The Jackson City Council discussed plans for the former Bank of America building, up-coming events, open records requests and more during its work session held on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Jackson City Hall.
Jackson recently purchased the former Bank of America building on the corner of Third Street and Mulberry Street in downtown Jackson for $300,000. The city has not decided how the building will be used, but there are plans to tear down the bank’s drive-thru and convert that area into a city parking lot.
Jackson City Manager Sylvia Redic said the city has received several calls related to the bank’s ATM machine.
“Bank of America has committed to keeping the ATM open for two years, but after that we aren’t sure,” she said. “It will be based on whether the business stays strong. We realize a lot of people in Jackson use the service so continued use will help keep the service open.”
The council also discussed a host of up-coming events including the Third Street Markets. The market events are held on the first Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 236 W. Third St. in the area known as The Orchard.
The remainder of this year’s markets are set for Sept. 2 and Oct. 7. Farmers and crafters can apply to be a vendor by emailing the Butts County Chamber of Commerce at 3rdstreetmarket@buttschamber.com.
The council discussed the First Friday events and stated that the Oak Street and Mulberry Street intersections with Second Street will be closed prior to and during future events. Future First Friday events are set for Sept. 1 and Oct. 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The council also announced a Town Hall Meeting for the city’s Districts 3 and 5. This meeting is set for Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Gospel of Christ MRF Church on 250 Mallet St. in Jackson.
Jackson Mayor Carlos Duffey will be on hand to greet residents and heavy refreshments will be served.
Neiron Ball Day was also discussed and the council reminded residents that the day honors local football star Neiron Ball. A Jackson Red Devil Football player, Ball went on to play for the Florida Gators and the Oakland Raiders.
He passed away in 2019 following an extended illness related to a rare brain condition. The city will hold a City Clean Up Day in his honor on Aug. 10 at 8 a.m. at Jackson City Hall. Refreshments for volunteers will be provided by Lighthouse Baptist Church.
In other work session discussions, Redic informed the council of Open Records Requests received by the city. She said most of these requests focus on the Jackson Police Department but a few have recently been received related to the city’s fire department.
The council also discussed the status of Browns Park on the square and Patterson/Sims Park which will be located on the corner of Oak Street and MLK Jr. Drive.
Benches and tables for Browns Park and around the town square have been shipped and will soon be installed. Redic said the commemorative bricks will then be placed on the floor of Browns Park.
The city is awaiting information from Gov. Brian Kemp’s Office before moving forward with Patterson/Sims Park. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget has awarded the city a grant in the amount of $302,724 to build the park, according to Redic.
Redic updated the council on the recent Small Business Meeting. During this meeting, business owners requested the city add their sales and fliers to a Google calendar on the city’s website.
Plans for the city and the Jackson Downtown Development Authority to partner with The Brickery to celebrate the local restaurant serving its one millionth piece of pizza were also announced. A celebration, set for Sept. 30, will include a pizza-eating contest in which the winner will receive one year of free pizza.
Source: Jackson Progress-Argus