Ellington

South Jackson Development Progresses

Clarence Chapman, developer of the Timber Falls housing subdivision in south Jackson, expects a health clinic and small grocery store to be among the first commercial tenants of his multi-stage project, which he anticipates costing $400 million total. Chapman said that he has spent $56 million on the project already.

A "major, out-of-state nonprofit" would operate the medical clinic, Chapman said. If talks continue to progress, the organization could sign an agreement by August, he said.

The Jackson City Council's Planning Committee voted yesterday to appoint bond attorneys to handle a tax increment financing bond issue for the project. The TIF uses anticipated increases in property-tax revenue as a result of the development to cover the cost of bonds.

Chapman said that the TIF would cover construction costs for an extension of Timber Falls Parkway, straightening a curve in Forest Hill Place and connecting it to the parkway. He also plans to begin construction on an amphitheatre and a widening of Maddox Road from Raymond Road to Highway 18.

Of the 375 single-family homes that Chapman's firm, Chartre Consulting, has built in Timber Falls, under 5 percent have changed tenants in the two years, Chapman said, a remarkably low number for tax-credit rental housing. Tenants sign long-term leases that give them the option to purchase their homes after 15 years.

Mississippi Music Showcase
A number of Mississippi musicians are heading to Austin, Texas, this week to perform in South by Southwest, one of the nation's largest music showcases.

This year marks the first year that Mississippi musicians have been selected for the showcase. Featured artists include: Skipp Coon, Bobby Rush, Shannon McNally, Charlie Mars and The Homemade Jamz Blues Band.

During the Mississippi Showcase on March 17, the Mississippi Development Authority will promote the state's tourism and musicians at a booth.

Business Workshops Scheduled
The Jackson Business accelerator hosts workshops for entrepreneurs who want to develop business plans. The hour-and-a half workshops are every Tuesday and Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and every first and third Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Horizon Church (1770 Ellis Ave.). For reservations, call 601-371-1390.

Dale Carnegie Training hosts "Step up to Leadership" April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program teaches leadership skills such as delegation and performance appraisal techniques. The workshop is at the New York Life Training Center in Ridgeland. To RSVP, call 504-831-4204 or e-mail [e-mail missing].