OK...FESS UP...Jackson Metro Area (Greenville, Meridian: appointed, 2010, lofts)

[Claude Wilson]

I decided to make one big post containing several questions about different areas of the Jackson METRO area.

BTW--I think the people of Mississippi are the best I've ever met
anywhere in America. Please answer whichever questions you like.

#1--Everybody on the Forums keeps talking about "The Delta." They mention Vicksburg a lot, but is Jackson Metro area part of the The Delta as well?

#2--How horrible are the mosquitoes during summertime? I hear MONSTER horror stories by people outside Mississippi. They say you can't
enjoy the beauty of summer because of Humid Heat and Ferocious Mosquitoes. HOW BAD IS IT REALLY?

#3--Is there any Gambling Casinos or Gambling spots within the city of Jackson itself? How about the towns surrounding Jackson like Madison,
Ridgeland and Brandon? (*I hear Madison is the real "snobby" area, btw).

#4--My hope is to build a home in Raymond and invest in rebuilding Downtown Jackson. I am Black, but I am upper class (not BORN upper class, but I am assuming I will be considered that).

I would like to open the first "African Pizza" in Jackson (talk about delicious pizza!), a dance club in Jackson and a nighttime bookreader's cafe/country music spot (these latenight book cafes are popular in places like San Francisco, Ca. but without the country music--they don't
carry "porn" of any kind; it's like a Starbucks that opens at 7 pm
with coffee, book readings and guy playing guitar singing Willie Nelson
tunes).

I am part of a group of people who want to "reinvent" the downtown section of Jackson so that it will draw positive media attention, more developement and keep the "younger, more hip" citizens who already live in Jackson Metro from Leaving the state.

MY QUESTION on #4 IS this--are we wasting our time? Is downtown Jackson a lost case?

#5--Because Jackson is part of the Bible Belt, do you think you would
be resentful about having a Dance club in the city (downtown)? Our plan is to call it "The Alibi" and feature a hiphop side and a techno/dance side divided by a large pond with dancing mermaid girls on platforms placed throughout the pond. How late do you think it should stay open without people of Jackson complaining?

#6--What's your thoughts about the Two Lakes/Pearl River Island plan?
I personally was very disappointed when they chose to build an Airport
Freeway rather than the lake/island casino. BUT THAT'S JUST ME.
Are you happy about the renovation of King Edward and new lofts? Do you think it's going to help change the face of Jackson in a good way?

#7--I notice 99% of our White brothers and sisters on the Forum report that Jackson is INFESTED with crime and that the school system in Jackson is HORRIBLE.

But on t.v. here in California the other day, Forest Hills High in Jackson was named one of the best High schools in the South.

I am wondering if there are any African-American members of the forum who can paint a different picture of Jackson? Is it really so dangerous to live in Jackson and are the public schools really that horrible or is this a slightly paranoid "perception" by those who don't actually live in Jackson?

I have to admit that I'm builidng my house in Raymond "partly" because of the constant claims that Jackson is so dangerous and uncooth. (Also partly because I need acreage and would like to live in a country setting with close access to the city--I found that the acres in Raymond
were much cheaper than the ones in Flowood and Brandon and more
lush and green as well).

#8--What is up with this crazy Mayor in Jackson? Is his REP just a
myth or is he really that unconventional and eccentric?

#9--On YOUTUBE they have videos of this year's LINE STORMS hitting
Jackson, MS and (-gulp-) my future town of Raymond. In one video
they had sirens going off!

How often have Tornadoes hit the Jackson area? Is Raymond a major
recepticle for Tornadoes? Are they really big ones or just storms? Is
there anyone on the forum who wants to leave Raymond due to fear
of Tornadoes getting worse????

#10--What are the KNOWN flood zones around Jackson? Places that
you would be afraid to buy land or live on because you know that section is FLOOD-PRONE.

_________

**I didn't want to litter the forum with a bunch of threads, so I hope you don't mind I asked all my questions this way. Thanks.

[Delta Planter]

Originally Posted by Claude Wilson

I decided to make one big post containing several questions about different areas of the Jackson METRO area.

BTW--I think the people of Mississippi are the best I've ever met
anywhere in America. Please answer whichever questions you like.

#1--Everybody on the Forums keeps talking about "The Delta." They mention Vicksburg a lot, but is Jackson Metro area part of the The Delta as well?

The Delta stretches from the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN, to Catfish Row in Vicksburg, MS. At least according to one author, David Cohen. And, no, Jackson metro is not even close to the Delta. Quickest way to get to God's country is up US 49 to Yazoo City, hook a left at old US 49, coast down the hill, and BANG! you're in it!

#2--How horrible are the mosquitoes during summertime? I hear MONSTER horror stories by people outside Mississippi. They say you can't
enjoy the beauty of summer because of Humid Heat and Ferocious Mosquitoes. HOW BAD IS IT REALLY?

The skeeters are bad enough, blood-thirsty enough, hongry enough they'll tote you off, suck you dry, if they don't run you inside first! Especially in the Delta!

I've tossed in a few mumbles. I'd suggest you venture over to http://www.city-data.com/city/Jackson-Mississippi.html and check out the information there, then come back here and ask some more. I, personally, can't give you much information about Jackson proper, other than I've heard/read the same thing.

