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Historic Preservation Review Process Information (downloadable PDF)
Application For Certification Of Appropriateness (downloadable PDF)
Henry LaRose is also a member of the Code Enforcement Committee of the BIA, and he often reminds readers of the purpose of this important committee.
We exist to help protect and support the property values in this historic area by encouraging property owners, as well as renters, to tend to their property. Unkept yards and curbs are the greatest eyesore. If we all simply cared for the condition of our house or apartment directly in front of our house, by sweeping the leaves (!Not into the storm drain!) collecting trash and mowing or edging whenever necessary, our streetscape would improve immensely.
Next, we also look for houses which need maintenance, and send friendly letters to owners to notice the deterioration, and take action to rectify the problem. See, unpainted wood deteriorates at a much greater rate when exposed. Most owners appreciate this reminder. But when owners ignore the problem which has been brought to their attention, we remind them once more and then report the problem to the City.
Finally, we encourage you to report any property which is in need of repair, a streetlight which has quit, an abandoned vechile on the street or in a yard, or any other item which detracts from the expected condition of our historic area.
Yes, call or email Henry at any time. (601) 454 6645 cell / 949-9999 office or <henry@netdoor.com>
Wednesday August 13, 2008
If you're a BIA member you've already received a letter about this, and I apologize for doubling up on that letter and/or on flyers many of you may have received (or helped distribute - thanks to those who have pitched in on this important project!). I know this is a busy time of year; but please take a few minutes to read the information below and most importantly, to go to the public meeting about the Fortification Street redesign project, this Thursday, August 14. Once upon a time, Fortification Street was a pedestrian-friendly, green and pleasant street that was home to businesses and residences that served our neighborhood well. It has sadly become a scary, run-down, high-traffic artery that cuts off neighbors from each other and from shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It is exciting to think that we might witness, and participate in, a renaissance that makes Fortification Street more in keeping, once again, with our unique community of sidewalks, trees, friends and neighbors. Thanks, in advance, for your help in making that happen.
Here's the scoop:
Help Fix Fortification! Attend the Fortification Street Redesign Project Public Hearing THIS THURSDAY, August 14, 2008 from 4 to 7 p.m. (it is a come-and-go meeting format which should take you 15 minutes or less) in the New Stage Theatre Hewes Room at 1100 Carlisle Street. It’s critical for neighborhood residents to show support for the Fortification Street Redesign Project at this final public hearing, especially because a small group of individuals is now circulating a petition to stop all progress on this project.
The street design known as Alternative 3-B provides for construction of sidewalks, one traffic lane on each side with a center turn lane, and other beautification features – approximately $15 million in improvements. This alternative is expected to have the least impact on adjoining historic districts and properties. It is the Preferred Alternative as approved by the City of Jackson and Mississippi Department of Transportation. And, Alternative 3-B has been endorsed by several organizations including GBNF, BIA, the Belhaven Heights Community Association, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, Downtown Jackson Partners, the Mississippi Main Street Association, and the North Mid-Town Community Development Corporation.
Please take 15 minutes to attend the come-and-go public hearing and be sure to fill out a comment form before leaving... and bring a friend. You can fill out one comment card per person (not per household). It matters! Questions? Call the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation, 601-352-8850 or email info@greaterbelhaven.com
Now for the rest of the news...
Don’t miss Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, August 16. Performers include Noah Thompson, Bob Gates, the Jackson Jug Revival; Curves; The Weeks; Tim Avalon & Friends; Jim Kopernak & Howard Jones; Signals; Los Buddies; The Rounders; Mississippi Improve; St. Brigid’s; and Eric Stracener & The Frustrations. Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights has been named a Top 20 Event in the Southeast for the month of August by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The street festival highlights Greater Belhaven, a unique near-downtown neighborhood. It is casual, family-fun event including exciting children’s activities, art, music, theatre and food. Admission to the festival is $3 for those 13 and older; $1 for children ages 12 and younger. The festival begins at McDade’s parking lot and will extend up Carlisle Street to New Stage Theater. Within the festival there will be a children’s area which will include a balloon artist, train rides, space jumps, and arts and crafts. Vendors from the Belhaven Market will be selling a variety of items including foods, arts and crafts. Beverages, including soft drinks, beer and bottled water will be on sale as well. Belhaven merchants also will be offering a variety of gifts and coupons as door prizes for all who attend. For information, call GBNF at 601-352-8850.
