Jim Kopernak is the chairman of the board of directors for the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation, a position he has held since July of 2005.

Sun Staff Writer Elizabeth Ortega recently spoke to Kopernak about what is going on in Belhaven.

How long has the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation been in existence and why was it created?

“The foundation was formed in 1999 to foster preservation, refurbishment and beautification of the historic Belhaven and Belhaven Heights neighborhoods.

“Each neighborhood has its own property owners association and there is a separate security association. The foundation has a full-time executive director, Virgi Lindsay, a most talented administrator. I like to think the foundation progressively promotes the traditional neighborhood values.”

What are some of the projects that the foundation is working on right now?

“Our most ambitious project at the moment is developing a vision and plan for mixed-use development of our commercially zoned perimeters. We’re currently midway through the research and planning phase, working with several architects and a prominent traffic engineer.

“The goal is to establish an intelligently designed, pedestrian friendly area of small shops, restaurants, offices and living spaces reminiscent of an earlier time in Belhaven when we walked to local services and bumped into neighbors and friends along the way.

“We’re working closely with our friends at the Baptist Hospital to make this dream a reality.”

What have been some positive events or outcomes from the foundation’s work over the years?

“Accomplishments include attaining historic district status, establishment of the Belhaven Market, creation of an architectural tour with brochure, receipt of a 38 acre parcel of undeveloped land on the eastern border of Belhaven, making substantial improvements to Laurel Street Park, joining the Mississippi Main Street program, working with other neighborhood associations and the city to pass the neighborhood mixed-use zoning ordinance, and establishing Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights, an annual neighborhood street festival.”

How is the Belhaven Market doing?

“In its fifth year, the Belhaven market continues to thrive. It’s a wonderful example of the foundation marshalling the right talent and expertise to be successful.

“Julia Daily did the initial research and planning and ran the market for the first couple of years. Cathy Massey does a great job managing it now. The market is a regular Saturday morning stop for folks to get fresh produce, plants, foodstuffs and a variety of handcrafted items.

“The market has been the incubator for several new businesses around town. And, it’s self-sufficient; no subsidies to prop it up.”

How is the Fortification Street project coming along?

“The redesign of Fortification Street has long been a priority concern for the foundation. Quite a number of government agencies are involved and keeping the process moving has been a significant challenge.

“But we are pleased to report that the foundation, Baptist Health Systems and the city of Jackson have all endorsed the three lane plan which will calm but not reduce traffic flow and permit maximum enhancement of landscape, lighting and pedestrian features so the street serves both as a corridor to the central business district and as an entrance to the Greater Belhaven neighborhoods.

“There is a final comment period that will conclude in 2007. Construction should begin in 2008. Finally.”

What are the strengths of the Belhaven area?

“The real strength of any neighborhood is in its residents, both property owners and renters. We have a rich mix of families and individuals who want to live in a historic urban setting with interesting architecture, friendly neighbors, and beautiful old trees.

“When you drive through one of our neighborhoods you will see light reflecting in odd patterns off of old glass windows. We value such links to the past and we are working to preserve that sense of place, of home and neighborhood.

“We have a high median income, a wealth of talented, experienced and energetic individuals willing to pitch in to solve problems, and a full-time executive director who stays on top of things.”

Is there anything else you would like people to know?

“As I have experienced firsthand as chair, the foundation is a dynamic organization with the ability to marshal considerable talent, experience and resources to pursue opportunities and solve problems.

“At the moment, much of our energy is directed toward pedestrian-friendly mixed use development of our commercial edges. We are open for business. Thanks for the opportunity to tell some of our story.”