Welcome to Mississippi. I think you'll like it there. (I'm a MS Delta native, but live in TX.)

[auntbee]

There have been 39 murders in Jackson this year as of last night (could have been more overnight). I would love to see the downtown revitalized, but I can't see it really happening until they get control of the crime. There is a big shortage of police officers because it's a dangerous job and they don't pay them enough to stay there. They have to work long hours and their morale isn't very good.

The closest gambling casino is in Philadelphia or Vicksburg. They have to be on water or an Indian Reservation.

Unfortunately, the Jackson Public Schools are as bad as you have heard. My kids went to Forest Hill years ago and it was an excellent school then. I think now it is rated a 2 out of 5 so that's not very good.

I lived in Jackson for 25 years and I loved it, but I would be afraid to live there now. Others may disagree, but I think the Mayor has done more harm than good. Originally I thought he would be really good for the city. Maybe he had good intentions in the beginning, but he has gone about things in the wrong way.

[NWS]

Wow Claude. I don't know where to start.
Many of the questions you asked about the Delta, Jackson and Raymond tornadoes can be answered at Wikipedia or the City Data sites for these cities.

1) It has been said that The Delta "begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel (in Memphis) and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg"

4) I was told by an Italian police officer who grew up in New York and moved here "Why would you want to come to Mississippi there's no good pizza here". He did mention one spot but I forgot the name. African pizza? How different is that from Brooklyn pizza or Chicago deep dish? I would try any pizza. I don't know if many in Mississippi are "Afrocentric" enough. I haven't seen it in my 4 months here. Claude I'm a little lost here. You live in California? Your investment partners do too? What connection do they have with Jackson? I think whatever investment you make in Jackson you really need to KNOW Jackson inside and out. You have to be here and get your hands dirty. This isn't a "Field of Dreams". If you build it they will come type of place. You have to build what they want. I don't know if Jackson is ready or willing to be "Reinvented". Starbucks are shutting down all over the country a coffee house/ book club may be a tough sell. Many here flee from Jackson as soon as the sun goes down. They just shut down a dance club in Jackson due to quality of life issues. It only takes a couple of wannabe thugs to cause things to go bad.
I don't think Jackson has a movie theater left. I remember Harlem, NY didn't have a movie theater. No one wanted to build one fearing violence. Magic Johnson came in and built one. It worked out fine and Harlem is booming. So much so many Blacks are moving out because they can't afford to live there and many Whites are moving in because it's much cheaper than downtown Manhattan and a short commute to downtown.
So it is possible Claude it has been done before in other places like Jackson. It will take millions of dollars. There are really, really nice parts of Jackson. I don't want to bash the whole city. The bad parts are scary as all heck.
8) From what I've seen the Mayor is a bit of a cowboy. I think the Federal government
is persecuting him now. He is being charged with violating someones civil rights. This is the first time I've ever heard of fed civil rights charges being filed when both parties are black or of the same color. I think whatever he did do should have been settled civilly.
If you check city data Raymond is only slightly higher risk of tornadoes than the rest of Mississippi. I live in Raymond, I love my home. I'm happy and not leaving.

[Claude Wilson]

[quote=NWS;4703543]Wow Claude.
Many of the questions you asked about the Delta, Jackson and Raymond tornadoes can be answered at Wikipedia or the City Data sites for these cities.

1) It has been said that The Delta "begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel (in Memphis) and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg"]



But that SWATCH of area could very well BYPASS Jackson.

It doesn't make it clear on Wikipedia or anywhere whether or not
Jackson is included in The Delta.

City Data doesn't mention "The Delta" on its Jackson page, but
it says the delta ends at Vicksburg.

Jackson is only described as being part of HINDS COUNTY.

I live in California.

Do you all consider Jackson part of the Delta????

[Claude Wilson]

[quote=NWS;4703543]Wow Claude. I don't know where to start.

African pizza? How different is that from Brooklyn pizza or Chicago deep dish? I would try any pizza. I don't know if many in Mississippi are "Afrocentric" enough. I haven't seen it in my 4 months here.]



You don't have to be Afrocentric to LOOOOOVE African Pizza.

Trust me--everyone White and Black will be loving it.

It's canoe shaped and appears to be encased in melted cheese.
Beneath the cheese is very tender pickled alligator meat, onions,
spices and a secret spicy tomato sauce.

It's to die for!

What you will love even more is my secret recipe NKenge Ice Punch.

Everyone in Hinds County will be driving to "African Pizza" just to get
a big cup of that punch in the summertime!! (and begging for the
recipe).

We'll also be offering "Chocolate Covered Mosquitos" in tiny white
bags with gold twist ties. They're not real mosquitos, though.



[Claude I'm a little lost here. You live in California? Your investment partners do too? What connection do they have with Jackson?]


I'm interested in the South period.

I chose Mississippi because it's the lowest on the pole---cheapest land,
but also beautiful with LOTS of potential.

The people are also in a mode of 'self-exploration' right now.

