Virgi Lindsay is executive director of the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation (GBNF). She recently spoke with Northside Sun Staff Writer Anthony Warren about some of the on-going projects affecting the Greater Belhaven area and her plans for the year.
With work looking like it will move forward with Fortification Street, and with work wrapping up on the Belhaven Park, what is the foundation’s next step?

“We actually have a good bit more work to do on Belhaven Park. We are raising money now to improve the interior of the park to include a walking path, landscaping and possibly a small performance stage. There is much to be done on Fortification Street, too, and we will continue working with the city as the project moves closer to construction. In addition, we are planning to add a few more events and activities in addition to our existing programs, including urban forestry, parks development, the Greater Belhaven Market, and Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights street festival.”

I’ve reported on this before, but can you tell me again what GBNF plans to do to help businesses when construction begins on the heavily-traveled street?

“We are working with the city, and asking for advice from other Mississippi Main Street communities who have experienced similar street reconstruction projects to develop a comprehensive plan for the construction phase of Fortification. Work on the project should begin in early 2010. Our goal is to support all businesses, offices, and New Stage Theatre, and to help them with marketing and promotions while the street project is in progress.”

I know Baptist Hospital is working on opening some land for development along Fortification. What can you tell me about that?

“Baptist owns six blocks of property located between Fortification, North State, Poplar and Jefferson streets, which were identified as prime development sites during a study done jointly with the neighborhood and Baptist in March 2006. Led by Jackson architects Bob Canizaro and Michael Barranco, the study underscored that the best use of the property is a mixed use development of housing, retail and office space. While the national economic recession has slowed all development, the hospital continues to work to reach an agreement with a company to develop the property.”

How many members do you have and how does the foundation raise money? “GBNF is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization. We do not have memberships, but rather an extensive list of contributors. Greater Belhaven is fortunate in that the people who live, work and invest in the area are our greatest asset. Not only do they give financially, but they give their time, resources and talents. We have a fund-raiser who has helped us create and grow our fund, Belhaven 100. Belhaven 100 members give a minimum of $1,000 a year and we have been fortunate to maintain at least 100 contributors each year since creating this fund in 2002. We receive generous grant funding and volunteer assistance from Baptist Health Systems. Local businesses also help us financially and with events. We also have created special efforts for our parks.”

Do you feel the current economy will affect the foundation? If so, why? “Time will tell, but so far we have been fortunate. Our supporters are continuing to honor their pledges to the foundation, despite the downturn.”

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the area and what is being done to address them? “Perhaps our biggest challenge is finding enough space for businesses and people who want to be here. Frankly, we don’t have enough commercial space and certainly could use more housing. Our largest base is residential, but we also have several colleges and a major medical center in our area. Thousands of people come into the area every day, who don’t live in the area. We need more commercial spaces that can be easily adapted to a specific business or restaurant. Greater Belhaven is ripe for development once the economy improves.”



I looked at the foundation Web site and it mentions a land use plan. What can you tell me about that? “The land use plan has its root in zoning. Early in 2005, GBNF worked with the city of Jackson to become the first neighborhood since 1974 to comprehensively rezone an entire district. It was at this time that our main street district, largely along Fortification from I-55 to Congress Street, became a planned series of mixed-use districts ranging from zoning that allows small cottages all the way up to six-story buildings. The land use plan defines possibilities and opportunities allowed by our mixed-use zoning.”

Tell me about some of the events GBNF will sponsor this year. What do they mean to the community? “Upcoming events in Greater Belhaven include the Belhaven Heights Community Association Meet the Candidates, 2-4 p.m., March 28 at Belhaven Heights Park; the market reopens at 9 a.m. on April 24 in the McDade’s Market/Basil’s parking lot; Art for the Park to support Laurel Street Park, 7-10 p.m. is scheduled for April 23 at The Fairview Inn; Bright Lights Belhaven Nights is August 15; and a Celebration at Belhaven Park will be held later this year, but a date hasn’t been determined. These events build our already strong sense of community and identity.”