The zoo situation is ridiculous (Jackson: shop, activity, population)

[viverlibre]

Originally Posted by sammyreynolds1977

The state is not going to take over the zoo. They more than likely see no incentive to do so.

Average people sometimes accomplish great things just by having the confidence to go for it.

Tate Reeves is currently in a position where he can likely be persuaded to help Jackson out in exchange for support from Jackson democrats. Tate may not be able to provide 50 million, but maybe he can come up with 20 or help in another way. In 2017 the state gave Jackson 10 million to help with paving streets downtown, so the state has shown a willingness to work with Jackson.

The point is Jackson's leadership needs to be working every option right now.

[sammyreynolds1977]

Originally Posted by viverlibre

Average people sometimes accomplish great things just by having the confidence to go for it.

Tate Reeves is currently in a position where he can likely be persuaded to help Jackson out in exchange for support from Jackson democrats. Tate may not be able to provide 50 million, but maybe he can come up with 20 or help in another way. In 2017 the state gave Jackson 10 million to help with paving streets downtown, so the state has shown a willingness to work with Jackson.

The point is Jackson's leadership needs to be working every option right now.

You think he's going to give them 20 million for a zoo when he want even fund public education like it's mandated in the law?

[viverlibre]

Originally Posted by sammyreynolds1977

You think he's going to give them 20 million for a zoo when he want even fund public education like it's mandated in the law?

I think we are on different pages. I'm only making suggestions, the state may or may not kick in $1 or $1 mil, or help in other ways, my point is that Jackson leadership needs to be working every angle possible in regards to the zoo. Will most attempts the fruitless, likely, but try something. Don't keep doing what hasn't worked (which is mostly nothing).

There are dozens of people that live a mile north (in Eastover) of the proposed location that can stroke a 7 or 8 figure check. How about the Barksdale/CSpire/Ergon/GrandviewGloria Zoo?

[Sharif662]

Couldn't the zoo be relocated downtown by chance?

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

Originally Posted by Sharif662

Couldn't the zoo be relocated downtown by chance?

Nope, City officials will fight that tooth and nail. They have been movements to relocate it to Lafleur's Bluff area, but always fought by the City. They want to keep it in West Jackson to 'revitalize', LOL.

Eventually a new, reputable zoo group will open a new zoo in Rankin County and that will be that. Which would be great. The metro Jackson area does need a zoo, but it does not have to be in Jackson itself.

[Sharif662]

Originally Posted by Mississippi Alabama Line

Nope, City officials will fight that tooth and nail. They have been movements to relocate it to Lafleur's Bluff area, but always fought by the City. They want to keep it in West Jackson to 'revitalize', LOL.

Eventually a new, reputable zoo group will open a new zoo in Rankin County and that will be that. Which would be great. The metro Jackson area does need a zoo, but it does not have to be in Jackson itself.

I'm sorry, the question was directed only to locals of the city. Specifically those with a Jackson address.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by Sharif662

Couldn't the zoo be relocated downtown by chance?

Lefleurs Bluff is a STATE park, is not city of Jackson land. The golf course I believe is city owned (I'm 95% sure).
Both the golf course and the bluff are riddled with wetlands, which are not going to be easily allowed to be removed did to the wildlife present in the
Also it will cost tens of millions of dollars to build a modern zoo from the ground up, assuming you want a zoo that is an actual gem, that attracts people from all over the south. Where exactly is that money coming from? Certainly not the state legislature we have in place now. And private fundraising at that level will take years.

[viverlibre]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Lefleurs Bluff is a STATE park, is not city of Jackson land. The golf course I believe is city owned (I'm 95% sure).
Both the golf course and the bluff are riddled with wetlands, which are not going to be easily allowed to be removed did to the wildlife present in the
Also it will cost tens of millions of dollars to build a modern zoo from the ground up, assuming you want a zoo that is an actual gem, that attracts people from all over the south. Where exactly is that money coming from? Certainly not the state legislature we have in place now. And private fundraising at that level will take years.

Didn't realize the golf course was city owned, I thought it was state owned. Good info!

Muni golf courses were booming in the 90s with the Tiger craze, but in recent years usage has fallen off. I drive by the course every afternoon and never see more than a few cars in the parking lot.

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

Originally Posted by Sharif662

I'm sorry, the question was directed only to locals of the city. Specifically those with a Jackson address.

If you're looking to make that restriction, JacksonPanther might be your only responder on the forum.

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Lefleurs Bluff is a STATE park, is not city of Jackson land. The golf course I believe is city owned (I'm 95% sure).
Both the golf course and the bluff are riddled with wetlands, which are not going to be easily allowed to be removed did to the wildlife present in the
Also it will cost tens of millions of dollars to build a modern zoo from the ground up, assuming you want a zoo that is an actual gem, that attracts people from all over the south. Where exactly is that money coming from? Certainly not the state legislature we have in place now. And private fundraising at that level will take years.

That's all good information, but let's not pretend that this is why the City of Jackson officials don't want to move the zoo. They want to keep it where it is because they want to retain power over it, and keep it in a district where it's easier to do that. They also think people will come down there and spend money on it, and we know that isn't going to happen.

It's time to look at other options.

[Sharif662]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Lefleurs Bluff is a STATE park, is not city of Jackson land. The golf course I believe is city owned (I'm 95% sure).
Both the golf course and the bluff are riddled with wetlands, which are not going to be easily allowed to be removed did to the wildlife present in the
Also it will cost tens of millions of dollars to build a modern zoo from the ground up, assuming you want a zoo that is an actual gem, that attracts people from all over the south. Where exactly is that money coming from? Certainly not the state legislature we have in place now. And private fundraising at that level will take years.

Thank for the information.