[Editorial]  Put Jackson First

April 29, 2009

When the Jackson Free Press editorial board met with mayoral candidates last week, we asked each candidate roughly the same questions based on a list we had compiled beforehand. But when one candidate brought up John McGowan’s Two Lakes project and pledged his whole-hearted support, we added the question to our arsenal and called those we were still considering for a comment. Although they were not equally enthusiastic about the project, the majority of the other candidates said they supported the project.

This was a red flag for us. Most of the candidates had not studied the project carefully enough to take such a firm stance. While Two Lakes has good intentions (to develop the Pearl River area into an attractive multi-use destination while boosting flood-control), McGowan’s proposal has a number of roadblocks that include environmental threats, lack of feasibility and extremely high costs.

The Pearl River, which currently ranks among the country’s most endangered rivers, is home to old growth forests—dense growth that can help process rainwater and improve air quality in the city—and a number of endangered or threatened wildlife species. The Two Lakes plan would destroy a good deal of that natural habitat to make room for prime riverfront real estate and recreation. Those features aren’t necessarily bad, but when you evaluate the cost (the low estimate is $200 million and lost natural habitat), it’s problematic at best.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to develop the river without uprooting trees and flooding the Pearl River Basin. The Army Corps of Engineers has proposed installing levees in the area to alleviate flooding. This approach could still mean property near the water—think high-rise condominiums with a view. The levees could also be built in conjunction with a Pearl River Greenway, which would offer transportation and recreation options and still keep the ecosystem intact—all while controlling flooding. Those bike paths and ball fields would be a huge draw for young adult professionals and families.

When we asked the Two Lakes question of the candidate we ultimately decided to endorse, he told us that he had supported the project in the past, but needed to study its latest form before he could say whether he supported or opposed it. That showed us that he is not quick to take a stand for the sake of posturing, but is willing to do his homework before he commits himself—and the city of Jackson—to a massive undertaking. And we like that. We want the Pearl River taken very seriously.

It would behoove the other candidates to follow his lead, and be careful not to adopt an idea before thoroughly scrutinizing it. This kind of mentality will only hurt Jackson.

Put the city of Jackson first, and voter appeal second, and ultimately the two interests will align.

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