Opinion forums lead to passionate feelings. Change the law and if that doesn't hapen - obey the law. it was my first visit and i'd like to return. On the other hand, I also sympathize with the neighbors and can very well imagine times when having a commercial establishment across the street wouldn't be welcome. "Unruly and disruptive patrons" of the Fairview? Those of us who "know" the Sharps are passionate about protecting their interests and what they contribute to the city. No problem with the Fairview Inn Bed and Breakfast. js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; I don't live over there any more. (*For those who don't recognize the NIMBY term, it stands for Not In My Back Yard, and is usually used in cases of well-to-do people not wanting social services in their communities because they don't want their property values to fall or be around "those" people. QB, I'm not saying you can't have the restaurant there. They've made it clear that they're not against the B&B you do not have the right or standing to speak on their behalf and make accusations you can't know are true. But that does not mean that *either side* should be demonized. And we'd have big buses burning exhaust in front of our place sometimes then. yes, it brings a different crowd into the neighborhood, but so do weddings (where many have been drinking when they leave AND add to the traffic issues.) Yes, justjess, it sounds like a bit of Iroquois Talking Sticking is in order. So them's the rules. They started being more neighborly after that. Sophias offers full bar service and an extensive and affordable wine list.Before or after dinner relax with a small plate and craft cocktail at the Library Lounge. QB, this is a legal issue. Truran says his concern centers around "serving alcohol in a residential neighborhood"? (601) 948-3429 If this was a case of spot-zoning, spot-zoning is too dangerous from a civil rights perspective because it would allow neighbors to define a business with black clientele as "disruptive" and a business with white clientele as not in a way that would lead to redlining. Anita Modak-Truran. i'm no legal expert, but couldn't they have had this dropped, or pushed for jackson to create that special zoning. I'll tell you why if you respond to my inquiry. i just hate for some of our "backwards thinking" jacksonians tying that to the Sharps, present day. Good wine or delicious beer are waiting for you at Fairview Inn. It is they, not Simmons, who are adversely impacted by this ruling. It's not like some learned Judge simply reviewed the trial court transcript and decided to reverse and render the decision in favor of the plaintiffs. http://www.fairviewinn.com/library-lounge&cachebuster=1626958793. No hard and fast answer, Belhaven. And I sure don't envy them the chore of dealing with the karma they inherited. Why does it matter who brought this up or why? QB, I got those documents last night but haven't had time to read them. Ladd, you said earlier that "They've made it clear that they're not against the B&B ." The four, all of whom are lawyers and representing themselves, then appealed to the state Supreme Court. OK that said, all of my friends and biz associates know I am from Jackson and all of them are reading that book. Instead of it being "Fairview Inn", the Welcome Sign would read, "Welcome to the INNS of Fairview." and you know there are many who would, even though it has NOTHING to do with the current issue. Sharp worries about the restaurant's future if it cannot serve the public. To clear up any misunderstanding by fellow bloggers, our position is as follows: The law does, however, and that's the issue here. This building is filled with history, and it doesn't make sense to leave that history out of stories about it. I doubt the compromise involves a special exemption. There are but a few homes on that street. 3. The future: We, of course, are always available to discuss solutions for the future and to see if there is a way to work out the issues. why call him/her out? it doesn't look to me that they feel too bad, though, or else they wouldn't continue to push this. They responded like "wow"it's real. I know all too well how allegations can damage a life (or multiple lives). All who have addressed the problem understand it's legal ramifications; however, it is so unfortunate for the now owners who have spent so much time and money into making Fairview a class act. Their examples of that type of behavior are directly related to the plaintiffs' own attempts to shut down the allegedly "high density commercial uses." Otherwise, as I've said, I'm neutral. i will say this, though: with the HUGE turnout they had Saturday (and that isn't exaggeration to say), traffic was NOT an issue AT ALL. They should have been informed that there was a very good chance that we would win. opinions, substantiated or not, are going to be shared, no? If QB had said "in my opinion, this looks like", would he have been in the right then? site by ChamberMaster. Peter and Tamar Sharp bought the Inn from the Simmonses in August 2006. Civil War- themed room with large antique tables. On Thursday, the high court ruled 6-3 that a 2004 city zoning amendment allowing a public restaurant at the inn constituted "spot zoning" and was thus illegal. Patio Dining, Fireplace, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Bar Seating, Smoking Area (patio), Brunch, Bar (Full), Private Rooms, Lounge, Smoking Area, Wine, Beer, Private Spaces. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Point made. Live with them. We recommend the Fairview Inn Bed and Breakfast to business guests and family members. I also like that it provides a nice restaurant venue in a residential area -- mixed use, if you will. 4. When we shared that information then, it gave pause to many of the people who were trying to get them a special permit." Also, are you insinuating through your comment, that you "broke" this material, and were responsible for the core group of supporters awareness of same? A smart compromise is needed, and efforts to strengthen the law in a fair way that doesn't play favorites. t doesn't look to me that they feel too bad, though, or else they wouldn't continue to push this. Thanks for correcting my hurried misspelling of precedent, but you can't skate over the fact that it is an issue in this case. It's 100 +/- feet from North State not like in the middle of Belhaven. My suggestion here is not to take sides too easily. How do you sustain a wait staff and a kitchen staff on that type of revenue?". Engage the home-owners is some type of creative venture where there is a Win-Win situation for everyone. ;-) And I know you understand the importance of history, considering what you do, and know that mentioning the history of a building and the person who created the issue in the first place is not a reflection on the current owners. Fairview Inn & Restaurant They purchased the inn knowing that there was litigation pending. We have stayed in Inns across the US and Fairview Inn ranks we the best. i think "demonized" is a very loaded word. btw, had lunch at sophia's today. I remember when the Simmonses lobbied for the restaurant, so many people turned out in their support for a special zoning exemption. I'm in a the business of knowing the difference. Four neighbors of the Inn, Anita and Mark Modak-Truran, and Daniel and Katherine Baker, then sued the city, arguing that the changes were "spot zoning" aimed at changing zoning rules for a single property, without regard to the surrounding community. Wonderful. Pretty disappointing that you can't have a lightly used restaurant just feet from the North State Street commercial corridor. Point of inquiry, Donna: are you claiming that supporters of the Fairview actually contacted you personally, told you that you were the first person to tell them about Bill Simmons' political past, and that those people then were conflicted over your information? Google users like Fairview Inn: it was rated 4.8 stars. I do hope it works out well for everyone, though. After a long working week, you can taste great coffee. The courts should determine whether or not zoning exemptions are allowed, and give instructions on whether what is needed is a zoning change. I understand frame of reference, but c'mon, that has NOTHING to do with this or the Sharps. I mean what is the big deal. "They inherited it.". If you answer in the affirmative, I would like to hear a little more about that if you are willing to share. they are trying to shut down the restaurant. I have nothing against the Sharps. 2. I don't think Jackson can afford this kind of NIMBYism. Our first stay there, and we were nothing but impressed. (function(b,d,a,c){b.getElementById(d)||(c=b.getElementsByTagName(a)[0],a=b.createElement(a),a.type="text/javascript",a.async=!0,a.src="http://www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com/Content/Script/Ads.min.js",c.parentNode.insertBefore(a,c))})(document,"mni-ads-script","script"); I know you've all heard about "The Help". Lovely stay at the Fairview. My entire point here is that no one is to use this site to villianize either side. and i'll agree with stuart that there could have been a larger focus on the more recent history of the inn - including the efforts the sharps have put into making it what it is today. I think part of our disagreement, Tom and ladd, is that I don't see this as a "legal" issue per se. is QB trash talking? I don't know the Sharps and I don't know much about the Sharps. The Fairview has been very gracious to an organization of which I am a member, which is why I am sticking up for it. We said back when it came up the first time that they should have been lobbying to change the zoning, not just get an exemption for their own business because that wasn't likely to be sustainable, especially when someone else couldn't get the same exemption -- the old fairness problem. This family (the Sharps) are class acts and run a fine establishment. It is of a nature that fits in with the character of the surrounding area. And QB, you're way over the line about the opposition to