If you’d like to VOLUNTEER to help with BLBN, it’s not too late!! Kara Paulk is looking for two groups of volunteers needed to help set-up/take-down the tents, tables, and chairs for Bright Lights Belhaven Nights on August 16. The set-up group will meet on Carlisle Street by Basils at 2:30 p.m. on August 16 (will take about an hour.) The take-down group will begin at 9 p.m. when the event is over, and will take all supplies to the Great Belhaven office on Fortification Street. Golf carts will be provided. Free admission to the festival for all volunteers. If you'd like to sign up please contact Kara Paulk at karapaulk@bellsouth.net <mailto:karapaulk@bellsouth.net> or 601-944-0605. Thanks!
Found cat: a beautiful long haired white cat with peach/apricot markings, with no tail, has been hanging around the GBNF offices at 954 Fortification Street. If you know whose she is (she’s obviously a pet), please contact Mary Kay Kimble at 601-352-8850.
Manship House Symposium to Examine Arts in Everyday Life: "Step into My Parlor," a symposium at the Manship House Museum on September 8, will focus on the role of the "best" room in the Victorian house. Experts from Mississippi, Alabama, and Virginia will demonstrate graining, marbling, and other decorative painting techniques and give presentations on period art and architecture. The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. with the presentation "Building the Victorian Parlor: Domestic Architecture of the Antebellum South," by architectural historian Todd Sanders, Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Graham Boettcher, Luce Foundation Curatorial Fellow of American Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, will present "'Gilty' Pleasures: Artistic Taste in Victorian America." Fifth-generation master grainer Malcolm Robson will conclude the morning lineup with "Embellishing the Victorian Parlor: The Art of Decorative Painting." Following the lunch break, participants may take a special "parlor tour" of the Manship House, Eudora Welty House, and Oaks House Museum from 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments made using authentic nineteenth-century recipes will be served. The symposium is free of charge but reservations are required. For more information or reservations, contact the Manship House at 601-961-4724 or by email at mjones@mdah.state.ms.us. "Step into My Parlor" is made possible in part by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council.
Neighbor Louisa Dixon reports that much of Belhaven can now be seen as a Street View on Google Maps – actual images of YOUR HOUSE!! To check it out, go to Google Maps and in the top right corner are the options, one of which is Street Views. Louisa is curious about exactly when the video was taken – if you have an idea, let her know at Louisa.dixon@gmail.com and maybe we’ll publish the story in a later issue.
HGTV is looking for houses: HGTV’s hit show "My House is Worth What?" is coming to the Jackson area and the Natchez area would like to find homeowners and realtors who would like to be considered for the show ASAP! (the deadline is mid-August). Here’s a brief run-down of what they are looking for: homeowners who are lively, personable, energetic; who have remodeled/updated/restored their home in some way and are currently not working on anything major; who have lived in their home 3+ years; who are interested in finding out how their changes have affected the value of the home – they must be open in sharing the purchase price, amount spent on renovations, etc. on TV; and whose homes must not be for sale before we shoot in the fall; and realtors who are well-spoken, good knowledge of what’s important to buyers here; and who are able to help find homes for the show that ARE NOT FOR SALE. If you are interested, please contact Holly Schwartz, Segment Producer, for My House is Worth What?, at 818-255-9288 or holly_schwartz@pietown.tv <outbind://277/holly_schwartz@pietown.tv>
Thanks to all those who participated in our second neighborhood cleanup on August 2 - it was very successful and we are now looking to schedule the next cleanup this fall!
Monday July 28, 2008
The second BIA Neighborhood Cleanup event is THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, starting at 7 a.m. and going until noon. The area that we're focusing on this time runs from Monroe on the east to State Street on the west, & Pinehurst on the north to Fortification on the south. If you live in this area, be watching your mail for a postcard about the event; but wherever you live, please come on out for a few minutes or a few hours and pick up some street litter to help beautify Belhaven!
Meet at the Greater Belhaven Market between 7 and 10 a.m. (look for the Belhaven Improvement Association tent) for some coffee and a donut and to pick up some trash bags and a map of the cleanup area, then head out to help clean up. Timing is good to focus on this area because it
includes the part of the neighborhood where Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights will be happening in a couple of weeks - help put the neighborhood's best "foot" forward for that event! Bring your work gloves and your sunscreen -- and why not recruit a new neighbor or a friend?! Questions? Call Christine at 601- 750-1779.
The agenda for the August meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission is pasted below the signature block. If you have questions about any of these projects or want to find out how to obtain a COA for your own exterior renovation, please contact Biqi Zhao at bzhao@city.jackson.ms.us
Kittens: if you are interested in adopting a kitten (about 5 weeks old now, so not adoptable for a couple more weeks) contact Emily Baker at 601-951-5155 or e-mail her at thedriftery@gmail.com
Mississippi Murder Mysteries presents Good Grape Hunting at Basil's of Belhaven on August 10 at 6 p.m. The Frudee Family has been in the wine-making business for years. Their winery has managed to stay afloat despite the criticism of a local wine critic, Dr. William Beabore. The Frudee brothers, Doodie and Rudy, and their distant cousin, Judy, have discovered how to grow grapes that have already fermented inside the skin! Doodie's wife, Trudy, will do anything to help her husband, even if it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, while Rudy's wife, Prudy, doesn't want to stain her reputation with a secret she'd rather keep to herself. Learn a little bit about wine, but be careful, someone will soon be two sheets under! 352-2002 or missmurdermystery@yahoo.com for tickets.
