Natchez is trashed.

Literally, as in littering.

How does that hit you?

Does it make you indignant, as in “how dare he say that.”

Does it make you mad, as in “that’s true, and it’s shameful.”

Does it make you sad, as in “that’s true, but nothing will change.”

Or does it make you laugh, as in “so what, get over it? “

I have advocated for preservation of the bluff as a public space that would help define Natchez for the next 100 years, as part of a well-crafted, publicly-vetted master plan.

A master plan that preserves and builds on the rich, 300-year history of Natchez.

A master plan that the community could rally around and be energized to implement.

A master plan that could be a blueprint and catalyst for the resurgence of Natchez and serve as a model for revitalization of similar cities – cities once thriving due to historic and/or natural attributes, but now declining due to economic stagnation and deterioration of quality of life.

The efforts to bring in new industries, new employers, and new tourists are commendable. They are bearing fruit. Likewise, the efforts to keep Natchez at the forefront of the performing arts. Anyone who thinks there’s not much to do here is either not looking or not interested. This city has an amazing array of historic, cultural, and entertainment venues and events, thanks to countless hours of work and promotion by many volunteers.

Natchez has the potential to be a vibrant city, firing on all cylinders. A city where young professionals, entrepreneurs, families, retirees, and businesses want to locate. A city growing, not shrinking, in population and resources. A city with a downtown bustling with activity all day and into the evening. A city with over a million visitors per year, from all over America and the world.

There are many steps to take to achieve those goals. But as the Chinese proverb says, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.

That one step can be restoring pride in our city.

Pride that citizens can see and feel. Pride that tourists can see and feel. Pride that employers, families and retirees considering Natchez can see and feel.

The single biggest indicator of pride, or lack of it, is whether a city is clean or trashed.

Littering has been allowed to become part of the way of life here. On my walks down to the bluff, I see cigarette butts, fast-food garbage, beer cans and bottles, dirty diapers, plastic bags and other trash strewn about. Some of it stays there for a week, two weeks, or longer.

The worst area on my path is the Callon parking lot at the bluff. It’s a garbage dump. One of the most scenic spots in North America. What do tourists think as they walk by? What does a potential employer think? A family or retired couple checking out Natchez as a place to live?

It’s not rocket science. They think, nice place, but there’s no pride in this town. The litter is a flashing, neon sign that says we, the citizens, don’t care about the future of this community. Much of the efforts by Natchez, Inc., the CVB, and other organizations to promote Natchez is being cancelled out by the trashing of the town.

We can change this. Here are a few suggestions. Add your own. Make your voice heard.

• Announce a new anti-littering campaign, including educating the public about the impact of littering on our environment, our health, our quality of life, and our town’s chance to make a comeback economically.
• Consistently and systematically enforce the anti-littering ordinance with fines, after an initial 30-day grace period.
• Deploy dedicated crews to pick up litter quickly in every area frequented by tourists, and on all the major byways through town.
• For the Callon lot, get rid of the two asphalt parking areas closest to the river; plant grass.

What’s hiding under the trash, ready to emerge, as a butterfly from its cocoon?

Simply this: Natchez is beautiful.

 

James Wallace is a resident of Natchez.