The homely atmosphere of this place allows customers to relax after a hard working day. Your entire argument is premised on the assumption that the plaintiffs merely want to overturn the City Council's allowing the Fairview to operate a restaurant. Post Office Box 22548 | Jackson, Mississippi 39225 | P: (601) 948-7575 | F:(601) 352-5539 |contact@greaterjacksonpartnership.com site by ChamberMaster. At the time they did it, Simmons ran it, and I sure didn't feel he was owed any favors. I was in New Orleans the other day, and commented to my friend who lives there that the most wonderful thing about the city was no matter where you lived, you could just walk outside, take a few steps, and in no time be enjoying dinner somewhere. "With 18 rooms, the average guests a night for dinner may be 8 or 10 people. ladd, you said that you no longer lived there so you couldn't speak of the current state of affairs, but i heard the number there saturday was over 300, and i was there toward the end. It was as if there was a media blackout on it. We have stayed in Inns across the US and Fairview Inn ranks we the best. So let's be clear, the Modak-Trurans and the Bakers have no problems at all with the Bed and Breakfast and are not trying to put the Fairview Inn out of business. "I feel bad for themthey inherited this." Bed & BreakfastsRestaurants/Bar & Grills
I think part of our disagreement, Tom and ladd, is that I don't see this as a "legal" issue per se. Opinion forums lead to passionate feelings. I also understand that the law is not on the side of the defendants and it should not be. ;-). Not sure on Barrett-Simon, yet. "It seems like the Simmonses tried to use more political influence on the city to get them to use this alternative procedure," Mark Modak-Truran said. It's number three on the NYT best seller today. It's not the CL boards, thank goodness, but nevertheless.
Take personal responsibility for your own posts, please, and self-regulate that kind of stuff out if you want to post here. I am not involved in this dispute in any way other than what I already disclosed - the Fairview has been generous to a nonprofit of which I am a board member. But this simply isn't a case of a liquor store being opened next to a school. Under the City of Jackson's zoning scheme, a full scale restaurant is allowed in a C3 district, but NOT in an R-2 district. There are but a few homes on that street.
It's not like Sophia's is swamped with people every meal. Otherwise, as I've said, I'm neutral. You can't do that without it being substantiated. Thanks, 2599. opinions, substantiated or not, are going to be shared, no? You could get it dropped if you wanted to. As for events there, it always depended on the crowd itself. 2599, you need to learn the difference between opinion and accusations or, worse, stating things about other people as fact. It's fine to mention Simmons, but why not add more information about the Sharps, who are wonderful folks. 5. User agreement and privacy statement. Damn neighbors with nothing better to do with their time and educations! Great service, great food, beautiful and comfortable rooms. I know one of the plaintiff couples, and they are good people. They started being more neighborly after that. (*For those who don't recognize the NIMBY term, it stands for Not In My Back Yard, and is usually used in cases of well-to-do people not wanting social services in their communities because they don't want their property values to fall or be around "those" people. yes, it brings a different crowd into the neighborhood, but so do weddings (where many have been drinking when they leave AND add to the traffic issues.) t doesn't look to me that they feel too bad, though, or else they wouldn't continue to push this. Jackson, MS 39202
I am pro-local business, but I am also pro-peaceful neighborhoods. 4.
