WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Ridgeland developer forced to revert to original build plans

Ridgeland developer forced to revert to original build plans

By David Kenney - bio | email

RIDGELAND, MS (WLBT) - For weeks now, Reservoir residents have been protesting a planned development that includes apartments near their homes.  The developer now has to go back to the drawing board.

Ridgeland developer Steve Bryan addressed the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District board blaming a tanking economy for the change of plans in his Mandalay development. 

Once planned condominiums turned to apartments on the old Rapids on the Reservoir site.

“There is a huge misconception among people who object to it, they have spread rumors, there is low income housing,  There’s subsidized rent tax credits, none of that is true," said Bryan.

Board members voted unanimously against Bryan's request to build apartments, much to the agreement of dozens of residents who packed the board room in protest.

“We can continue to preserve and protect property values and we can keep costs for services along the long term effect is beneficial to the area," said Mark Baker, attorney for Reservoir area homeowners.

“I think the board takes its responsibility of managing this Reservoir very seriously and the state of Mississippi owns this property so the board will watch it very carefully to preserve and enhance its value," said board attorney Jim Tohill.

Windward Bluff Developer David Beard hopes the board’s decision will attract only the best developments to the Reservoir shores.

Beard said, “The value of their property could be diminished because it would be exclusively a rental property.  I know the intention is to convert it into condos eventually but that's easier said than done."

A quick Google search of Steve Bryan shows he is having other financial troubles at properties he's developed. 

A federal anti-discrimination lawsuit in Shreveport, Louisiana, failure to pay off a loan in excess of $11 million dollars for another development in Lafayette, and defaulting on another loan in excess of $58 million for a failed development in Memphis.

Currently, Rapids on the Reservoir is in shambles.  The main building looks like it's been stripped by vandals. 

Residents now are hoping he cleans that up, and keeps his original promise to put condos on the lot.

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