Neighbor Annette Wysocki passes along this information: the Mississippi Nurses Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created to advance the profession of nursing and advance the quality of healthcare for citizens in Mississippi, is looking for an Executive Director. Requirements are
a bachelor's degree in business, management, education, communications, marketing or a related field. Experience in fundraising, administration, program planning, leadership initiatives, business, and continuing education is desirable. To apply send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Rebecca Askew at reaskew@bellsouth.net or to Mississippi Nurses Foundation, 31 Woodgreen, Madison, MS 39110; Phone: 601.898.0850; Fax: 601.898.0190.
Wednesday July 16 ,2008
Lynn Taylor of Taylor Made Plans, LLC from Nashville, TN will speak tonight at 6 p.m. at the William Winter Archives and History building in the Winter Building Orientation Meeting Room. The topic is very relevant to Belhaven and our historic district: it is “Filling in the Vacant Space: Appropriate Infill Construction in Historic Neighborhoods.” Taylor holds an Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology and has over two decades of relevant experience in building construction design. One of her latest historic replica home designs won the 2007 Metro Nashville Historical Commission's infill category award, and she has won numerous other awards for infill design. More information at http://mdah.state.ms.us/admin/contact.html#hq.
Work has started on improvements to Belhaven Park! Pine Belt Construction Company this week began the first phase of the construction work on improvements to the city-owned Belhaven Park at the corner of Kenwood and Poplar. This first phase of improvements includes work on the curb, gutter, sidewalk, fence and lighting. This work is being done through generous contributions to the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation. The restored Park will be a welcoming entrance to the area and a planned, urban oasis for those living, working and visiting Greater Belhaven. Drive slowly by the park over the next few weeks and watch the exciting transformation!
The Solid Waste Division is having an additional Roll off Dumpster Day this Saturday, July 19. “Although we have doubled the number of dumpsters at each location, we are continuing to see increased levels of waste,” says Vernon Hartley, Solid Waste Manager. “We are trying to meet the citizen’s desire to clean-up by providing many environmentally safe disposal options”. For Ward 7, the dumpster will be located at Midtown Park, on Fairbanks and Mill Streets. More information at 601.960.1193 or http://www.jacksonms.gov/government/publicworks/solidwaste/.
Are you experiencing "Pain @ the Pump"? ARTichoke would like to help, with a SALE – a 20% discount on almost everything in the store, the only exception being the artwork from the show "Outside the Margins". We're right here in the neighborhood at 1012 E. Fortification Street, and we have wonderful one-of-a-kind items, beautiful hand poured candles, handcrafted jewelry, and extraordinary art pieces by Mississippi artists. The "Outside the Margins" show will be displayed July 17th through July 30th, with a reception July 24th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The show features artwork from the Mississippi State Hospital Art Services and Community Services Programs. ARTichoke will also have the book "Images From The Edge”, a collection of writing and artwork from the Mississippi State Hospital Community Service Program. (All proceeds benefit the Friends of Mississippi State Hospital). More information: 601-949-4000.
If you are the owner of a little brown and tan Chihuahua mix male dog that has shown up wandering around Burt Knight’s yard on Lorraine Street in Belhaven Heights, please contact Burt at burt.knight@irbyconst.com. The dog is probably a few years old and has on a blue collar.
Save the date for Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights on August 16! To volunteer, contact Mary Kay Kimble or Gena Collins at 601-352-8850.
Tuesday July 8, 2008
Fortification Street Rebuild:
Our strong neighborhood organizations have worked to revamp the throughfare known as Fortification Street. As GBNF Director Virgie Lindsay likes to say; "fortification street needs to be a zipper between the neighborhood to the north (Belhaven proper) and Belhaven Heights, south of that busy street. Whereas the four lane current design encourages faster vehicular traffic and is less friendly with walkers and bikers, the new design will discourage big trucks, fast cars, and be much more pedestrian friendly.
With the following announcement, this promises to become a reality.
"With no discussion, the MDOT Commission unanimously voted to approve Plan 3-B (3-lane option) for the Fortification Street redesign at its meeting this morning. This is a victory, but not a done deal. The project now goes back to the Federal Highways Administration for approval before the public hearing can be set. How long this takes is unknown, but the goal is to have the public hearing around August 12 at New Stage Theatre. I will keep you posted."
