

That doesn’t sit well with District 3 Supervisor Peggy Hobson Calhoun, longtime champion of the corridor designed to connect I-55 at Siwell Road with I-20 at Norrell Road, and intended to attract retail and residential development that will boost the county’s struggling tax base.

“The millions that we set aside were to be used for the construction of the corridor,” Calhoun said of the project, which has been constructed on each end, but with the middle section and costly infrastructure needed by developers still to go.

Stokes has long said the corridor will never come to fruition and that the county will never come up with the money to complete the project. He and former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. also object to the fact the corridor will not directly travel through the city of Jackson.

“My concerns have not changed since I came on this board,” Stokes told the panel during a meeting earlier this month. “We are spending large amounts of money on a project that will never be complete.”

Hinds County District 1 Supervisor and board president Robert Graham said he supports diverting some of the bond money, citing an immediate need to pave rural roads and spruce up recreational facilities that would better serve residents and make the county more attractive to potential businesses and families moving to the area.

“There’s no federal money involved with what Mr. Stokes wants to do,” he said. “There’s no state money involved. This is bond money from the county, and we would be repurposing it.”

Because bond money spent so far on corridor right-of-way and planning has been reimbursed through the state Department of Transportation, the project has yet to cost the county any money.

If the five-member board approves taking some of the unused bond money for parks and roads, Graham said, each supervisor will get an equal share to use in his or her district. “If this passes, I will take the money afforded to District 1 and upgrade Parham Bridges Park. I will upgrade Shepherd Park, Tougaloo Park, Hico Park … and I want to specifically repave sections of Old Canton Road and Watkins Drive
.” Article

The suicide of Hinds County. Kenneth Stokes is attempting to do to Hinds what he did to Jackson. The problem is a fool who will vote with him and a crook who will be more than happy to have his own little slush fund. The Byram-Clinton-Bolton corridor project is the best economic development idea (after the One Lake project) that will happen to Hinds County. The county received over $33 million in federal grants. The money spent by the county is REIMBURSED by the state. The project attempts to create a Hinds County version of Highland Colony Parkway or County Line road. The demographics of the area support the type of development that took place on those two roads. The project has costs the county NO MONEY as the state reimburses the county for the money it has spent that was not covered by the federal grants. Everyone get that? The project has cost the county NO MONEY.

The tax base of Hinds County is shrinking. Businesses are leaving Hinds County. The project gives Hinds an opportunity to move forward. The county will make money alone off of the water & sewer infrastructure. Kenneth Stokes, fool that he is, opposes this project while supporting Old Capital Green. Yup, Kenneth voted (and lost) last year to give $17 million to some pie-in-the-sky developers who wanted to build more office space downtown with a parking garage operated by robots. I kid you not. Nine empty buildings and a 40 percent vacancy rate downtown and his idea of economic development was to build more office space which would drive down rents even further. Meanwhile he and his other supervisors oppose a project that will actually bring money and jobs to Hinds County. But hey, they will all get their slush funds.

Lets just call these people what they really are: pigs. Pigs who are happy to wallow around in the mud and never want to get out of the mud. They are happy to eat slop, sleep in the mud, and roll around in their own crap. Of course, its easier to scream racism then clean themselves up and get out of the mud. Thirty years of learning nothing and forgetting everything. Ran Northpark off to Ridgeland. Worldcomm. Sent the Braves and a new park to Pearl. The killing of the Two Lakes project although it was resurrected as a smaller one-lake version. Highest taxes in the area and lousy schools. Hinds County and Jackson have combined to kill or run out of town every game-changing economic idea over the last thirty years. This board would rather torpedo economic development in Hinds County than give up the chance to line the pockets of their contractor friends.

But hey, the whole problem is white flight and racism. Yeah.

Note: Then-supervisor Phil Fisher explains the project to the board in this May 2012 video:

31 comments:

Lt. Graham = Fraud said...

$700,000 per Supervisorial district won't accomplish anything to "pave rural roads and spruce up recreational facilities".

As if either/or will be the tipping point that would "make the county more attractive to potential businesses and families moving to the area".

But such is the thinking of a corrupt serial police impersonator.

Jackson and Hinds are broke and beyond repair.

Anonymous said...

While not a fan of Kenny, it is ludicrous for Hinds County to build this $100 million road in the middle of nowhere.

Anonymous said...

"About $3.2 million has been used so far, with all of it being reimbursed to the county through a $30 million Congressional appropriation awarded in 1992 solely for corridor development and construction"

That sentence seems to point to an illegal reimbursement.

Anonymous said...

While it may be "free" to HInds County, it sure isn't free to the taxpayers, is it? People get all up in arms about an EBT squirt gun that costs $2.00, but support this multi-million dollar folly???????

Anonymous said...

Federal govenment contracted with Hinds county to build a road. If Hinds the stops the project, does the county have to pay money back?

Anonymous said...

Remember this is a Board that does what it wants. We don't have to accept no stinkin low bids. We're making this up as we go....

Anonymous said...


Ludicrous is doing the same old thing. Not building the road will confirm the message that Hinds County is not interested in economic growth. The message is already out there.

Anonymous said...

Well...don't know enough about the corridor to know if it is a long term rationale plan.

I tend to agree, in the absence of more information, that improving our current roads, which are pretty awful, should be a priority.

I don't know if alternative road construction/repair is an option with these funds.

Can you help with the details, KF?

Anonymous said...

10:35

it's not a multi million dollar folly. People need a safe way to travel. I.e., not through Jackson.

