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Jackson council and residents press to reopen Grove Park viaduct; council passes resolution backing rail removal and seeks federal help
Summary
Residents and council members urged reopening the Grove Park viaduct and restoration of the historic golf course. Council passed a resolution supporting reopening and amended it to send copies to federal representatives while the city pursues litigation and alternatives with $1.3 million budgeted for Grove Park work.
Residents of Shady Oaks, Grove Park and Verne Addition told the Jackson City Council on Feb. 11 that a closed railroad viaduct has harmed mobility, safety and neighborhood vitality, and they urged the city to reopen the viaduct and restore Grove Park.
The council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting reopening the rail viaduct that intersects Walter "Dutch" Welch Drive and added an amendment directing the clerk to send copies of the resolution to federal representatives. Speakers said the closure blocked routes for seniors and first responders, reduced access to the historic (first Black) golf course and contributed to neighborhood decline.
"We want that park open up. We want that underpass, rather, open up," said Thomas Cheatham Jr., who recounted the park's history and urged action. Byron Broomfield of Mega Ev Reloaded described commuter delays for residents and said the viaduct closure has made the golf course a dumping ground.
Mayor said the city did not approve the viaduct closure and that a lawsuit against the rail company is underway. "Sometimes it's not as important who's responsible for the problem, and it's more important who's responsible for its fix," the mayor said, adding that the administration is pursuing litigation and parallel alternatives with public works.
Councilman Grisnell said he has pushed for federal assistance, saying he raised the issue with U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and members of Congress to seek a railroad-elimination grant. The mayor told the council that $1.3 million was placed in the city's budget for Grove Park improvements and that work is expected to begin this year.
Councilman Banks moved an amendment to the resolution to instruct the clerk to send copies to federal representatives; the amendment passed and the amended resolution was adopted unanimously.
Because the city is pursuing litigation, council members said they could not discuss details of the case in public but stressed ongoing efforts to find interim solutions through public-works planning and federal outreach.
