Council preview: 2 ordinances and election of new council president, VP set for vote
Two controversial ordinances and the selection of new council leaders will be up for a vote during Tuesday's meeting of the Jackson City Council.
First up, the council will vote to approve an ordinance regarding a disputed Ward 3 housing project.
If approved by the council, the ordinance would begin phase one of the construction of The Village at Livingston Place, a housing development that aims to bring a 200-home residential community behind the Jackson Medical Mall. Phase one will construct the first 50 homes of the project.
The council was supposed to vote on the matter during their June 18 meeting, but it was protested by Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes.
"Hell to the no," Stokes immediately said when the item was brought up.
The Ward 3 councilman raised concerns that none of the developers have held community meetings with neighboring residents about the project. He was also concerned the development could bring more crime to the community, as well as how construction will affect the quality of life for Ward 3's older residents and their property values.
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"Everybody talking about they want a house, hell if it's so good build it next to you!" Stokes said. "Nobody has even been over there to talk to those people … Have you been out there and even talked to the citizens?"
WLBT reported that a community meeting was held in Ward 3 last week about the development with a mixed response from residents. Like Stokes, many residents were concerned that crime could increase. They were also concerned of the development's effect on the elderly population and surrounding property values. Others who are in favor of the project said it could bring economic development to Ward 3.
Stokes' security ordinance up for vote
Stokes also has an ordinance of his own up for a final vote on Tuesday. The ordinance would require "security personnel at businesses associated with violence during hours of operation." Previously, Stokes called out convenience stores and gas stations, such as the Texaco on Medgar Evers Boulevard, as hotbeds for crime.
"We need to make sure that if your business has a history of violence that you must have security there during your hours of operation," Stokes said. "Stop taking human lives and playing with them!"
Though most agreed with what the ordinance hopes to accomplish, council members and the city's legal department said it might run into trouble as city's can't require businesses to have security.
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"On security officers, if somebody can find an ordinance that has withheld a court challenge that requires local businesses to hire security officers, then by all means I want to see it and I'll be looking for it myself," said City Attorney Drew Martin. "I think what we're going to find is a number of places that have attempted that and none have been successful. But, that said, we're going to look hard."
When told of the concerns, Stokes shrugged it off. He said the ordinance should be passed and if it runs into legal trouble, then they will deal with it.
"If our legal department feels that this is too heavy for them to carry, then we need to get outside legal people," Stokes said.
New council president and vice president to be elected
Council members will also select a new president and vice president during Tuesday's meeting. Both serve in the position for one year.
The president presides over, calls to order and leads all council meetings. If the president is not in attendance, then the vice president takes over.
Last July, Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks was selected as council president. Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee served as vice president.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS Council to vote on 2 ordinances and new council president
