[Verbatim release] Mayor Frank E. Melton issued a veto today that will prohibit the use of eminent domain by the Jackson Redevelopment Authority to acquire owner-occupied residential property located west of Jackson State University. The controversial proposed University Park Project-Phase I, consists of single-family homes and apartment complexes that would be constructed on at least 50 acres near the Jackson State University campus and anchored by Dalton Street and J. R. Lynch Street.
“The interests of the community must be weighed against the displacement of senior citizens that are homeowners,” said Mayor Melton. “True economic development is built on all parties working together, which includes residents participating in the planning process and not forcing honest, hard working property owners from their homes.”
Homeowners living in the JSU area began petitioning the City Council several weeks ago to rescind the action that granted JRA unprecedented authority to acquire owner-occupied dwellings. Residents maintain that they were not fully informed of the proposed project by the JRA or the Jackson State University Foundation, Inc., the developers of University Park.
Previous Comments
I’m a bit confused: Did he “veto” something Council had voted on? OK, I’ll ask Adam. 😉
#99736 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Mar 27 2008
That’s what it looks like to me. But then again, everything about Melton is confusing. 🙂
#99737 | Author: Lady Havoc | Date: Mar 27 2008
I’m sure he vetted it with SORE first, so it all makes perfect legal sense.
#99738 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Mar 27 2008
OK, the early word here is that he seems to be trying to veto a move by JRA, which he doesn’t have power to do. Sigh. Anyone want to weigh in?
#99739 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Mar 27 2008
I really don’t think “veto” is the right word for what he is trying to do.
#99740 | Author: QB | Date: Mar 27 2008
Tell him that.
#99741 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Mar 27 2008
He and Hosemann must use the same publicist.
#99742 | Author: QB | Date: Mar 27 2008
He’d probably try to veto the Ten Commandments if he could get away with it. And I mean the actual ten commandments: not the movie.
#99743 | Author: Lady Havoc | Date: Mar 27 2008
as your future mayor…i must say that this is stupid…but his quote is something that may be promising…can we agree that he cant do what he thinks he is doing…that it makes him sound stupid…but that his quote says he is trying to protect elderly homeowners…lets give him some credit…honestly…i dont think he said that but if he did good job…i agree with his quote…
#99744 | Author: skipp | Date: Mar 27 2008
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