More than 150 citizens packed the center court of MetroCenter Mall in Jackson to hear about the condition of the city they call home. To the delight of many, it was welcomed news when Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said, “Jackson is indeed back on track.”
Johnson used the MetroCenter Mall as a backdrop for his first state of the city address since his return to office last year.
Erected in 1978–MetroCenter Mall, and the U.S. 80 corridor were once a vibrant part of the city and offered a multitude of shopping choices including eateries and national retail chain stores. Today empty storefronts, overgrown grass where a former movie theatre once sat and very little traffic are scenes of the mall. “I wanted to present the state of the city address here today to showcase my commitment to this area,” Johnson said to applause. “The best days of Highway 80 are ahead.”
Johnson touted that new businesses on Highway 80 will be built and renovations would occur, mixed-use development would be built as well. “It will be good for West Jackson and South Jackson,” Johnson shared.
During his near 30-minute speech Johnson highlighted the development and renaissance that is taking place downtown, like the Farish Street Entertainment District that is slated to open this fall, The Standard Life Building that is scheduled to come online next year and the McCoy Federal Building renovations that will be under construction for the next 20 months.
The federal building project is the largest stimulus-funded project in the entire state of Mississippi.
Johnson was careful and strategic to not stay downtown.
“It’s not all about downtown; it’s time for us to start getting around town,” Johnson said to laughter and applause. “My administration has made a commitment to this corridor [Highway 80] and this facility, and I intend to see some real, sustainable effort made that the citizens can be proud of. In this regard, we plan to start construction of a $6-million JATRAN Facility this year that will be located at the corner of Valley Street and Highway 80.”
Johnson also acknowledged challenges that are ahead for the city.
“I won’t sugar-coat the immense issues that lie ahead. From budgetary challenges to infrastructure needs, we have some important decisions to make and we will make them together,” Johnson said.
Johnson specifically highlighted some infrastructure concerns. “Since 1977, we have spent nearly $150 million on the water system, and at last estimate, we still need almost $80 million to address the rest of the system. Johnson also noted that $60 million had been spent on upgrades to the sewer system and an additional $138 million is needed.
Johnson took time to acknowledge all of his department heads and in particular highlighted the small business department that is charged with the responsibility of helping small and minority businesses do business with the city of Jackson.
“Not only do we work to attract new business to our city, we must also work with the small businesses that are here, and I’m very proud of the work that we do,” Johnson shared.
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