Should the BOA have approved Tabor’s University Inn project?
My Turn: CottonMills favoritism is wrong
July 22, 2010 By 4 Comments
Robbie Coblentz
Managing Editor, StarkvilleNow
So let me get this right.
An out-of-town-development group/knight-in-shining-armor wants to build a hotel/condo as part of a major, upscale retail, residential and convention center development on the underdeveloped property along Highway 12 between Spring and Russell streets. A local group wants to turn part of that same property into an upscale retail and hotel/condo center.
Both want to do essentially the same thing. The out-of-town group has been trying to get their act together for a couple of years, and meanwhile the property languishes. The local group has their ducks in a row but is running into opposition.
When the local guys apply for the zoning change they think they need to make it all happen, the out-of-town guy raises a stink. “This proposed development will detract from the surrounding property values,” said Jimmy Gouras, planning consultant for CottonMill planners Nicholas Properties of Ridgeland and PDK Capital Investors of Atlanta, Ga, aka The Knight.
The citizen-led Planning and Zoning commission ruled 7-0 in favor of the local guy, Tabor Construction. The Board of Alderman sided 4-2 with the out-of-town knight.
Huh?
This raises so many questions.
Why did the aldermen ignore P&Z’s unanimous recommendation, not once but twice?
Why did they reject a locally proven developer in Larry Tabor — who has financing in place — for a project that has languished for several years, leaving behind nothing but the rubble of a movie theater and pretty signs?
Vice Mayor and Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk cited her reason for voting no as the fact that the residential zoning will not generate as much money as it would if it stayed commercial.
So 50 (or more) high-end condos, which most likely wouldn’t qualify for homestead exemption, coupled with a restaurant or other retail outlet is going to get you les tax dollars than another clothing store or sub shop that could go in there tomorrow under existing zoning?
Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas rejected the idea because he said it was closer to “strip” development instead of nodal development.
So if Tabor does it, it’s a strip mall, but CottonMills doing it makes it nodal?
Huh?
This really doesn’t make much sense.
Will this same group of city leaders oppose CottonMills if they purchase the project, refurb it into a hotel or condos and stick a restaurant there?
Probably not, and therein lies the problem.
Favoring a group who has made plans but no progress for years over one who is ready to go smells of preferential treatment.
I don’t blame the CottonMills group for opposing Tabor’s project. It’s a valuable piece of land in question. I’m sure they want to buy it to integrate into their master plan. That makes good business sense.
But to protest someone else’s project now, knowing that they are going to attempt something similar if/when their projects ever gets moving is pretty lame.
It’s not like they haven’t had their chance to buy it in the past. They have been given first shot with millions of tax dollars (another way of saying “tax credits”) and everyone is cheering them on.
But all we have is a torn-down building, weeds and promises. And a Board of Aldermen ruling in their favor.
I hope the CottonMills development makes it. It could be one of — if not the — most important retails developments in Starkville in the past 30 years.
But even more, I wish the out-of-town guys could play nice with the local developer and build something marvelous.
Too bad the Aldermen couldn’t have helped move that project along.
(Full disclosure time: Tabor project architect is Chris Cosper, a good friend who designed the Studio on North Jackson project for me and currently rents an office there. Jeremiah Dumas is Alderman for my Ward- and a very responsive one at that.)
Mayor, Supes, BOA: We need a spec building
June 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
As most regular readers of StarkvilleNow know, we like to look at local economic development efforts in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. An email made it’s way this week that I thought might be of interest.
From the Agurban, a newsletter from Boomtowninstitute.com.
Spec Buildings Continue to Pay Off
Last week we shared with you the success story of Scottsboro, AL, and how they have been able to lure new businesses to their community because of an existing spec building. We heard back from Lyle Hevern, Mayor of Estherville, IA. Here’s what he had to say:
This Agurban article about spec buildings touches close to home.
Like the city of Scottsboro mentioned in the article, Estherville believes strongly in having a spec building available. We currently have our 5th spec building ready for a prospective job-creating business to locate in it.
We started our spec building program in the mid-1980s. Our first spec building was sold to a trucking outfit who today employs around a 100 people. Our spec building program became even more important to our community of 7,500 residents when our largest employer closed and laid off nearly 900 workers.
Our second spec building was sold to a wheel mfg who currently employs about 300. After that, our 3rd spec building attracted an industry to our city who chose instead to build a new facility here and today employs about 40. So we got the company and jobs without selling our spec building. We then sold that spec building to a Canadian firm that produced stain glass windows used in residential front doors. At its peak, it employed about 90 people. The company became a victim of the housing recession and closed its doors. The 4th spec building was sold to a local company while it was still being constructed. We have been sitting on our 5th spec building for a few years now. It is currently being considered by a company who says the major reason to be looking at Estherville is because we have the spec building.
We also bought and refurbished two existing buildings and used them as spec buildings with varying degrees of success.
We have used a variety of funding methods to pay for the spec buildings. Our private, non-profit industrial development group, was the developer of each of the spec buildings. The city and local REC have been key partners in the spec building program.
