Comments by natchez1
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Posted on November 19 at 2:48 p.m.
I been accused of much - but never of being a gal.
Loves Natchez is right - we should see Meese on the streets and in our businesses.
I can't say I even get emails from him - I get emails from the NDDA but they were all written by someone else.
I don't know Meese - but would love to.
If I had been in the job 4 or 5 months I would have been to every business (and many downtown houses) met everyone and asked for their support and sent out an email to all downtown supporters introducing myself and asking if he could do anything for them. I went to the last First Friday (did not see him) but I did have a note under my door about a meeting (so he may have been to my door).
The director of the NDDA is a hard job - the pay is lousy and the downtown merchants can be difficult. However we do have one thing in common - we all love Natchez and we all support downtown.
We work hard, we expect the director to do as well.
Posted on November 19 at 12:24 a.m.
The NDDA is important - It is good that it will continue for the next 6 months (at least).
Mr. Banks though needs to hit the streets and meet all the merchants. I have supported the NDDA since the beginning (Gina Buckley) and worked on several NDDA committees - he has never been in my business.
I hope the Director will be active, energetic and will promote downtown. So far I am unimpressed with Meese.
If the NDDA is to survive, Meese has to prove he is worth funding, and worth paying the membership fees to.
Carrie worked hard - she tried new things - some did not work; but all the downtown businesses knew she did everything she could and we supported her efforts.
I hope to meet Meese soon
Posted on November 14 at 5:19 p.m.
If NAPAC has people waiting outside - its because it is always closed.
There are so few potential visitors there is no point trying to staff it.
Tourism, downtown retail and Natchez seem to be fading fast.
Dynamic leadership and vision could save Natchez -----
but I don't see any leaders or visionaries.
Posted on November 14 at 1:28 p.m.
Many good comments
The city has a problem as the ordinance is for demolition - something no one really wants to see (even Tom). The ordinance can make you secure the property and mow the grass - but it can't force you to restore it.
If he has paid the taxes (which I am sure he has) the city can't do much.
As for the comments about all the neglect around town - it is true the city needs to treat everyone equally - neglected properties where ever they are devalues the neighborhood.
Arlington though is special - It is a National Historic Landmark and it "must" be saved. If Tom is unable or unwilling to save it many others would - even in this economy.
I have no idea how in a "free country" you can force someone to sell their property as long as they pay the taxes, mow the grass and keep out the vagrants and crack heads.
The Natchez Historic Foundation's institute building does need lots of work they have done a lot to it - but it needs hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on it (which they don't have). They should at least paint the window sills.
NHF are also not the villians here, they have been responsible for saving and encouraging many people to restore older properties. Natchez overall looks better than it has looked in decades (perhaps ever) and the Foundation should get much of the credit for that.
The Preservation Committee is normally well intentioned but it has a much less stellar record. It has hampered many projects, prevented many and sometimes acted unethically. The only paid "members" were the city planner and his secretary - who actually don't get a vote they just take notes and advise.
We need the HNF, the City Planner and the Preservation Commission, but they all have to act consistanly, follow the guidelines yet walk the thin line to allow interesting new architecture too.
Natchez is important because of its original Architecture - adding pastiche "Micky Mouse" architecture will diminish what is special about the town. Sometimes bold new architecture while controversial when first built become the most loved pieces in historic towns. The preservation commision at the moment, is too rigid to allow any innovation. Many members have limited knowledge on architecture, building, or design. Most are clueless on the current projects coming up for review and just vote based on "pretty drawings" (as long as they conform).
Posted on November 3 at 10:15 p.m.
Results show that money is not enough.
Cox spent $ 130,000 for 1189 votes - $109.00 per vote.
I actually think the amount of money hurt him (and the feeling of nepotism as his Dad is County Attorney).
Glad Chuck is in second - hope that holds up.
Good race - interesting result.
Posted on October 29 at 9:41 a.m.
OGD
I have no idea what the foundation's long term plan is -
I had heard talk of hoping some dreamer would restore it and open as a classic movie/dollar movie type place.
The foundation wanted to restore the facade and then hope it inspired someone.
The Park Service does own most of the houses along Canal - but they have several people who held out. Some of these are the properties in disrepair. The Park Service has been cleaning up the site - it is better than it was - but much worse than it was before the Park Service wanted to make it a Park.
Kathleen (NPS superintendant) is determined to finish the buying the last few properties and then we will need funding to finish the landscaping etc.
It has taken too long and it has looked awful for too long - but I think it will finally start to improve.
Posted on October 28 at 6:30 p.m.
OGD
Yes the Ritz was bought and donated to the foundation.
The front has had a little restoration but the rest is just filled with some rather large trees.
I don't understand the logic of adding $ 100,000 worth of neon lights to a building with no roof or electric.
(Ever seen roofers work? - that neon won't last long if they even tried to restore more than the facade).
Posted on October 27 at 3 p.m.
pbnj
You are correct that it was her building to do what she liked with items contained inside (or even the windows) but the city does have the right to expect certain standards of ownership.
You have to maintain the appearence, it has to be secure and it has to be safe. None of those things were done for years with FBC - and they are not being done with Arlington.
The city has every right to try and get Tom to do something with Arlington. They should have done that years ago with FBC.
The city though should not penalize new owners for the sins of the former owners.
It appears that the members of the City Planning Department and the Preservation Commision were clueless to the real condition of the building and it was only when the windows were removed that they saw its true condition. They seem to think that the windows being removed made the roof collapse. I went to all the meetings between Dream Homes and the City and it was clear that the Preservation Commision never understood how bad the building was: and did not understand that the entire roof structure had to be removed - tiles, beams, gutters, facica boards, gable ends, etc.
The building needed an entire new roof structure and Dream Homes brought in their architect and a company that was working on the new roof design - allowing an Atrium over the former sanctuary. It could have been lovely.
Posted on October 27 at 11:33 a.m.
humorme - he was the defender of the faith though ----
as appointed by the Pope -
He did divorce 2 - beheaded 2 - and one died - he died before he could get rid of another wife.
Is beheading still an option? - seems to be out of fashion - except in the Middle East.
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Posted on November 19 at 3:52 p.m.
Little extra information -
Apart from not being a "gal"
I own two downtown businesses, pay tax on 6 downtown properties and also live downtown.
While my business may not be considered important - I think I have been a good downtown citizen and I have been active within NDDA and the community.
I am sorry that I expect groups (the chamber and the NDDA) that want me to give them money to make an appearance in my business. I am currently not a member of either. I told the CEO of the chamber in her first month (early 2007?) to come see me and I would pay my dues - still waiting.
I would walk a few blocks for a hundred plus dollars.
On EDA board votes to give $12,500 to NDDA