Casino’s closing cost city
Published 12:07am Friday, June 24, 2011NATCHEZ — After crunching the numbers, the Natchez city clerk says the city lost approximately $106,000 in gaming revenues during the 41 days the Isle of Capri casino was closed for flooding.
City Clerk Donnie Holloway reported the amount at a special meeting of the Natchez Board of Aldermen Thursday. The actual losses are $16,000 less than previously reported predictions by Holloway.
The city uses gaming revenue to pay debt service for the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau, Holloway said.
Despite the losses, the city should be in decent shape, he said, because City Hall recently received $50,000 to put toward the debt service from a swap agreement with an Atlanta based financial firm.
The refinancing of the convention center bond, or swap transaction, was executed in 2006 with the Malachi Group.
In other news from Thursday’s meeting:
City Planner Bob Nix presented to the board a slide show of before-and-after renditions of what downtown would look like with more trees.
Nix researched the topic at the board’s urging when the Master Gardeners proposed to raise money to line downtown streets with trees.
“Trees … are creating a softer scene on the street, providing shading effects and a much nicer street environment,” Nix said during the slideshow.
Nix said the Master Gardeners have not yet pinned down a species, but they are primarily focusing on crape myrtle and holly trees because of the longer lifespan and small amount of maintenance required.
If the right species is planted, trees can grow so they do not exceed the height of an awning and taller tress can highlight the length of a building, he said.
Nix said “street trees” could cause a long-term economic impact of $500,000 or more, based on what other cities have seen.
People will use sidewalks and pass storefronts more often if trees shade the pavement, Nix said.
“A study in Florida said sidewalks are worthless if you don’t (plant) trees on them,” Nix said.
Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis said she liked the plan Nix presented, but she wanted to make sure the majority of downtown business owners supported the idea before the voted on the issue.
Nix said the Master Gardeners group said they would maintain the trees for at least the first year.
Ward 2 Alderman James “Rickey” Gray said public works does not have the staff to maintain trees.
Nix and Mayor Jake Middleton suggested business owners and volunteers could maintain the trees.
Nix drafted an ordinance for the board to consider, which charges a fine or jail time to citizens who harm trees planted on city a right-of-way.
A public forum about the trees was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Natchez City Council Chambers.
Middleton said downtown business owners, Community Alliance members and other members will likely attend the meeting.
