When the dust clears and the orange construction cones
disappear this fall, Jackson will have a new intersection at Center Junction
(Exit 99, the intersection of I-55 and East Jackson Boulevard). What type of
development is right for that spot — and also for Exit 102 (East Main Street) —
was a matter of discussion during study session by the Jackson Mayor and Board
of Aldermen March 1.
Jen Berti, vice president of the Jackson Area Chamber of
Commerce, presented a proposal from NAVI Retail of Memphis, TN.
Navi Retail’s proposal includes strategic planning followed
by eight phases.
Phase 1 will involve collecting data and facts about Jackson
from people who shop and eat here as well as residents who live here.
Phase 2 is a market analysis in which patterns and trends
will be studied to determine prospective business targets.
In Phase 3, a report will be created containing this
information. “They compile the data into a format that retailers really want to
see,” Berti said. “They know the information that retailers want to see.”
Phase 4 is to hold a community forum. To ensure economic
sustainability, representatives from real estate and the business community
will be included.
In Phase 5, the data will be used to find retailers that are
a match for Jackson.
During Phase 6, potentially interested retailers will be
matched with sites that would best suit them.
In Phase 7, NAVI Retail will contact retailers on behalf of
Jackson.
Phase 8 will be ongoing support. NAVI Retail will continue
contacting new potential retailers and work with those who show interest in
building here.
The Chamber recommended NAVI Retail after examining proposals
from two or three other retail consultants. “They are the best fit,” Berti
said.
Because the company is located in Memphis, representatives
can easily travel to Jackson to examine these two I-55 exits and see what is
needed. The team has the experience needed to do the work, Berti said.
The City will be asked to make two payments of $15,000 each
to pay for the services of NAVI Retail.
In
other action
• Street lights: The Board adopted a
policy regarding the installation of residential street lights.
• Rezoning near Bent Creek: The
Aldermen brought forth a zoning request that had been tabled at the Feb. 17
meeting. It was to rezone 10.85 acres at the east end of Ridge Road near Bent
Creek Subdivision. The aldermen then changed the request so it will be a
request to go from R-2 (single-family residential) to R-3 (one and two-family
residential), instead of the original request to go from R-2 to R-4 (general
residential). This will prevent apartments from being built on the tract, a
concern that was expressed by residents of the Bent Creek Subdivision.
A new public hearing was set for 6 p.m. Monday, April 5. The
Board also extended the time period until April 5 to act upon
the rezoning application.
• Stormwater: The
Board approved hiring HR Greene of Chesterfield to provide engineering services
for the Stormwater Ordinance review and Program Financial Status. The cost is $15,950.
• New Civic Center sign: The Board passed
a resolution allowing the construction
of a directional and informational sign for the Jackson Civic Center.
• Driveway approvals: The Board
approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to change the permit approval
process for driveways.
• Memorial Day Ceremony: Alderman David
Hitt announced that the American Legion Post 158 will have a Memorial Day
ceremony this year. (It was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19
pandemic.)
• Sanitary sewers: A brief report was
given during study session on sanitary sewerage lift station standard design
and construction requirements. The design and construction requirements will be
discussed with developers, then will be brought to the Department of Natural
Resources, and then will come back to the aldermen for final approval.
There was an update on the construction of a sanitary sewer
extension in the Jackson North Industrial Park. Some easements will be needed
in front of some properties.
• Electric equipment: The Board was
told that electric relays at the industrial substation are antiquated and need
replacing. In addition, the City will seek engineering services to determine
the life span of existing electric poles and then set up a project to replace those
poles that need to be replaced.