So keep in touch with us, watch this page of my Web Site, and attend the public hearing on 12 August. Henry.
Friday June 20, 2008
BIA is Beautifying Belhaven! Many neighbors identify litter and other clean-up issues as priorities that they would like to see BIA help to address, so join BIA members and your neighbors for the first in a series of neighborhood clean-up events on Saturday, June 28 from 7 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Belhaven College parking lot (corner of Greymont & Pinehurst) between 7 & 8 a.m. for coffee, juice, a donut, and some information about the clean-up, and then we'll head out to pick up trash in the southwest corner of Belhaven. We're starting this time with the area bounded by Monroe Street on the west to River Park on the east, Laurel Street on the north and Fortification Street on the south; neighbors in the clean-up area will be getting a postcard with details, but everyone is welcome to participate! (Future cleanup dates will cover other areas; the next date is tentatively scheduled for August 2 and will focus on the southeast quadrant, which includes the area that will be the site for Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights). Bring a friend, a new neighbor, and your work gloves! Dumpster & trash bags provided. Questions? Call Christine Barron at (601) 750-1779.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Sunday at Basil’s in Belhaven: It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over by Becky Martin: After decades of trying, The Jackson Jackelopes have finally won the seven game Dixie League Championship Series! You are invited to attend the awards gala where Kitty Dinger, wife of deceased former team owner – Hum Dinger, has a big surprise in store for her newly inherited team including plans to hit a home run with the MVP – Jay “Wild Thing” Powers, after the ceremony. His jealous girlfriend, Kaci Striker wants to knock Kitty out of the ball park. She’ll have to take a number behind Kitty’s alcoholic daughter, Lotta Weine, the Jackelope’s announcer, Harry Perry and team coach, Tony Lacorta –both former lovers turned “Kitty toys.” Somewhere between the “seventh inning stretch” and the “bottom of the ninth,” you’ll find out whose future ain’t what it used to be. Sunday, June 22nd at Basil’s Restaurant, Belhaven, 904B E. Fortification St., Jackson (next to McDade’s Grocery Store on Fortification). 6:00 p.m. - Seating, 6:30 p.m. – Show. Call 601-352-2002. $37 per person, you’ll see a Murder Mystery at its best and enjoy fine dining at Basil’s, which consists of your choice of entree selection, salad, and dessert. Tax and tip not included.
A message from GBSA president John Lewis: GBSA is expanding security patrols from midnight until 6 a.m. from now until the end of August. There will now be TWO Security patrol officers and cars patrolling during that time. This will be in addition to our Hinds County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve patrols. With older kids out of school and an apparent increase in criminal activity in other parts of the city, GBSA is taking this precautionary measure to target the times when it appears criminal activity has increased. It is still VITAL that everyone in the neighborhood be aware of any questionable activity and that they contact the SECURITAS patrol officer immediately. This includes problems in both Laurel and Belhaven Parks. The number to the patrol car is 601-720-6452. GBSA would also like to welcome two new residents in our neighborhood, the new manager of the Jackson Office of SECURITAS and one of the new coordinators of the Hinds County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve patrols. We welcome these new neighbors and the increased level of security awareness they will bring to our neighborhood. Faithful members are the reason GBSA can afford to respond to security needs, before they become problems. We appreciate all of our members and encourage any neighbor who is not a member, to join GBSA today! Call 601-353-0800 for more information.
The agenda for the July meeting of the Jackson Historic Preservation Commission is posted below the signature block of this message. If you have questions about an agenda item or want to know how you can apply for your own Certificate of Appropriateness (required for nearly all exterior changes to your Belhaven home), please contact Biqi Zhao at bzhao@city.jackson.ms.us. Also, please be aware that deadlines to get your application on the agenda for each month’s meeting may be as much as 6 weeks in advance due to legal publication requirements.
Millsaps College will offer a 3-D Modeling and Computer Animation Camp for 8th-12th grade students. The camp will meet June 23-27 on Millsaps campus from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Dr. William Bares of the Millsaps faculty will teach the course. Cost is $125 per student. Call Millsaps at 601-974-1130 today to register. Also, Millsaps College offers a Summer Math Fest for students preparing to take algebra II, pre-calculus or statistics in the fall. This camp is June 23-27, from 9 a.m.- 12:00 noon on the Millsaps campus. Cost is $90. Teaching the class is veteran JPS math teacher Joanna Diliogou who teaches at Murrah High School in Jackson. Your student can brush up their math skills with fun and challenging activities! Call 601-974-1130 today.
Recycling pickup is tomorrow!
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