My parents have stayed at the inn countless times and love it. This is a tough situation. That is probably still good advice today, no matter who owns the Fairview now. and it's one the sharps are unfortunately having to fight for. Class act. This isn't a situation where either "side" is wrong, or should be demonized. "We knew the suit was pending, but we didn't think that it was going to go this way," Sharp said. Pay fair prices for eating at this bar. Live with them. They should have been informed that there was a very good chance that we would win. fax: 601-510-9019 It's 100 +/- feet from North State not like in the middle of Belhaven. is QB trash talking? ;-) Had one issue and their service recovery efforts were on point! A smart move. (function(b,d,a,c){b.getElementById(d)||(c=b.getElementsByTagName(a)[0],a=b.createElement(a),a.type="text/javascript",a.async=!0,a.src="http://www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com/Content/Script/Ads.min.js",c.parentNode.insertBefore(a,c))})(document,"mni-ads-script","script");
;-)
After reading this again, i am wondering, Ward, why drag up Simmonses negative connections to the pro white organization? Instead of it being "Fairview Inn", the Welcome Sign would read, "Welcome to the INNS of Fairview." And it's in a position to be a big disruption if the owners do not run it well (which it sounds like the current ones do). I'll tell you why if you respond to my inquiry. That's not right. Thanks for correcting my hurried misspelling of precedent, but you can't skate over the fact that it is an issue in this case. It is. I'm in a the business of knowing the difference. The law does need to be changed to allow the Fairview Inn, but not as a special case.
The Ledger and the local tablogs have little beyond personal attacks in their comments, so go there if that's what you're into. Ironically, the spot zoning "precedence" (I'm sure you mean precedent) would only hurt plans to offer mixed use neighborhoods. My assumptions are due to my experiences with this type of situation. i've seen worse assumptions made on this board. It was as the other media pointedly avoiding it from what I could tell. but let's look at who is playing both sides here. This bar offers perfectly cooked prawns, steaks and fish listed on the menu. It's petty, and it's beneath most of you. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
That's not the same as opinion; and saying it is your opinion that it's true is not a defense. Change the law and if that doesn't hapen - obey the law. That's it exactly, GLewis. Thank you 2599. There are bigger issues in Jackson to fight against (or stand up for) Mr. Truran. We recommend the Fairview Inn Bed and Breakfast to business guests and family members. If you answer in the affirmative, I would like to hear a little more about that if you are willing to share. Visit Website
So I'm pretty much where I was then: There are two sides to this, and there is probably a compromise to be found. According to the reviewers' opinions, the decor can be described as beautiful. Will be back. It is of a nature that fits in with the character of the surrounding area. The Plaintiffs' comments in this article made my argument.
OK behave. I couldn't have really broken the material, considering that it was an open secret all those years. I'm passionate about the Fairview because I see a couple here who came from Florida, and shortly after, lost their son to cancer, and have pushed and thrived and made this beautiful place what it is. User assumes all risk of use. 1. js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";
Sophias offers full bar service and an extensive and affordable wine list.Before or after dinner relax with a small plate and craft cocktail at the Library Lounge. If QB had said "in my opinion, this looks like", would he have been in the right then? My point is not against the Sharps; it is saying to rally the community to lobby to get the laws more friendly to mixed-use zoning if that's what you want to see, rather than relying on special favors. this may, at the end of the day, simply be a legal issue. My impression has been that the Sharps are more attuned to the needs of the n'hood than were the Simmonses when they ran it; they came across as annoyed that the neighbors would dare challenge what they were doing. _mnisq.push(["domain","www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com"],["context",299],["member",3618],["max",5],["rotate",1],["maxWidth",480],["maxHeight",60],["create","mn-banner"]);
Point of inquiry, Donna: are you claiming that supporters of the Fairview actually contacted you personally, told you that you were the first person to tell them about Bill Simmons' political past, and that those people then were conflicted over your information? Wonderful. This is one of those issues where we've never taken a position on the zoning part -- other than trying to warn people that an exemption was shortsighted (and, thus, have been proved correct). I disagree with you there. "They inherited it.". Kick back and view the menu online for this place. var _mnisq=_mnisq||[];
