JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | City With Soul

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Pearl plans to build a downtown that will include restaurants, stores, townhouses

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PEARL, Miss. —
The city of Pearl is in the process of developing a downtown area for residents.

“Think of an area where you park your car, and you can walk to everything. You’ll have shopping places, maybe a grocery store or theater,” said city spokesperson Greg Flynn.

The city partnered with Mississippi Main Street Association to help with downtown development. Pearl has never had a “traditional downtown,” area, so the city is starting from scratch and created a map of what they will call Midtown. It will span from Pearson Road to Bierdeman Road, up to Highway 80, back to Old Brandon Road, near City Hall.

Flynn said the plan includes clearing property around Pearl City Hall, which is already owned by the city and sell off some parcels to private businesses to bring in restaurants, stores, townhomes and more.

“This is absolutely fantastic. The idea the rendering of what could be down here, it’s amazing. I mean, it will rival anywhere else that has a mixed-use town,” Flynn said.

“I think it will be great for Pearl, resident James Purvis said. “I think having the opportunity to have more diversity and bringing more business, I think it will be a great idea.”

Flynn said the work currently underway is being done by the city’s Public Works Department.

“The rest will be private sector investment,” Flynn said.

A public hearing is set for Oct. 3 at the Board of Aldermen meeting, where a zoning overlay will be presented. Once that is approved, the city will be able to give a timeline as to when the project is expected to be completed and how much it will cost.
https://www.wapt.com/article/pearl-p...ouses/45269743

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Ridgeland prepping to pave County Line Road

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RIDGELAND — City officials hope to have County Line Road paved from Wheatley Street to Old Canton Road in time for the holidays.

The project awaits Mississippi Department of Transportation approval, but Public Works Director Alan Hart said they received a low bid from AJ Construction earlier this month of $1,550,020.55.

That low bid came in $724,822.95 below the city engineer’s estimate of $2,274,843.50 and more than $500,000 below the $2.1 million the city has budgeted for the project.

Hart said all bids submitted were competitive with a high bid coming from APAC Mississippi coming in at just over $1.7 million and a third bid from Dickerson & Bowen at just under $1.7 million.

“There will never be a cheaper time to do it,” Hart said.

The low bid from AJ Construction was unanimously approved by aldermen at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

The project will tap into $1,840,000 in Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant money for up to 80 percent of the project’s construction cost. The rest will be an even split between the city of Ridgeland and the city of Jackson.

Hart said he’s hopeful that the project can be completed by Thanksgiving, in time for holiday shopping.
https://onlinemadison.com/stories/ri...ne-road,82986?

City projects move forward in Meridian

Multiple projects are underway throughout Meridian after the City Council on Tuesday took action to move work forward. Projects addressed include construction of a sidewalk, changes to the Frank Cochran Center and more.

Frank Cochran Center

In its meeting, the council authorized an additional $16,248.90 to Sullivan Enterprises Inc., which is currently doing demolition work to prep the Frank Cochran Center for a planned renovation.

Architect Mark Davis, of Davis Purdy Architects, which is leading the renovation project, said workers had uncovered asbestos in the adhesive used underneath the flooring. The change order, he said, was the cost of asbestos abatement work that was required after the discovery was made.

The renovation to the Frank Cochran Center comes after fire damaged part of the building in 2019. City officials decided to take the opportunity to update the multi-purpose facility and remodel it into something that more closely meets the community’s needs.

The $3.3 million project is being paid for with a $1.2 million Capital Improvements Revolving loan, which are low interest loans for capital improvement projects available to municipalities through the Mississippi Development Authority. The city also has earmarked $1 million of a recent $5 million bond issue to renovate parks and recreation facilities and has about $800,000 in insurance money from the fire.

24th Street Sidewalks

The City Council on Tuesday also awarded a project to install a sidewalk along 24th Street to Simmons Erosion Control for a total cost of $715,237.25. The project, which has been in the works for more than 18 months, is being funded through a Transportation Alternative Program grant or TAP grant.

TAP grants are federal funds, but the Mississippi Department of Transportation is responsible for administering the money and making sure it is used correctly. The total amount of the grant was $788,671, with the city required to put in a 20% match. The grant is a reimbursable grant, meaning the city will pay for the project up front and submit receipts to the state to get the money back.

The sidewalk, which will run on the north side of the road between 23rd and 14th avenues, is aimed at improving safety for students walking to and from Magnolia Middle School.

Councilman Dwayne Davis, whose district includes the project area, said the bid was lower than the engineering estimate for the project, which was more than $800,000. With the bulk of the project being paid for by a grant, he asked if the $100,000 or so difference can be allocated toward something else.

