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NATCHEZ — Can Natchez support two new retail shopping developments?

That’s the question many have asked since the announcement earlier this week of the more than $30 million redevelopment of the Trace Town Shopping Center by Natchez businessman Jimmy Smith.

In February 2024, the Natchez Board of Aldermen voted to grant Horne Properties, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, an option to purchase 29.9 city-owned acres of property next to Walmart on Seargent S. Prentiss Drive.

No development has taken place there yet. Doug Horne, president of Horne Properties, was unavailable on Friday. However, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said not to count that development out.

“We are excited about Trace Town. But I know there are those wondering if this means we will be giving up on the Horne Development project slated for the city-owned parcel north of Walmart. I have one answer to that question. I am not a quitter. We are continuing to work hard to make that project happen as well,” Gibson said.

He said many naysayers told him through the years Trace Town would never be developed.

“They said we might as well quit. Well, we didn’t quit. And we’re not quitting now. I believe Natchez can support both developments. Our research proves millions of dollars are leaving our city to support retail developments in other places. I say it’s time to stop the leak,” Gibson said. “Bring those millions of dollars back to Natchez and, along with them, jobs. The word quit is not in my vocabulary. Natchez deserves more.”