We also are developing a “virtual spec building” program. It will include a completely designed manufacturing building with a 3-D color rendering of a virtual building. We would “locate” it on one of our completely graded and ready to build upon lots in our industrial park. By having it done virtually, we can make any changes needed quickly and begin construction almost immediately. We anticipate having two or three different “virtual spec buildings” ready to show prospects. We are just getting started on this program.
Thanks, Mayor Hevern, for sharing your success story with spec buildings!
Our leaders need to pool resources to build a spec building at Cornerstone.
Guv: Toyota officially resumes
June 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dan Turner (601) 576-2009; dturner@governor.state.ms.us
Laura Hipp (601) 576-2020; lhipp@governor.state.ms.us
DATE: June 17, 2010
GOVERNOR BARBOUR ANNOUNCES TOYOTA TO RESUME OPERATIONS IN BLUE SPRINGS
Blue Springs, Mississippi – Governor Haley Barbour announced today the Toyota Motor Corporation is resuming preparations to begin production at its north Mississippi plant next year.
The company plans to produce the Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car of all time, at the Blue Springs plant.
“Toyota is moving forward to equip and begin production at its Mississippi plant. We’re delighted, but not surprised,” Governor Barbour said. “We’ve had good reason to keep our faith in them. Through a global economic crisis, Toyota kept its financial commitments to the state and to local schools, proving they are not just the world’s premier automaker but a valuable community partner as well. We eagerly look forward to the opening of the Blue Springs plant in 2011 and are proud that the Toyota Corolla, one of the best-selling vehicles of all time, will be manufactured here in Mississippi.”
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding shown by Governor Barbour and the people of Mississippi,” said Yoshimi Inaba, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America. “With the economic downturn, we had a commitment to our team members and communities worldwide to make sure all of our existing plants were stable. With the return of stability to our existing operations in North America, it is time to fulfill Toyota’s promise in Mississippi.”
Toyota plans to begin production at the Blue Springs facility in the fall of 2011. When complete, the facility will employ approximately 2,000 individuals.
Wayne Stokes, president of the Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors and chairman of the PUL Alliance, the regional economic development alliance in northeast Mississippi, said, “The PUL Alliance never lost faith in Toyota. Now, with production of the popular Corolla slated for the plant and hiring beginning in the fall, it makes us all truly appreciate the impact these jobs will have on our regional economy.”
Toyota first announced its plans to build its 10th U.S. production facility at the 1,700-acre site in Blue Springs, near Tupelo, Miss., in February 2007 with production to begin in 2010. The State of Mississippi committed approximately $294 million to the project to assist with site preparation, infrastructure and training.
“Today’s announcement is a validation of our strong partnership with Toyota, and we look forward to the 2,000 jobs the Blue Springs plant will create, as well as a like or greater number of supplier jobs,” said Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority.
Toyota broke ground on the facility in April 2007 and completed building construction in the spring of 2009. In December 2008, company officials announced a delay in their plans to begin production at the facility but stated their clear intent to move forward with the plant when market conditions improved.
Toyota continued to pay more than $10 million on state-issued bonds to fund road construction and extend water and sewer systems to the site. The corporation also made its initial annual $5 million payment to the Tupelo-based CREATE Foundation for local education, which was the first payment in a 10-year commitment to the organization.
- 30 -
NEMS360: Here comes Toyota
June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
NEMS360.com is reporting that Toyota is looking to get Blue Springs going again.
Toyota is considering restarting its delayed Blue Springs plant, according to sources familiar with the matter, The Associated Press reports.
Toyota plans to bring a factory in Mississippi onstream, possibly in mid-2011, the Nikkei newspaper reported. Originally slated to start operations this year, the facility will produce about 100,000 Corolla sedans a year, the paper said.
Toyota officials in the U.S. could not be reached for comment.
However, sources tell the Daily Journal that Toyota plans to make an announcement Thursday regarding the future of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, which has been idled since December 2008.
The Mississippi plant is half-finished, but work on getting it up and running will begin, and production will start by the latter half of next year, under the new plan pending directors’ approval, The Associated Press reports
Read more: NEMS360.com – UPDATE Toyota plans to make announcement about Blue Springs
Downtown at Sundown kicks off this Thursday
June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
This Thursday, downtown shops and restaurants in Starkville will kick off the first Downtown at Sundown, offering various promotions and themes to draw visitors.
Starting this week, retailers in downtown will extend business hours for shoppers and diners until 8 p.m. each Thursday night.
Retailers will offer promotions, discounts and specials for shoppers and organizers will incorporate a theme for promotions for each week beginning with “Downtown with Dad” this week.
“We’re so excited that our downtown retailers have chosen to promote local shopping in Starkville by extending their hours every Thursday night.
The store owners are excited about the potential of attracting new shoppers to their stores,” said Melissa Dixon, president of the Starkville Downtown Business Association.
The SDBA and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership plan to include live music and other features to entice shoppers and diners to spend Thursday nights downtown in the upcoming weeks.
“We have big plans for Downtown at Sundown, and we’re hoping that the community will really come out and support local businesses and experience a fun, vibrant atmosphere each Thursday night in Downtown Starkville,” aid Jennifer Gregory, GSDP vice president for tourism development.
