JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson's mayor, administration and department heads met one on one with residents Tuesday evening. The Ward One community meeting was held at Christ United Methodist Church.
Concerns ranged from potholes and street paving to break-ins or neighborhood homes. Each of the city's 10 departments set up booths that offered information.
Daniel Johnson and his wife Amber are new to the ward and want to talk with the police chief.
"There have been some home break-ins, more often in the last six months and we're interested to know more information about that," said Daniel Johnson.
Andrew Clark wanted to know about economic development.
"My concerns are the tax dollars they provide. Education is a major concern here in Jackson and JPS, so if jobs are leaving, those tax dollars are leaving and it's not good for the city," expressed Clark.
Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said whole foods market and a new development called The District at Eastover are coming to ward one. It is a more than $80 million project at the old School for the Blind location.
"That was state owned land. He's actually purchased that land now. He's looking at a number of things. I won't let the cat out of the bag too much, but a hotel and apartments, maybe even a movie theater, restaurants. It's going to be an exciting development," revealed Johnson.
Johnson also shared news about the Sheffield Drive sewer line break. For six months a diesel engine has been running to bypass the collapsed sewer line.
"Not only Sheffield Drive but we have about 14 other break in major sewer lines across the city that we're going to be able to repair," added the mayor.
According to the mayor, the $90 million Siemens performance contract will pay for the work. The city is awaiting approval by the Mississippi Development Authority. Those repairs could be made by late spring or early summer.
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Concerns ranged from potholes and street paving to break-ins or neighborhood homes. Each of the city's 10 departments set up booths that offered information.
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