Jackson Metro doesn't have an identity right now. They're trying to
re-invent who they are in contrast to the 1960's---so there's a huge
window right there for tapping into the YOUNG and starting a new
paradise there.


[Starbucks are shutting down all over the country a coffee house/ book club may be a tough sell.]

Not if you give the place a mystique, hire celebrities to appear there
and do some PR.

Before you can sell something it has to be psychologically "IN"--the
cool place to be.

I would do PR for downtown Jackson in NYC, Canada, Miama and Ca.
by the way. The idea is to make Jackson a "cool" and culturally
acceptable area. You use Jackson's own special history to create
the PR angles.


[Many here flee from Jackson as soon as the sun goes down.]

That's what's killing Mississippi.

That's what has to change.


[They just shut down a dance club in Jackson due to quality of life issues. It only takes a couple of wannabe thugs to cause things to go bad.]

Claude Wilson IS NOT my real name.

I'm a black woman. Curis Sliwa of the NY Guardian Angels is a
person friend of mine.


Moderator cut: please watch your language

Obviously the people who started that dance club didn't
have enough money for Security Forces and Content Control.

A club needs to have its own "gang" on the premises to ensure
that VISITORS act they have some home-training.

I'm talking about a STATE OF THE ART disco with its own lake
and a "beat down/loss of memory" room in the basement for Thugs
who forget where they were.

Los Angeles is infested with Gangs much more dangerous than the
ones in Jackson, MS because they're organized by the thousands
---BUT THEY STILL KNOW not to bring that mess to certain
establishments.

We don't rely on police in LA when it comes to gang control.

If you make it glamorous & safe enough--people will come all the way
from Memphis, Tupelo and Meridian just to dance there.

Having a lake in the club would allow Gambling, I believe.

A few "washed up" rappers could be hired for mini-concerts.



[If you check city data Raymond is only slightly higher risk of tornadoes than the rest of Mississippi. I live in Raymond, I love my home. I'm happy and not leaving.]


WONDERFUL!

[Delta Planter]

[quote=Claude Wilson;4703865]

Originally Posted by NWS

Wow Claude.
Many of the questions you asked about the Delta, Jackson and Raymond tornadoes can be answered at Wikipedia or the City Data sites for these cities.

1) It has been said that The Delta "begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel (in Memphis) and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg"]

But that SWATCH of area could very well BYPASS Jackson.

It doesn't make it clear on Wikipedia or anywhere whether or not
Jackson is included in The Delta.

City Data doesn't mention "The Delta" on its Jackson page, but
it says the delta ends at Vicksburg.

Jackson is only described as being part of HINDS COUNTY.

I live in California.

Do you all consider Jackson part of the Delta????

As I wrote in my first reply, Jackson IS NOT in the Mississippi Delta. Hinds County IS NOT in the Mississippi Delta.

Here's a "map": Touring the Delta | Mississippi Delta: Tourism in Tunica, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Greenwood, Indianola, Yazoo City, Greenville, MS.
Here's some info re MS Delta: Mississippi Delta and here's a short description from the first page:

The Mississippi flood plain along the western edge of the state has been built up by excessive floods. From the southwestern corner upstream to Vicksburg this region extends inland only a few miles. North of Vicksburg it is a leaf shaped plain with an average width of 65 miles. This region between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers is the Yazoo Basin, or Delta, one of the most fertile areas in the world. It is a cultural treasure house as well, the home of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Charley Pride, Walker Percy, Elizabeth Spencer and Shelby Foote, to name a few.....

Here's yet another description: Mississippi Delta Great River Road - Maps & Directions

There is a plethora of info about the MS Delta. Granted, your being in California doesn't make it easier, but I think you'll enjoy the state, even if Jackson is on the outer fringe of the Delta.

[auntbee]

I don't think having a lake in the club would allow you to have a casino. If this is your dream, then I wish you luck but I hope you aren't disappointed. You might want to check with the local police dept. before you hire your own security gang too.

[Claude Wilson]

[quote=Delta Planter;4704278]

Originally Posted by Claude Wilson

There is a plethora of info about the MS Delta. Granted, your being in California doesn't make it easier, but I think you'll enjoy the state, even if Jackson is on the outer fringe of the Delta.

Thank you so much Delta Planter.

I only wanted to understand what "The Delta" is. I love all of Mississippi
now that I've spent so much time all over the place.

[Claude Wilson]

Originally Posted by auntbee

I don't think having a lake in the club would allow you to have a casino. If this is your dream, then I wish you luck but I hope you aren't disappointed. You might want to check with the local police dept. before you hire your own security gang too.

AuntBee, your posts are really appreciated.

Thanks.

What I meant by having a "gang" in the club is that I would
hire those Police Officers not being paid well enough by Jackson
and employ them as "bouncers"---also install security cameras
and specialized outdoor lighting.

There's a lot that can be done if the financial pool is right.

It's MUCH HARDER to run a dance club if you really don't have
security and financial resources, because "violence" is exciting
to some types of visitors and they will ACT UP if they believe
nothing's going to happen to them.

There's quite a bit being planned for 2010 Jackson and I think
the renovation of King Edward, the lofts and the recession is
waking up outside investors to try Jackson as a new building area.