Business Improvement District bill signed by Mississippi Governor

Source: Cottonmouth Blog

HB 968 has been signed by the Governor of Mississippi on April 16, 2012.  It removes some of the more onerous provisions of the laws that allow for the creation of business improvement districts across Mississippi.  BIDs, as they are known, are areas where property owners vote to tax themselves for improvements and services provided within the district.  Downtown Jackson Partners runs the Downtown Jackson BID, providing additional security, beautification, community-building, and marketing efforts on top of those provided by the City of Jackson.  DJP has been successful, and was recently reauthorized by Downtown Jackson property owners.

Previous law was onerous, though, as BIDs were required to be reauthorized every 5 years by 70% of property owners.  And that's 70% of all property owners, not just those choosing to vote. HB 968 lowers the required majority to 60% of the participating property owners, and extends the re-authorization period from 5 years to 10 years.

This is good legislation, as many areas in Mississippi that would benefit from BIDs are dealing with absentee landlords who refuse to participate in the process.  DJP has worked wonders for Downtown Jackson, and other areas of the state could benefit from similar entities.

Metro Area Coalition

The Metro Area Coalition was formed June 25, 1998. It is a registered non-profit organization (501-C3).  The coalition is charged with the business retention, development and redevelopment of the Highway 80 Corridor and to work with the city, county and state in restoring the viability of the area. The role of the organization is to bring together business and community leaders that wish to work together toward a common goal of strengthening the corridor and the surrounding area.  It is designed to provide leadership and form partnerships that will attract real estate development investments in the area. The coalition is made up of business and community leaders, professionals and citizens who have a vested interest in the future of the area and are working together to enhance and help realize its full potential.  It has a twelve member board made up of business owners in the area. 
The Highway 80 Corridor has diminished in commercial and retail businesses taking with it significant sales and property tax revenue and property values. It has lost its appeal due to dilapidated and vacant buildings, lack of code enforcement and crime/perception of crime. 
There is a lack of pride in ownership which creates apathy among a lot of business owners.

Mission Statement:

We will positively impact economic development within the Highway 80 Corridor by improving the appearance and image of area business and residential properties, ultimately increasing sale and property tax base.

 If you would like more information please call 601-923-1014.

Thoroughfares Plan - Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor

The Thoroughfares Plan for the Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor included the following map depicting existing and proposed street improvements and multipurpose paths for the area. 

According to the plan, "in addition to available sources of Federal and State funds for implementing proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities, it is recommended that the three metropolitan counties organize a Rails-To-Trails Recreational District to raise funds for the implementation of the Jackson Urbanized Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Plan.  Section 55-25-1 of the Mississippi Code allows governing authorities to establish such a district and to levy a tax on all property in participating counties and municipalities not to exceed 1/4 mil for the support and maintenance of the district.  The Three Rivers Planning and Development District successfully organized a Rails-To-Trails Recreation District and built the 44-mile Tanglefoot Trail in North Mississippi that extends through three counties and seven municipalities.

Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor

Several years ago, the City of Jackson received a grant from the Economic Development Administration to prepare an Economic Development Strategy for the Hwy 80 Corridor which runs approximately eight miles from the Pearl River to the city limits of Clinton. The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District was selected to serve as the lead contractor for the project which provided the City of Jackson with a plan for the redevelopment of and reinvestment in the Hwy 80 Corridor. Subcontractor/associate firms included JBHM Architects, Quicksilver Creative, and SOL Engineering.

Here's a <link> to the City's web site about the project.

Stay tuned for more!!

Featured Business of the Month: Crechale's Restaurant

Crechale's Restaurant

(601) 355-1840

3107 Highway 80 W
Jackson, MS 39204

Crechale's has been serving Jackson for over 50 years in the same location, and is renowned for their steaks and seafood. You can pick your own steak from their butcher counter at the front of the restaurant, so you know you're getting a quality cut of meat. Add in its frozen-in-time ambiance, blast-from-the past jukebox, the down-to-earth wait staff and unpretentious vibes and it's easy to see why it's one of Jackson's best-kept secrets.

The best steak you will ever eat, hands down! I've eaten steak all over the world and I'll argue with ANYONE that this is THE BEST ribeye you can get. This is one of those restaurants that once you eat here, you'll judge every steak place by . But, they also offer delicious seafood as well. Hand cut, fresh, made to order onion rings will make you slap yo momma!! Excellent service, excellent atmosphere. 60's decor with a jukebox. If it's your birthday, they'll queue up the jukebox and the WHOLE staff will sing to you. FUN, FUN experience.

Crechales isn't for everyone. It is old school and that plus the food is what I love about it. Great steaks, big booths and a jukebox in the corner that plays, "Hail, hail the gang's all here." Does it get any better. Only alcohol served is beer, but no one goes here to drink anyway. This is where the crew of "Mississippi Burning" had their wrap party/dinner.

Here's a link to the Menu <LINK> 



 

Metrocenter Area Coalition Looks to submit Brownfield Planning Grant

In an effort to jump start revitalization along Highway 80 in Jackson, Mississippi, the Metrocenter Area Coalition has begun work on a Brownfield Area-wide Planning Grant from EPA.  Brownfields Area-Wide Planning pilots are part of the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities (http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/index.html). This Partnership is focused on helping communities nationwide improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment. Through a set of guiding livability principles and a partnership agreement that will guide the agencies' efforts, this partnership will coordinate federal housing, transportation, and other infrastructure investments to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help to address the challenges of climate change. Partnership information on Key Resources, including Economic Development and Brownfields Redevelopment: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/toolsKeyResources.html.

Stay tuned for more information!!


If you're interested in partnering with area business and the Metrocenter Area Coalition, contact Nina Holbrook at 601-624-3299 or email her at nina_holbrook@comcast.net .