JACKSON - Jackson State University officials have plans to turn the blighted west Jackson neighborhood that surrounds the school into a thriving new community.
The state College Board plans to vote today on a committee recommendation to approve the first phase in JSU President Ronald Mason's comprehensive plan to revitalize the state's only urban university, and create a flourishing neighborhood around it.
From start to finish, the multiyear project is expected to cost about $120 million and will be funded by a university bond issue to be repaid through student fees.
Jackson State, one of three traditionally black state universities, serves the state's largest urban area. Its current estimated enrollment is 5,929 - about 800 students more than the same time last year.
If all goes well, Mason said 10 years from now, "you probably wouldn't recognize the neighborhood at all. It will probably be an entirely different place."
An outside project manager, UniDev will oversee all three phases of the construction, Mason said. He hopes to break ground on the first $47.9 million phase within a year.
It includes new and renovated campus housing, a new president's home, and a new student union.
The second phase would include parking facilities and improved campus housing. The third phase comprises off-campus development.
"It's honestly something that's long overdue," said College Board member Scott Ross of West Point. "Jackson State has experienced a great deal of growth. Housing is not up to modern standards."
Students said parking is a key issue on the campus.
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