Almost 377,000 US dollars demolition contract for the project on site, which is bound with the Jackson broom scandal

Jackson, Miss. (WLBT) – The first phase of work on a new development over the Jackson Convention Complex could progress soon after the Jackson City Council coordinated.

On Tuesday, the members just approved the allocation of Hemphill Construction a Treaty of $ 366,800 in order to complete a location of approximately 7.5 hectares along Pascagoula to make the puls@Farish space.

The contract takes place for 90 days, whereby the work is expected to begin as soon as a message is issued according to the documents of the city.

The measure was approved with 4: 3 votes, with the council members Ashby Foote, Tina Clay, Brian Grizzell and Aaron Banks voted for the establishment of Virgi Lindsay, Kenneth Stokes and Vernon Hartley.

“During this term, it is too late to assign these funds for this project,” said Lindsay, the President of the Council. “A new administration comes in less than six weeks, and I think that a project of this size must be checked and approved by the next administration.”

Hartley, who represents Ward 5, expressed similar feelings and added that Lumumba only announced the project in January.

“He had a full eight years to carry out these projects,” he said. “The last 45 days [are] Not the time to do something. ”

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba was defeated in his offer for a third term in April. His opponent, Senator John Horhn, will meet four independent and a Republican challenger in the parliamentary elections on June 3.

Lumumba announced the pulse in January and said that the project would help to draw more visitors in the city center and to the Jackson Convention Center.

The first phase is expected to include a community park with a stage, pavilions and other event rooms to support leisure activities. This work is expected to cost around 2.9 million US dollars.

In February, the Council approved the amendment of a contract with Dale partner to complete the design work and offer other services, including the tender and the provision of other construction services.

Dale Partners recommended that Hemphill to bring in Hemphill on April 30th by two companies: Hemphill and Banard and Sons. Hemphill was the lowest bidder with approx. 151,000 US dollars.

The proposed location is the same location at the center of a bribery system in which the mayor, a former member of the council, a current council member and the district prosecutor of Hinds County were involved.

Last year, Sherik Marve 'Smith, the former city councilor 2, Angelique Lee and Hinds County's businessman, announced the participation in the program. Lumumba, City Councilor Aaron Banks and District Prosecutor Jody Owens, did not think about a federal court.

[READ: Trial date set for three local leaders charged in connection with Jackson Bribery Scheme]

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