Public Works Director David Hodge said he was doubtful that would be allowed.

The construction phase of the project is expected to begin in November with the project completed by April or May 2024.

29th Avenue Railroad Crossing

Although no council action was involved, the city announced Wednesday that a long-awaited project to improve the 29th Avenue railroad crossing had been completed. The crossing was notorious for its rough condition.

Improvements to the crossing were delayed for more than a year as legal teams from the city and Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad worked to draw up an agreement outlining what each entity would do. The two parties reached an agreement in April with the railroad handling the construction and the city providing $175,000 to help fund the project.

The two-day overhaul included new concrete surfaces along each track as well as replacing the approaches to the crossing.

North Hills Street

Meridian officials are also looking to begin paving North Hills Street with a $3.4 million appropriation from the state Legislature to fund the work. The council on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration needed to receive the funds.

Hodge said the MOU is the last step before the city will actually get the money and be ready to start the next phase of the project. A more detailed scope of work will be presented to the council later, he said, but the current idea is to knock out some minor drainage issues along North Hill Street before bringing in the paving crews.

If everything goes according to plan, Hodge said, residents can expect to see milling and paving begin in November. The paving, which will stretch from Highway 19 to Highway 39, will take three to four weeks to complete.
https://www.meridianstar.com/news/ci...1e5aac565.html

Downtown buildings demolished in Philadelphia, MS

The old Security Insurance building downtown across from City Hall was demolished over the weekend along with an adjacent building.

The owners say there are no immediate plans for the property at the northwest corner of Pecan Avenue and Main Street.

The work resulted in the stretch of Pecan between Main and Beacon being closed, as well as one lane on Main.
https://neshobademocrat.com/stories/...lished,100182?

Roundabout will have much larger footprint near Tolbert's in Philadelphia, MS

The roundabout planned near Tolbert Chevrolet will have a much larger footprint and be located further to the west than initially reported, Sen. Jenifer Branning said Thursday.

Transportation officials are planning a meeting in Philadelphia soon, according to David Vowell, president of the Community Development Partnership, but a time has not been set.

Engineers are still finalizing drawings that Branning said were unavailable on Thursday, but she was able to get them Saturday evening. They are attached to this story.

A $5 million road project that will include a roundabout near Tolbert Chevrolet as well as divert truck traffic away from town was announced in June.

Branning and Rep. C. Scott Bounds in June jointly issued a statement regarding the transportation infrastructure improvements planned by the state in Philadelphia.

What they called the Lakeside Drive Improvements Project is still in the planning and design phase and will consist of a roundabout to replace the “dangerous and burdensome intersection of Highways 15 and 16 in front of Tolbert’s Chevrolet,” they said.

The roundabout will also incorporate the intersection where Beacon Street dead ends at the bypass, officials said, and help divert log trucks to Weyerhaeuser.

Branning said motorists should be able to exit north to Highway 15 in front of Tolbert from Beacon Street, but that coming from the north, the section in front of the dealership will be closed and shifted west with the new roundabout.

Branning said they have been sensitive to business interests in the area and are working with them the achieve the best possible solution.

The project includes bridge replacements on Lakeside Drive and Lewis Avenue to accommodate the truck traffic, officials said.
https://neshobademocrat.com/stories/...olberts,94816?

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Visit Jackson unveils project to enhance Jackson Downtown Convention and Central Business Districts

Downtown Jackson by WyldKyss, on Flickr

Visit Jackson has announced an initiative to revitalize the Jackson Downtown Convention and Central Business Districts, enhancing the City With Soul's appeal and economic prospects.

In a press conference held outside the Jackson Convention Complex today, leaders detailed plans on the eve of this week's Southeastern Tourism Society's annual conference that will bring 300 attendees downtown.

"First impressions matter," said Visit Jackson President and CEO Dr. Rickey Thigpen. "The JCC's visual appeal influences event organizers' decisions, driving economic benefits. Our project aims to attract tourists, residents, and businesses alike, boosting revenue for the city. But we're not limited to the JCC's walls: we'll beautify surroundings and pathways, making Jackson more appealing to large events."

Noticeably, many of the curbs and parking meters on Farish Street between Capitol Street and the JCC have been painted "City With Soul" purple, large banners have been hung and sidewalk graphics have been applied to indicate the route between one of the host hotels for this week's conference, the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown.

