WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Reservoir homeowners oppose apartments at Rapids location

Reservoir homeowners oppose apartments at Rapids location

By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

 BRANDON, MS (WLBT) – Last year plans were announced to build upscale condominiums the old Rapids on the Reservoir Water Park property, but area homeowners are learning those plans have changed.

Residents attended a meeting Tuesday evening at the Hidden Hills Clubhouse.

It was standing room only and homeowners made it clear they don't want apartments on the spillway.

More than 300 reservoir area homeowners met upset about the potential future of the Rapids on the Reservoir property.

Emails circulating among homeowners say property developer the Mandalay Corporation promised to build medium to high income condominiums but are now planning HUD apartments.

"We were all under the impression it was be high end condominium type office space for lease. For the past year we've seen the Rapids area go down, and we're all concerned about that. That doesn't really shine brightly on this area," said Turtle Ridge subdivision resident Eric Eaton.

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District sent the Federation of Reservoir Homeowners information that said the condos would now be a 362 multi-family rental property.

Homeowners approve the of condos but oppose apartments.

"We have a lot of problems with people with upkeep. They do not keep it up, because they do not own the property. What incentive is it for them to do anything if they do not own the property?," asked Dr. Homer Burns president of the Federation of Reservoir Homeowners' Associations.

A HUD approved lender spoke to the group about developer Steve Bryan's loan application and plans.

"The program that is being used at HUD only allows for rental complexes. So on the front end we all know that he plans to have rental on the front end to be converted to condominiums later," said Sandra McLauren of Americsouth Financial.

"The Board of Directors has approved the development of the old Rapids property as a residential condominium project. The site plan that has been presented to the Board is a condominium plan. The Board's intent is to provide an additional opportunity for residents to own property at the Reservoir and become a part of the Reservoir community," said a statement released by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District.

The group, representing approximately 35  homeowners associations, vows to fight any apartment construction on the spillway.

Developer Steve Bryan did not attend the meeting and could not be reached for comment.

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors plans to write the Pearl River Valley District opposing apartment construction.

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