Image Credit: Imani Khayyam
The Jackson City Council's Nov. 3 meeting was interrupted by a heated exchange that prompted a one-hour recess and the postponement of the remaining agenda until Thursday, Nov. 5.
The council reconvened Thursday at 10 a.m. to complete the agenda. For residents unable to attend, this recap highlights the council's discussions and decisions with potential impacts on neighborhoods across Jackson.
Review the meeting agenda packet.
By the Numbers
3 ordinances introduced for consideration
1 unexpected meeting disruption leading to a recess and meeting postponement
1 makeup meeting held Thursday, Nov. 5
$4 million estimated for resurfacing 2 miles of Bailey Avenue
$20 million in federal funding identified for Medgar Evers Boulevard improvements
Nov. 3, 2026, Meeting Activity
After addressing a portion of the agenda, a disruption in the chamber prompted the council to approve a one-hour recess. Council members ultimately voted to postpone the remainder of the meeting until Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m.
Moment of Silence
The Nov. 3 meeting opened with a moment of silence for two victims of a recent shooting at the Hideaway nightclub in northeast Jackson: Lovdai Poindexter, 20, and Jada Henderson, 18.
Medgar Evers Boulevard Renaming Ordinance Proposed
Family members of Medgar Evers and Charles Evers, including Hinds County Supervisor Wanda Evers, addressed the council with concerns about a proposal by Councilman Kenneth Stokes to rename a portion of Medgar Evers Boulevard, from Freedom Corner to Pocahontas Avenue, in honor of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was killed in a June 2026 shooting in Senatobia.
Speakers said the family had not been contacted in advance and raised concerns about fragmenting a civil rights landmark established in 1984. They asked the council to consider an alternative for honoring the child.
Stokes later introduced the ordinance, saying the city was not changing the name of the boulevard but merely adding an honorary designation to recognize the recent tragedy.
The ordinance is not expected to return for a vote until December.
Data Center Moratorium
Multiple speakers opposed repealing the city's temporary moratorium on data centers, adopted July 14 and scheduled to expire April 4, 2027. Speakers raised concerns about noise, environmental impacts, tax incentives and whether the projects would deliver lasting benefits.
Martin Todd Allen urged the council to slow the process, comparing data center incentives to longstanding patterns of outside interests extracting value from Mississippi.
Candice Abdul-Tawab, executive director of Mississippi for a Just World, played a recording of data center noise. Yolanda Daniel of Environmental Advocates Mississippi cited scientific findings on the physical and mental health effects of prolonged exposure to similar noise.
A speaker affiliated with the Pearl River Action Network and Central Mississippi Democratic Socialists of America criticized the proposed repeal, characterizing it as a rejection of earlier community work.
City Attorney Drew Martin said staff members continue to draft a regulatory framework that accounts for residents' and council members' concerns. He noted that any proposed data center would still have to meet zoning requirements, undergo site plan review and provide opportunities for public review. He also said tax abatements are not necessarily required.
Council members indicated the draft could be ready for discussion soon, with opportunities for ward-level hearings and public hearings before the full council. No vote was taken.
Stokes argued that Jackson should not turn away potential revenue that other counties are taking advantage of.
Belhaven Beach
A speaker from the Pearl River Action Network opposed the city's earlier proposal to sell riverfront public land at Belhaven Beach, describing it as a long-used natural area with sandbars and trails dating to the early 1900s.
The speaker expressed concern about potential commercial development, including a casino, and suggested making the area a community space by adding trail markers and designating it as a nature park or preserve.
Nightclub Safety and Jackson State Concerns
Jakari Holland, a senior and president of Jackson State University's Student Government Association, presented an open letter regarding the recent nightclub shooting that killed a classmate.
He requested a documented review to determine the Hideaway's compliance with existing security ordinances, including an ordinance passed in March requiring eight hours of Jackson Police Department training for security personnel.
Council members indicated they had received the letter and would respond.
JTRAN Criticism
A Ward 5 resident and frequent JTRAN rider reported ongoing issues with bus tracking, poor lighting at Union Station, including a dark bay where the Capitol Street bus parks, and vehicle reliability. She said the tracking system was inconsistent and that she had observed smaller vehicles overheating during the summer.
Veterans Day Invitation and Street Conditions
Members of VFW Post 9832 invited the council and public to their annual Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Auxiliary President Elaine Martin highlighted the post's community service, including support for Johnson Elementary.
Speakers also raised concerns about the condition of Willie Lindsay Jr. Drive, formerly Sunway Drive, describing it as a frequently traveled road in need of repairs.
Consent Agenda and Ordinance Introductions
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda.
An ordinance amending the City of Jackson Classification and Compensation Plan was introduced to add two positions to the Office of the City Attorney: an investigator, with a salary range of $56,655.12 to $68,560.08, and a public records administrator, with a salary range of $51,588.24 to $62,385.12.
City Attorney Drew Martin said the investigator would focus on blight investigations, gathering information about problem properties and apartment complexes to support legal action in coordination with the city's blight plan and Environmental Court activities.
The blight investigator position is intended to support ongoing neighborhood cleanup and enforcement efforts.
Meeting Disruption and Recess
During remarks on the data center ordinance, Stokes cited unpaved streets, missing lighting on key bridges and the closed Main Street bridge. He then used abrasive language, including a sexist slur directed toward a member of the public who had spoken earlier.