You've clearly taken sides. Someone had to pay for the appeal; someone had to write all the appellate briefs; someone had to go argue the appeal in front of the Supreme Court panel. Updated Aug. 17 to correct the Fairview Inn's street. "My point is not against the Sharps; it is saying to rally the community to lobby to get the laws more friendly to mixed-use zoning if that's what you want to see, rather than relying on special favors. I don't think Jackson can afford this kind of NIMBYism. Meantime, this is where this argument ends. http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090903/NEWS/909030352/Court-ruling-may-close-restaurant 125 S. Congress St. #1324 * Jackson, MS * 39201, Luckett, DuPree Push Education, Business Help. Reporters have a lot of balls in the air right now, and this one isn't the most urgent one, news wise. This filing shows their true colors, that they want to shut down this "high density commercial use." I know you're an attorney; are you involved in this in any way? But without having read it, I'm guessing that the neighbors must be basing their arguments on something; I have seen in the past (before current owners) "unruly and disruptive" crowds there, but I can't know now. Engage the home-owners is some type of creative venture where there is a Win-Win situation for everyone. "Unruly and disruptive patrons" of the Fairview? Chef Gary Hawkins selects fresh, regional ingredients and prepares them with his own eclectic flair, emphasizing local fresh seafood. So them's the rules. Chef Hawkins also features a daily three and four-course priced fixed menu available for dinner with or without wines. Jackson went way too many years without ever talking about Simmons' past. they are trying to shut down the restaurant. The Plaintiffs in this case aren't some crusaders of justice who will file suit to enforce zoning laws and prohibit spot zoning. Ladd, QB (nor any of us here but you) are journalists. (The plaintiffs' [mis]characterization of the Fairview). PartyCache and PartyBook are trademarks of ForTheFairest,LLC. Fairview Inn & Restaurant
;-) And I know you understand the importance of history, considering what you do, and know that mentioning the history of a building and the person who created the issue in the first place is not a reflection on the current owners. I mean the thing is four star upper upscale.Whose propety values aren't going up in that block. It's a beautiful inn. i think s/he is making an observation. It's fine to mention Simmons, but why not add more information about the Sharps, who are wonderful folks. Part of our user agreement, if you will note, is that we do not allow complaints about the moderation to derail conversations on another topic (such as this one about the Fairview). But these days under new owns, I have no emotion attached in any direction. We are free to state our opinions (in my humble opinion) without the worry of journalistic bias being alleged. Take your money, your passion, and your degree, and do something GOOD for our city! But I won't allow personal attacks of either the neighbors or the business owners on this site. I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes.
www.fairviewinn.com, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership On the other hand, I also sympathize with the neighbors and can very well imagine times when having a commercial establishment across the street wouldn't be welcome.
i think "demonized" is a very loaded word. it was my first visit and i'd like to return. I assume they're good people because I've only heard good things about them. if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
it doesn't look to me that they feel too bad, though, or else they wouldn't continue to push this. ;-) (function(d, s, id) {
Yes, justjess, it sounds like a bit of Iroquois Talking Sticking is in order. This is the kind of business that earns the City's last slogan of "Best of the New South." We have a nice little house in Madison- the only thing that is wrong with it is that you have to drive to dine out, drive to go to the store or pharmacy, even have to drive somewhere else if you want to take a walk- no sidewalks and no enforced leash laws Jackson Free Press, Inc. It's not a factory in the middle of Belhaven.
i hope you are implying the zoning change should should favor the sharps. Most of the plaintiffs are attorneys at large law firms and represented themselves.
No hard and fast answer, Belhaven. You don't seem to understand the meaning of "trash talk" as I'm using it, and seem unwilling to examine why the statement I called out of yours is different from others here, including your other statements. No problem with the Fairview Inn Bed and Breakfast. Hell, there's more traffic there for a wedding than any given day of the restaurant. When we shared that information then, it gave pause to many of the people who were trying to get them a special permit. Then-Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby Delaughter, who recently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the Scruggs judicial bribery scandal, ruled against the neighbors in 2007. It's not journalistic bias I'm concerned about; you're potentially committing libel by stating unsubstantiated facts about other people -- we're not talking about committing a criminal act. The city initially warned the couple that their restaurant violated the inn's zoning, but after meeting with the couple, city officials changed their tune and said that "social gatherings" could include a dinner reserved ahead of time.