“The downtown area really offers something for everyone, including shopping, dining, and entertainment, so we’re thrilled to be able to debut this program. We really appreciate the merchants extending their hours and participating to make this program worthwhile,” Gregory added.
Upcoming themes include Cupcakes and Lemonade and Independence Day.
For details on specials being offered or more information about Downtown at Sundown, contact Gregory by e-mail at jgregory@starkville.org or 323-3322.
From the SDN.
Coming soon: the new SED
June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
From the SDN:
In just two weeks, the new Starkville Electric Department building will open for business.
Standing at two stories and with 9,000 square feet of space, the place responsible for keeping the lights on is the City of Starkville’s first LEED sustainable structure, a mark of the community’s growing interest in earth-friendly initiatives.
LEED, which means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the city’s primary certification system which all buildings over 3,000 feet are required to meet since the 2009 approval of Starkville’s sustainability policy.
“I’m ready to move,” said SED general manager Ed Hattaway, who has been working along with LEED-certified architect Chris Cosper for over 10 years to finish the building.
Read article.
Broadcast Media Group wins international awards for video production
June 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
STARKVILLE, MS (June 2, 2010)—Broadcast Media Group, Inc. of Starkville has won two Telly Awards for projects produced in 2009, bringing the company’s international production awards total to 11.
The projects – “Believe” and “Pick Peppers”- were selected from a large group of submitted work from across the United States and around the world. A panel of more than 40 industry professionals judged the national competition.
“Believe,” a four and a half minute inspirational video produced for the Starkville School District, won a Silver Telly, the highest honor given by the Telly Awards. The project features a simple but powerful message. Teachers and students appeal to each member of the community to believe in, lean on, respect and encourage one another.
“It is a compelling video that stirs emotion, but more than that, it spotlights who we are in the Starkville School District and what we believe,” said Nicole Thomas, public information officer for the district.
“We’re very proud of this project,” said Robbie Coblentz, Broadcast Media Group president. “It was fulfilling to be involved with the development of this message.”
“Pick Peppers,” was produced for the West Point, MS-based advertising agency Quest Group and their client, Sweet Peppers Franchise Systems, LLC. The 30-second energetic TV
commercial is currently airing in markets around the southeastern United States.
“The ‘Pick Peppers’ commercial was the most fun video shoot we have experienced. Partnering with Broadcast Media and Quest Group produced a branding commercial that is one of the major factors in increasing our sales,” said Arma delaCruz Salazar, director of marketing for Sweet Peppers.
“The commercial highlights the energetic atmosphere, great food and superior service offered by Sweet Peppers Deli. Their customers had fun attempting the ‘Petey Pepper’ tongue twister — a play on the traditional ‘Peter Piper’ — and the ad shows that,” said Cindy Hodo, partner with Quest Group.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, film and video productions, and web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments around the world.
Broadcast Media Group is an award-winning media production company serving clients across the state of Mississippi and the Southeast. Broadcast Media provides video production, Web and duplication services.
Both projects can be seen at www.getBMGNow.com. A complete list of Telly Winners for the 31st annual competition is available at www.tellyawards.com.
For more information on Broadcast Media, contact Robbie Coblentz at (662) 324-2489 or robbie@broadcastmediagroup.com.
Mark Issacs’ resigns from the City of Starkville Comprehensive Planning Committee
June 9, 2010 By 3 Comments
NEWS RELEASE
Office of Mayor Parker Wiseman
City of Starkville
Starkville, MS June 9, 2010
Re: Mark Issacs’ resigns from the City of Starkville Comprehensive Planning Committee
Statement from Alderman Jeremiah Dumas:
Mark Isaacs’ resignation from the City of Starkville Comprehensive Planning Committee has been received and accepted. His resignation is a result of his understanding of the importance of the comprehensive planning process and his desire to see this process succeed without speculation, conflict, or the appearance of impropriety.
Without a doubt, Mark and his business endeavors have seen better days, but it should never be discounted that he is a talented and award/winning professional who has garnered national recognition from the Urban Land Institute and the like. I appreciate Mark’s willingness to serve on the committee and provide valuable planning and architectural insight.
Signed,
Jeremiah Dumas
Chair, City of Starkville Comprehensive Planning Committee
Statement from Mayor Parker Wiseman:
I am thankful for Mark Isaacs’ willingness to volunteer his time and expertise in aiding the Starkville Comprehensive Planning Committee. His service to the committee has been an asset. I understand and accept his desire to resign from the committee and wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors.
Louisville Courier-Journal: Leaky condos fuel tenants’ anger over Mark Isaacs developments
June 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
From the Louisville Courier-Journal:
At Mark Isaacs’ Cliff View Terrace on lower Brownsboro Road, six of the 30 condos have leaked, according to condo association president J.P. Davis.
At Highland Terrace, along a crowded block on Baxter Avenue, three units have had “monstrous leaks,” and condo owners have spent $115,000 trying to repair leaking terraces and replace faulty bricks, said Jeff Beck, its association president.
Read the rest of the article here.
Loading ...
Recent comments