Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis stated at the last alderman meeting that Mississippi Department of Archives and History is preventing the city from removing the rubble of the pecan factory. Permit me to set the record straight.

MDAH had three very specific conditions for demolition of the pecan factory: 1. A geological study to be sure the bluff can support the planned development; 2. Completed architectural drawings that matched the design approved by the Natchez Preservation Commission; and 3. A signed construction contract to build the approved design.

Whether MDAH required these conditions or not, the developer had to have them to proceed with the project. Yet, these three conditions have never been submitted to MDAH by Worley/Brown, so MDAH could not issue the demolition permit.

Whose “fault” is this? Ask Worley/Brown. Step in Mayor Phillip West who, against state law, recklessly ordered the demolition of the pecan factory.

According to The Natchez Democrat, MDAH is ready and willing to have the rubble removed if the city will meet two basic requirements: 1. Protect any important artifacts remaining from the pecan factory, and 2. Not disturbing the ground itself which has not yet been surveyed for possible archeological significance. (A state law.) These are reasonable requests that the city should be doing on its own anyhow.

Apparently the city would not agree. Whose fault is this? The city is trying to blame others for another of the messes it has created for itself.

I encourage citizens across all of Natchez to let their alderperson know they expect the city to obey laws and act responsibly.

I also encourage good citizens of Natchez to consider potential candidates for city elections next year — it is past time for a change in leadership.

Neil Varnell

Natchez resident