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It has ended up where it would and should: In the courts to determine whether the zoning exemption was done properly in the first place, and what kind of precedence should be set. It's kinda basic." To clear up any misunderstanding by fellow bloggers, our position is as follows: I see no reason to assume that the neighbors have evil intent or are lying. I do hope it works out well for everyone, though. Adjacent to our library, this private room is perfect for business meetings and family celebrations. We had to pick many beer bottles up out of our yard when we lived over there after weddings and parties at the Fairview. Please! We assume no responsibility for any liability, loss or delay resulting from such use. The restaurant does bring a different type of commerce to the street than the B&B does and, of course, the neighbors should have a say in whether or not they want that there. Instead, they are people who don't want to live across the street from a B&B, spa, event facility, and restaurant. 2014-2022 ForTheFairest,LLC. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));
2599, with due respect, you are here because we invite you to be. And QB, you're way over the line about the opposition to the restaurant.
Indeed, all of zoning law is based on protecting the residential zones. We're hooked. but couldn't they now push for the sharps, and put their muscle behind doing something positive for jackson? And we'd have big buses burning exhaust in front of our place sometimes then. It sounds like you're doing just that, Stuart. What does that have to do with anything??? It's one of those rare issues that really does seem to have two solid sides to it, and I see them both, and don't believe either side should be demonized: the Sharps or the Modak-Trurans. It's one of those rare issues that really does seem to have two solid sides to it, and I see them both, and don't believe either side should be demonized: the Sharps or the Modak-Trurans. They have built the Fairview into something that all Jacksonians can be proud of. But we are entitled to protect our home, and we are doing so within our legal rights. And I sure don't envy them the chore of dealing with the karma they inherited. We haven't been invited to participate in the process.
They picked the easiest target - the restaurant - in an effort to shut the whole operation down. Out of line. The first created a new classification for a bed-and-breakfast with a public restaurant, and the second exempted the Fairview from applying for a special use permit. 734 Fairview St.
i'm no legal expert, but couldn't they have had this dropped, or pushed for jackson to create that special zoning. "The lawyers are meeting tomorrow, but I think they will do that.". It would be transparent to tell us that, if so, and you could still make your arguments. Many were respectful; others just ignored the signs that showed them where to park and such. Fairview is mentioned in the book as are several Jackson landmarks.I'm kinda an ambassador for Jackson now (always was though). In addition to owning the Inn, Bill Simmons was national director of the Citizens Council, a precursor to the pro-white Council of Conservative Citizens, for many years. (More urgent stories at hand.) The Fairview Inn Amendments greatly expand the use from a small bed and breakfast with a sporadic social event into a full scale restaurant (not the "small restaurant" being blogged about). i just hate for some of our "backwards thinking" jacksonians tying that to the Sharps, present day. From what I hear, the two complaining couples are practically alone in this - the Belhaven neighborhood Association supports the restaurant. Truran says his concern centers around "serving alcohol in a residential neighborhood"? Our first stay there, and we were nothing but impressed. As for "feet from" North State Street, recall that the Fairview Inn and its environs take up most of that block. It probably involves a change in zoning that allows certain kinds of businesses and the regulation and community-response period that goes along with that.
It's just that when you look at the addition of a full-service restaurant serving alcohol in a residential neighborhoodthere are good reasons why if you were going to do that you'd have to be in a commercial zone or get a special use permit.". The bottom line is that the zoning probably needs to be changed, rather than just seeking special exemptions. QB, I'm not saying you can't have the restaurant there. but as i have said before, this is being pursued by the trurans and could have been put to rest with a neighborhood agreement/proposition to change the zoning law (with the trurans advocating in that regard.) 2. This is trash talk and unsubstantiated allegation, 2599: I understand frame of reference, but c'mon, that has NOTHING to do with this or the Sharps.