"Our mission is to make Downtown Jackson, clean, safe and bustling," said John Gomez, President of Downtown Jackson Partners. "We recognize the importance of aesthetics to our community and wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to partner with Visit Jackson and the city on these beautification efforts."

Visit Jackson says that walkability and security matter, and they're working with city leaders to maintain sidewalks and pathways and add lighting and surveillance improvements. The project is also an opportunity to work with community partners to accomplish the effort.

"This is what collective ambition looks like," said Thigpen. "We want to thank our city leadership and our local law enforcement partners, our state of Mississippi Leadership, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors and Economic Development, Jackson Redevelopment Authority, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the Westin Jackson, the Historic Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Street Business Partners, the Capital City Convention Commission, and Downtown Jackson Partners."
https://www.visitjackson.com/media/p...ess-districts/

Video from Visit Jackson press conference yesterday via WJTV
https://www.wjtv.com/news/local-news...ntion-complex/

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Hello fellow Mississippians, yesterday was the start Early Absentee Ballot voting for the November 7th election. Make sure you practice your civic duty by voting, so that we can change this great state for the better. Below are some important links to help make your voting process an easy and successful one: https://www.sos.ms.gov/yall-vote https://vote.gov/

God bless you guys and may you have a great remainder of the week.

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Two businesses open in Highland Village. See what they are

Two new businesses have opened in the Highland Village Shopping Center in Jackson.

Elevate Aesthetics, which opened next to Bravo Restaurant, specializes in a variety of medical spa services including Botox, Dysport, Geneo Facial Treatments and more.

JUVA Juice Jackson, located near the north parking lot behind Aplos, is a smoothie bar that originated in Starkville, and has expanded to other cities throughout the state. This is the first location in the Jackson-metropolitan area.

JUVA Juice Jackson, located near the north parking lot behind Aplos, is a smoothie bar that originated in Starkville, and has expanded to other cities across the state. This is the first location in the Jackson-metro.
“We are excited to welcome Elevate Aesthetics and JUVA Juice to Highland Village,” said Alexandra Clark, WS Development senior vice president, Asset Strategy and Experience. “Both brands are champions of health and wellness, which is important to our community and we are proud of the new services they will offer to our guests.”

Elevate Aesthetics Owner, Founder Julie Deviney said artistry meets expertise with her business.



“At Elevate Aesthetics, we believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin,” said Deviney, a nurse practitioner with more than 22 years of experience in the medical field. “We offer a wide range ofservices and use only the best products and equipment to assure that each of our clients receives the highest quality care."

JUVA Juice was founded in 2013 in Starkville. It specializes in serving fresh cold-pressed juices, fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls and handmade snacks.

“I discovered JUVA through my travels to Tupelo and Starkville,” said JUVA Juice of Jackson owner Kevin Kellum in a press release. “I was blown away by the quality of their smoothie and juice products. I liked it so much that I decided to bring one here to my hometown in Jackson. We are already feeling right at home at Highland Village.”

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/70970904007/

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See what is new with Jackson public transit, bus routes



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Redesigned bus routes are coming to Jackson in 2024 in an effort to revitalize the city's bus system.

The announcement was made by Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba at a press conference Monday at the Jackson Transit System headquarters.

The new routes come after JTRAN conducted a two year transit study that showed issues with the previous routes. Currently, JTRAN has 12 buses operating in the city. Four buses will operate throughout South Jackson, a change announced by Jackson's deputy director of transportation Christine Welch, who spoke with the mayor.

Welch said the new routes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Lumumba said bus upgrades and better routes have been a need in the city for years now. He said he plans to continue public transit investments, which is a way to curb generational poverty. He also wants to eventually make all public transit free in Jackson.

"Let me say this: it is important as a city that we continue to invest in our public transit," the mayor said. "The greatest statistical connection related to generational poverty — more so than education and more so than a number of other factors — is actually commute times. It is the ability for people to get to point A to point B. It is the ability for people to get to the places they need and want to go."

The new routes and their future schedules were also announced, which you can find here (https://ridejtran.com/wp-content/upl...dules-2024.pdf). Residents can also download the free JTRAN app (https://transitapp.com/) that tracks their desired bus and see how long the wait time will be.

Along with the redesigned bus routes, JTRAN has also upgraded the buses and plan to build better bus shelters. The orange-and-blue buses will have free wifi for residents, working air-conditioning and an annunciator that says the next stop over the speakers. More than 900 new signs for buses and bus stops will also be placed throughout the city.

The redesigned routes include a direct ride to North Park Mall from downtown every 30 minutes, a direct route between Union Station, Medical Mall, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Veterans Affair. There is also at least one grocery store on each route for residents.