10:56

Yes.

Anonymous said...

The corridor will "bust" western hinds county wide open for development. County roads have not had attention in years. Some have become like "pig trails". Really embarrassing. I guess the "county roads" they refer to, are all in Jackson. Ride Oakley-Palestine Rd., and others in that vicinity. to see that you can't drive over 20MPH without tearing up your vehicle or having an accident. Damn Stokes and Graham!!

Anonymous said...

Just the first of many actions this corrupt BOS had planned when they "temporarily" stacked the deck with their appointees.

Anonymous said...

I remember once upon a time when much the same nay saying was being said about Highland Colony.

My guess is that Graham and Stokes don't fear that Byram-Clinton will be a bust.

No. Their worry is that it will be a success and, in turn, will accelerate the drainage of the Jackson swamp which is the source of their political power.

Graham and Stokes need victims and victim voters. They don't need an influx of businesses and homeowners settling into southern and western Hinds County.

Anonymous said...

People get all up in arms about an EBT squirt gun that costs $2.00.

The issue wasn't the actual cost of the toy though understandably it was completely lost on you.

Anonymous said...

Highland Colony Parkway runs parallel with I-55, thus you get a nice winding drive.

The Byram-Clinton corridor would run perpendicular to many busy roads, thus a bazillion stop lights, and a frustrating drive when you could drive 70 mph on I-55 then I-20. Plus downtown Lumumbaville has relocated to Highland Colony Parkway. That ain't happening on a Clinton-Byram corridor. Just call it Pawn-Shop Parkway.

Anonymous said...

While your article Kingfish is entertaining to your frequent readers, it is short on anything valid to support wasting money on a road to nowhere. You mention there is a comparable population base to Highland Colony or County Line to support it. REALLY? Where is it? Surely you're not talking about Byram, Clinton, Raymond, Edwards, Terry and Bolton? That's hilarious even for you! Highland Colony and County Line work because of Jackson not in spite of it. This road to nowhere doesn't work at all except for the land owners who stand to make a huge profit.

Anonymous said...

my my.... Just where in the world do these retards come from? It amazes me that as stupid as they are ('tokes et al)they can manage getting through a single day without getting hit by a train or something!

Anonymous said...

Highland colony was built with private funds my the land owners who would benefit.

Anonymous said...

This project made way more sense when it was cooked up 20+ years ago, back when Hinds County was growing and had people in office who had a clue about infrastructure and economic development. Now not so much.

Anonymous said...

"Highland Colony and County Line work because of Jackson not in spite of it."

That's right. Highland Colony wouldn't be anywhere near what it is today if it weren't for Jackson. I mean, all of that money and business needs somewhere to run.

The corridor is Hinds County's last chance at having a thriving business district. Until Jackson annexes it.

Anonymous said...

The comment on August 5, 2013 at 1:56 PM is short on anything remotely approaching intelligent economic development thought. It wasn't that long ago when Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson was actively trying to annex large portions of the land which make up the path of the parkway. He knew the parkway would generate a new tax base.

Anonymous said...

It amazes me that as stupid as they are ('tokes et al)they can manage getting through a single day without getting hit by a train or something!

We definitely need more trains...

Anonymous said...

Highland Colony and County Line work because of Jackson not in spite of it.

I invite you to drive Highland Colony from County Line to Renaissance. Notice that aside from 220 Business Park (which predates HC by about 20 years), there is ZERO development on the Hinds County side. ZERO.

The instant you cross into Madison County, there are houses, offices, churches, etc, but the Hinds Country side (aka Jackson) is nothing but pasture. Why is that, since Highland Colony is successful BECAUSE of Jackson? Sounds to me like Highland Colony is a way to ESCAPE Jackson.

Anonymous said...

The thugs have already ruined County Line Road. Closed businesses or relocating. Shopping centers declining, neighborhoods declining, etc. Looks like their heading for Highland Colony now. If you're so haughty that you think it won't happen to you read HUD secretary Donovan's speech to the NAACP July 16, 2013: www.portal.Hud.gov/hudportal/hud. We are in for a nationwide redoing of our communities. Guess who is going to pay and suffer. Disgusting and depressing to think about the state of Jackson, Hinds County, the metro area and our nation.

Anonymous said...

Businesses in Hinds are still subject to, for example, defending themselves before Hinds judges and juries in absurd slip-&-fall cases, etc. Why open a business on this new parkway?

Anonymous said...

4:15 Hopefully to make money, dumbass. Haven't been any slip and fall cases on the Clinton, Byram parkway yet.

bill said...

Things may be declining on County Line, but not so that you'd notice trying to drive down it. I had to go to Academy the other day and was ready to shoot myself by the time I got from the interstate to the Chick-Fil-A. Somebody's buying something on County Line...

Shakes Head At Dumbass Driver said...

5:40; you simply must have driven your route within the past five days. First of the month checks and such typically drive Hinds residents to Shoe Empire, the chicken outlets on the Ridgeland side and Wal Mart on Wheatley. There are other ways to get to Academy.

Anonymous said...

I rode down Capitol Street today for the first time in a while.

Some of you should do the same.

The renovations are really beautiful.

I've learned nothing of relevant from the above posts just the same old trash talk.

Anonymous said...

I've learned nothing of relevant from the above posts just the same old trash talk.

Then why are you here?

Anonymous said...

Golf clap...

Glad I got out of there 2 yrs ago.

Anonymous said...

Northpark, WorldComm, Trustmark Park. There's one name synonymous with all three failures.



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
.