The exchange quickly escalated, with audience members chanting for his immediate removal from the chamber. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney intervened, warning that further disruption could result in the room being cleared for public safety.
Several media outlets, including the Clarion Ledger, WLBT, WJTV and WAPT, reported on the disruption.
The council voted 4-3 to recess for one hour, with Montyne Clay, Lashia Brown-Thomas, Brian Grizzell and Kevin Parkinson voting in favor. Stokes, Vernon Hartley and Ashby Foote voted against the recess.
When the meeting reconvened, members voted 4-1 to recess until Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m.
Council President Vernon Hartley later stated that the language and personal remarks were unacceptable and that the matter would be reviewed through applicable procedures.
Mayor John Horhn also issued a statement emphasizing that disagreements should never become personal attacks.
Nov. 5, 2026, Meeting Activity
The council reconvened Thursday, Nov. 5, to complete the Nov. 3 agenda.
Blight Management and Neighborhood Recovery Master Plan
The council unanimously adopted a resolution approving the city's Blight Management and Neighborhood Recovery Master Plan (Version 1.8), establishing a framework for addressing commercial and residential blight citywide.
Councilman Ashby Foote discussed work that began roughly two years ago and the recent opening of a "war room" on Capitol Street involving program director Josh McManus.
City staff members said the city is operating with a six-person team and more than $1 million provided by the mayor. Heavy equipment includes skid-steer loaders and forestry mulchers. Current efforts focus on properties that have gone through code enforcement and Environmental Court proceedings, as well as trash and litter along roadways and overgrown grass and brush.
Crews have been working in Wards 5, 3 and 6, with Wards 4 and 2 next on the schedule. Next steps will include removing eligible structures once the city landfill reopens, tentatively scheduled for December, so debris does not have to be hauled to commercial sites at $50 to $70 per ton.
Jackson State University and city planning staff are examining reuse options for cleared lots. Meanwhile, the city's legal department is reviewing stronger fines.
Priorities for the effort are determined by code enforcement history, 311 calls, city and state properties and other factors. Officials said a comprehensive plan will be presented to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the legislative delegation in an effort to secure additional funding.
Missing Bridge Lights, Street Conditions and Paving
Councilman Kenneth Stokes returned to the bridge and lighting issues he raised Nov. 3. He again cited the closed Main Street bridge and missing lights on the Bay Avenue and Fortification Street bridges.
He said older residents with declining vision face particular risks on streets without reflectors or lane markings and argued that the city should not wait on the county to make repairs.
Mayor John Horhn provided the following updates:
Repairs to the MLK Bridge, which has been out of service for four to five years, are in the final stages.
Bailey Avenue will be resurfaced from Woodrow Wilson Avenue to Northside Drive at an estimated cost of $4 million for 2 miles.
The city is working with the Mississippi Department of Transportation on improvements to Medgar Evers Boulevard. Horhn said the city plans to use $17 million in modernization use-tax revenue in an effort to match $20 million in Federal Highway Administration funding.
Paving on Woodrow Wilson Avenue from MLK Drive to Bailey Avenue is complete. Work will continue to the middle of the Mill Street Bridge, with further discussion needed about extending improvements to the interstate.
Paving on MLK Drive is targeted for completion before the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in mid-January.
Horhn also noted recent paving near Jackson Mall on Bailey Avenue.
Drug Activity and Vaping
Councilman Kenneth Stokes said he had spoken with state officials about illegal drug activity and vaping products sold in neighborhood stores, including sales to children.
He reported that state agencies view the problem as primarily a local responsibility and called for written documentation confirming which products are illegal so the city can take action.
He described traffic congestion at some businesses selling vaping products, particularly in Ward 1, and said routine street sales occur in low-income neighborhoods.
Hideaway Lounge Closure
Mayor Horhn addressed the safety concerns raised by Jackson State students Nov. 3, announcing that the city had formally filed legal documents to shut down the Hideaway Lounge until further notice following the shooting over Halloween weekend.
He said the business owner and property owner had also voluntarily agreed to keep the establishment closed while its future is determined. Permanent closure remains a possibility.
Department of Justice Grant Announcement
Mayor Horhn said a formal announcement was scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, regarding a Model Cities Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The grant will support additional police officers, overtime, vehicles, technology and violence intervention and prevention programs.
Downtown Jackson's National Folk Festival
Horhn reminded the council that the National Folk Festival returns to downtown Jackson Nov. 13-15.
Organizers raised $1.8 million this year, up from $1.5 million last year, with a $20,000 seed contribution from the city. A large crowd is expected. Last year's event drew more than 30,000 people.
Free Haircuts at J. Ross Barbershop
Councilman Stokes announced free haircuts at J. Ross Barbershop for ROTC students Tuesday, Nov. 10, and for veterans and nursing home residents on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
He closed by again asking the council to remember the nightclub shooting victims.
Before You Go, You Should Know
The consent agenda and ordinance introductions were among the primary formal actions completed before the unexpected recess Nov. 3.
The Nov. 5 continuation of the meeting included updates on major street and bridge improvements, the city's response to the Hideaway Lounge shooting and broader public safety initiatives.
Data center issues will return at later meetings, with additional opportunities for public comment.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Jackson City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch online.
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