"As the mayor said, when he came on board (took office) we were at a very low point," Welch said. "We have now just about completed that process. We're running hybrid buses. We have money and funding to buy new buses for the next four to five years. So, JTRAN is on the rise."

The upgrades to the city's bus system is part of the Connect JXN Transit Plan, which came together after the city received $8.7 million in federal grant funding last year.

One-way fares are currently priced at $1.50. Residents can also buy a one-day pass for $4, a seven-day pass for $15 or a 30-day pass for $42. College students with an ID can buy a 30-day pass for $23 or a semester pass for $70.

Seniors 60 and over, youth aged 6-17, Medicare card holders and residents with disabilities have one-way fares available for $0.50, one-day passes for $2, seven-day passes for $7.50 and 30-day passes for $18. Summer passes are also available for kids aged 6-17 for $23.
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/70963970007/

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A $30 million development is slated for Jackson. See where



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Jackson businessman Richard Bradley has a dream of helping to revitalize West Jackson.

He is putting his money where his mouth is, as he is teaming with the City of Jackson, among others, on a $30 million mix-use development that will be anchored by a trade school.

A3 Consulting and the Hinds County Economic Development Authority are helping with the project that is being called The Jackson Yards.

Bradley, who also owns the nightclub and restaurant M Bar, believes The Jackson Yards will put economic development, job growth and revitalization on the fast track.

"I could not be more excited about this project," Bradley said. "My goal is to stay outside of the box and recreate the diamond that is Jackson, Mississippi."

Anchoring The Jackson Yards will be the Metro Booming Training Academy, a trade school. There will also be new businesses and affordable housing at the 201 N. Green Ave location in West Jackson.

“Metro Booming Training Academy was launched to meet a need, creating thousands of in-demand jobs across Jackson, the state and nationwide," said Bradley, who is also the founder and owner of A3 Consulting. "The Jackson Yards will fuel the engines of economic and workforce development and revitalization — a gateway to prosperity.”

The Jackson Yards, is located on 10 acres next to the Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern Railways that intersects downtown.

Metro Booming Training Academy is a 20,000-square-foot facility, created in partnership with the Job Corps, city of Jackson, TriState Trucking and Adams and Associates.



The entire project is expected to host:

ASE Auto & Diesel Center — a Mississippi Job Corps initiative using a nationally recognized, competency-based, standardized training curriculum to highly skilled, in-demand workers.
Construction academy — to meet the demand of tomorrow’s builders.
Food and beverage training — a pipeline to always-in-demand restaurant and hospitality jobs.
Forklift operations school — the only forklift certification facility in Jackson.

Phase 2 of The Jackson Yards development will include what Bradley says will be an affordable-housing project.

“Business leaders like Richard have sparked transformational economic development in innovative ways for the metroplex through the years,” Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said in a press release. “The Jackson Yards development will take that innovation to exciting new heights, a catalyst to renewal and progress in the heart of our city.”

The Metro Booming Training Academy is housed in a newly renovated, $500,000 warehouse featuring eight bays with world-class training equipment, classrooms, meeting rooms and offices.

More than 375 students will participate in the training academy’s first year, and the goal is to enroll more than 2,800 students in the next five years. Metro Booming Training Academy is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs by 2028.

“This is a prime example of what I love to say — economic development is the greatest team sport there is,” said Tamika Jenkins, executive director of the Hinds County Economic Development Authority. “We are proud to support the intersection of economic and workforce development that will lead Jackson and Hinds County to a bright future. This exciting development anchored by Metro Booming Training Academy, will launch a talented new workforce that will support many businesses HCEDA will bring to Jackson and Hinds County.”

Bradley says he expects this project to jump start development in West Jackson.

The Metro Booming Training Academy is housed in a newly renovated, $500,000 warehouse featuring eight bays with world-class training equipment, classrooms, meeting rooms and offices.

More than 375 students will participate in the training academy’s first year, and the goal is to enroll more than 2,800 students in the next five years. Metro Booming Training Academy is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs by 2028.

“This is a prime example of what I love to say — economic development is the greatest team sport there is,” said Tamika Jenkins, executive director of the Hinds County Economic Development Authority. “We are proud to support the intersection of economic and workforce development that will lead Jackson and Hinds County to a bright future. This exciting development anchored by Metro Booming Training Academy, will launch a talented new workforce that will support many businesses HCEDA will bring to Jackson and Hinds County.”

Bradley says he expects this project to jump start development in West Jackson.

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/70969229007/