I don't live over there any more. Why does it matter who brought this up or why? I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. I know you've all heard about "The Help". They are very committed to the Jackson community, moving here from Florida to invest, literally, in Jackson. Piano Jazz featuring Knight Bruce for Sunday Buffet Brunch. Fairview Inn & Restaurant
That's what the Mississippi Court has held. "I always put up my colleagues from other universities there when they're coming into town. A smart compromise is needed, and efforts to strengthen the law in a fair way that doesn't play favorites. Lovely people, but they inherited this problem. They've made it clear that they're not against the B&B you do not have the right or standing to speak on their behalf and make accusations you can't know are true. Until something is alleged that is slanderous or criminal, without substantiated facts, aren't we entitled to be passionate about our observations?? a curious side note about Belhaven:
If you made it out to Saturday's open house/picnic, you would have seen first hand what a gem the Fairview AND Sophia's (and nomispa) is to Belhaven and Jackson, MS. That is over the line, and the childish fingerpointing about stuff you've supposedly "seen" here is irrelevant. i'm no lawyer, but i know that much. I agree with Tom straight ahead. What you said that I quoted three posts above is not stated as opinion; it's stated as fact. In any case, it looks like Margaret Barrett-Simon will push to pass appropriate ordinances to allow the continued operation of the Fairview.
It's kinda basic. Play like an adult or move on. It is a legal issue, pure and simple. period. Peter Sharp, who owns and operates the Belhaven bed-and-breakfast with his wife Tamar, said today that attorneys representing the Inn and the city will likely ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. True on the wedding issues. I doubt the compromise involves a special exemption. i sure hope they get to stick around. So don't waste your time, or mine. Modak-Truran said that he regrets the tension the case has caused and that he feels badly for the Sharps. Beautiful Inn. As someone who used to live across and just down the street from it, I was very relieved when it was sold. That's about all there is to share about it. That way lies redlining. Pick any house on that street and tell me the residents have never come out of their PRIVATE home after a drink or two and driven. Enjoyable service is something that visitors note in their comments. Sadly, I don't think this issue is really about NIMBYism*; I think it's pretty straightforward a law problem. Now, let's examine the issue from the stand point of homeowners who never in their wildest dream would imagine a full scale restaurant in their front door. I was going to weigh in on this, but I would have taken two pages to get around to what you just said better anyway. I don't live over there any more so I can't speak to how it is now. This is is a zoning issue. This family (the Sharps) are class acts and run a fine establishment.
They did inherit the problem--which seemed to come about in the first place from an innkeeper who was used to getting his way in Jackson. (601) 948-3429
This legal question should be out of the hands of either side at this point. Patio Dining, Fireplace, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Bar Seating, Smoking Area (patio), Brunch, Bar (Full), Private Rooms, Lounge, Smoking Area, Wine, Beer, Private Spaces. Add Business | Privacy Policy | Return/Refund Policy | About PartyCache Hospitality Web Solutions, About PartyCache Hospitality Web Solutions. On Thursday, the high court ruled 6-3 that a 2004 city zoning amendment allowing a public restaurant at the inn constituted "spot zoning" and was thus illegal. You have to follow our user agreement. Reminiscent of a French country bistro, the intimate dining All listings are informational only. I can also sympathize with the defendants, and the practical advantage of having a restaurant there, and just wanting to stay in business. And I'm not insinuating anything, so no need to sound so ominous. Because this issue seems to bring out the worst in many people, going forward, I will put you into "moderate" mode if you post a personal attack here, and I will delete any comments that contain personal attacks toward either side without further comment.
I don't normally blog, but I respect the way you handle your blog and keep it to the issues. But no one's saying the Trurans did anything criminal here. The courts should determine whether or not zoning exemptions are allowed, and give instructions on whether what is needed is a zoning change. Otherwise, the whole thing will be patchwork and depend on the force of the personalities involved. I did, however, write about it when it seemed no one else was talking about it, and as a result some people learned about it who didn't seem to know, or at least so they said.
