The structures along Farish Street, like this building across the street from Frank Jones Corner at the corner of Griffith and Farish Streets, appear to be ready for businesses to move in, but still have structural problems on the interior.
Farish Street.
Frank Jones Corner at Farish & Griffith.
Potential.
Since developer David Watkins responded to a flurry of criticism over his handling of the Farish Street renovation project with a letter yesterday afternoon, his camp has ratcheted up its war of words.
Empty buildings are just waiting to be occupied by businesses.
Farish Street developers may be on thin ice with their landlord, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, but JRA board members aren’t talking.
Abandoned and dilapidated houses, such as this one on Farish Street, are common in parts of Jackson and neighbors are fed up.
David Watkins is asking the city for $8 million in bond money to finance renovations on Farish Street.
Comments
cbozeman 9 years, 9 months ago
Taxation is driving businesses out of Jackson, so its no real wonder that Farish Street is having trouble revitalizing itself. The first step is making taxes equitable and fair for businesses, unless Jackson wants to see more large firms like Puckett Machinery leave.
Small shops and restaurants alone will not be enough to replace heavy hitters like Puckett. Hopefully Mr. Lumumba will rectify this issue, along with the myriad others that keep parts of Jackson mired down in the muck of urban decay.
tstauffer 9 years, 9 months ago
@cbozeman... I'm curious... what specific taxes are you referring to? Just trying to get a handle on why you think taxes are the issue causing businesses to move... property taxes? Licensing fees?
swalker 9 years, 5 months ago
What's causing businesses to leave Jackson is the crime and racist perceptions that plaid Jackson daily. Well they are not perceptions they are facts. If Jackson as a whole and city council can let big revenues drawer come to town it will make it a better place.
NotLikeU 9 years, 5 months ago
Is Jackson just trying to do too much at one time, in general? There seems to be a lot of partially completed projects out there. Jackson has the foundation to support big businesses; space, easy access to highways, etc. Crime and road quality are some of the big factors; then plumbing and grade school education. Small businesses are great, but Jackson still needs to gain anchor businesses to keep money flowing stronger. With Jackson trying to promote itself more as a medical hub for the region, they should also look at as a year-round entertainment destination, preferably downtown. However, I'm assuming some strong process within 5 year though. Good luck Jackson.
js1976 9 years, 5 months ago
@NotlikeU, I personally believe that Jackson leaders are focused on too many projects. Hence the reason NOTHING is ever completed. Money is being thrown at researching all of these different deveopments, and that's where it ends. With all the research dollars spent, the city should be able to determine which one would be most beneficial to the city and all others should be pushed to the backburners at this time.
Turtleread 9 years, 3 months ago
Every time I hear Farish Street, I think boondoggle. The city has spent years working on this project all in the name of history and preserving some black historical roots, however they have dealt with some of the slickest developers I have ever seen. Where's the money? Where's the results?
justsayin 9 years, 3 months ago
how many years does it take to do a project, i left jackson over 20 plus years ago, and recently came back, and the city is in worse shape before i left.. i think the members of that panel listed downtown, that call themselves city council members are a joke, while all their other surronding citys are building themselves up, jackson is steadily falling down.
Nothing ever getting done, but a whole lotta talk..
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