The City of Jackson is requesting public input for a transportation enhancement project for the Fondren area. This special ‘brainstorming’ session will be held next Monday, April 9 from 4:30pm — 6:30pm at Duling Hall at 622 Duling Avenue. The meeting will allow for public input as to the needs that could be addressed and representatives from the City, along with Neel Schaffer, the firm awarded the design, will be on hand.

Fondren Renaissance Foundation Executive Director Jim Wilkirson says the improvements are geared toward the business district, but will be beneficial to everyone. “We have new and future developments in the works from Watkins Development, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Peters/Mattiace”, Wilkirson says. “Are we able to look at their projects and tie them in to gain a better look and enhancement for the area?” Wilkirson says those developers will be a part of the meeting next Monday. 

As you may remember, Fondren was selected some time ago to receive a $2,000,000 federal grant with another $500,000 in additional funds to help improve sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, among other things. Wilkirson says ideas that have been thrown about are for widened curbs and intersections to help pedestrian traffic move more safely and more visible signage to identify the area. “I’d really like to see that,” he adds. Project limits include North State Street from Old Canton Road to Hartsfield, Old Canton Road from North State Street to Glenway, and Duling Avenue and Fondren Place between North State Street and Old Canton Road. Â