Point made. The restaurant has attracted the ire of some neighbors since 2003, when then-owners Bill and Carol Simmons began marketing the bed-and-breakfast's restaurant to the general public. I personally believe that every side in the debate has the interests of the city at heart. Google users like Fairview Inn: it was rated 4.8 stars. How do you sustain a wait staff and a kitchen staff on that type of revenue?". I sure wasn't going out on any limb for Bill Simmons when he had the inn regardless of the legal issues. Civil War- themed room with large antique tables. Peter and Tamar Sharp bought the Inn from the Simmonses in August 2006. The future: We, of course, are always available to discuss solutions for the future and to see if there is a way to work out the issues. Leave it to Mississippi to come up with a "NIMBY" project that involves an upscale restaurant! Leave them the [emailprotected]*k alone, Truran, and stop playing all innocent in this. In sum, bloggers may not like our position, and that I can respect. "We still support Fairview in terms of the bed-and-breakfast," Mark Modak-Truran said. i hope you are implying the zoning change should should favor the sharps. This building is filled with history, and it doesn't make sense to leave that history out of stories about it. Lovely stay at the Fairview. That doesn't mean that history is tied to the Sharp family, of course. They could have withdrawn the appeal at any time; they could have failed to submit a brief; they could have failed to appear at oral argument. i will say this, though: with the HUGE turnout they had Saturday (and that isn't exaggeration to say), traffic was NOT an issue AT ALL. My suggestion here is not to take sides too easily. Their examples of that type of behavior are directly related to the plaintiffs' own attempts to shut down the allegedly "high density commercial uses." There are two solutions to this problem: 1. Those of us who "know" the Sharps are passionate about protecting their interests and what they contribute to the city. Reminiscent of a French country bistro, the intimate dining room has a romantic atmosphere, with a garden-like setting and its own private entrance on the west side of the Inn. Point taken. The four, all of whom are lawyers and representing themselves, then appealed to the state Supreme Court. Like I said, this was predictable, and I agree with the Modak-Trurans that it's unfortunate that the Sharps inherited the problem the Simmonses created. I know all too well how allegations can damage a life (or multiple lives). Lots of problems with the manner in which the City of Jackson enacted the Fairview Inn Amendments. If you should happen to lose this thing, would you consider a trade? Actually, another poster made the statement and I was was trying to defend him. Let's be honest, there is alot of trash talking on this board. yes, it brings a different crowd into the neighborhood, but so do weddings (where many have been drinking when they leave AND add to the traffic issues.) Also, are you insinuating through your comment, that you "broke" this material, and were responsible for the core group of supporters awareness of same? they may have had beef with simons (could they have, because of his involvements with that group you mention him a part of?) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
Nestled in the Belhaven District of Jackson, Peter & Tamar Sharp invite you to experience Sophias Restaurant. I will say that I predicted then that this ruling might not stand. There aren't too many places in Jackson that have that same feature- I would think that it would be something that you would embrace. I'll say it again: This wasn't done well in the first place, and the Sharps inherited a problem. They picked the easiest target - the restaurant - in an effort to shut the whole operation down.
The law does, however, and that's the issue here. This all comes to down to their not wanting cars legally parked on their street. I won't let anyone say that kind of stuff about you, unsubstantiated, either, for the record. I understand this.
I have never eaten at the restaraunt there but have attended a few functions and it seems the parking for guests is relatively unobtrusive. They responded like "wow"it's real. 2599, I'll answer that. It is they, not Simmons, who are adversely impacted by this ruling. i didn't see litter, illegally parked cars, or anything else that was out of the ordinary or disruptive. A full scale restaurant operation is incompatible with an R-2 designation. btw, had lunch at sophia's today. Thus, please do not try to continue this side argument, as future posts will be deleted without comment. Sharp worries about the restaurant's future if it cannot serve the public.
Hopefully the Jackson leaders can work out an agreement between the interested parties that doesn't result in a closure of the business. Nestled in the Belhaven District of Jackson, Peter & Tamar Sharp invite you to experience Sophias Restaurant.
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