the restaurant. They could have withdrawn the appeal at any time; they could have failed to submit a brief; they could have failed to appear at oral argument. The Plaintiffs' comments in this article made my argument. I agree with Tom straight ahead. If it can't be, then no, spot-zoning is just as wrong if the owners are nice and the food is good and the neighbors don't mind. This isn't a situation where either "side" is wrong, or should be demonized. That's not the same as opinion; and saying it is your opinion that it's true is not a defense. Otherwise, the whole thing will be patchwork and depend on the force of the personalities involved. Sadly, I don't think this issue is really about NIMBYism*; I think it's pretty straightforward a law problem. You've clearly taken sides. Largest dining area with French windows, fireplace, Victorian fans and elegant setting. I have never eaten at the restaraunt there but have attended a few functions and it seems the parking for guests is relatively unobtrusive. Take personal responsibility for your own posts, please, and self-regulate that kind of stuff out if you want to post here. It would be transparent to tell us that, if so, and you could still make your arguments. What you said that I quoted three posts above is not stated as opinion; it's stated as fact. That law is unconstitutional. They clearly did not feel so badly for the Sharps, as they forced them to spend thousands in legal fees for the trial and for the appeal. Reporters have a lot of balls in the air right now, and this one isn't the most urgent one, news wise. Part of our user agreement, if you will note, is that we do not allow complaints about the moderation to derail conversations on another topic (such as this one about the Fairview). For a good example of what happens when selective zoning is used to control which businesses and organizations can operate in a given community, we need look no further than the Madison mosque controversy. 734 Fairview St. i sure hope they get to stick around. As far as I can see, there are good people on both sides, and ad hominem attacks are ridiculous. PartyCache and PartyBook are trademarks of ForTheFairest,LLC. phone: 601-362-6121 (ext 11 sales, ext 16 editorial, ext 17 publisher) yes, s/he and i see this from the same point of view, but i don't see any contentious behavior. Bed & BreakfastsRestaurants/Bar & Grills http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090903/NEWS/909030352/Court-ruling-may-close-restaurant The restaurant has attracted the ire of some neighbors since 2003, when then-owners Bill and Carol Simmons began marketing the bed-and-breakfast's restaurant to the general public. A smart move. Lots of problems with the manner in which the City of Jackson enacted the Fairview Inn Amendments. ladd, you said that you no longer lived there so you couldn't speak of the current state of affairs, but i heard the number there saturday was over 300, and i was there toward the end. My assumptions are due to my experiences with this type of situation. Please! Imagine a combination of tasty meals and the knowledgeable staff, this is exactly what this spot provides you with. Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00pmDinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pmSunday Brunch: 11:00am - 2:00pmLibrary Lounge:Monday - Friday: 4:00PM - closingSaturday: 12noon-closing. Nestled in the Belhaven District of Jackson, Peter & Tamar Sharp invite you to experience Sophias Restaurant. I don't live over there any more so I can't speak to how it is now. Donna, I sure wasn't going out on any limb for Bill Simmons when he had the inn regardless of the legal issues. So let's be clear, the Modak-Trurans and the Bakers have no problems at all with the Bed and Breakfast and are not trying to put the Fairview Inn out of business. Reminiscent of a French country bistro, the intimate dining room has a romantic atmosphere, with a garden-like setting and its own private entrance on the west side of the Inn. Fairview Inn & Restaurant Out of line. i'm no lawyer, but i know that much. For me it doesn't matter what the plaintiffs' motives are and I certainly have nothing against the defendants; I ate at the Fairview for the first time Sunday for brunch. I was in New Orleans the other day, and commented to my friend who lives there that the most wonderful thing about the city was no matter where you lived, you could just walk outside, take a few steps, and in no time be enjoying dinner somewhere. period. One good thing about the neighbors' opposition: It forced the Simmonses to at least try to control what was going on better and understand that they couldn't just do anything they wanted. It was as the other media pointedly avoiding it from what I could tell. The restaurant does bring a different type of commerce to the street than the B&B does and, of course, the neighbors should have a say in whether or not they want that there. "We still support Fairview in terms of the bed-and-breakfast," Mark Modak-Truran said. "I feel bad for themthey inherited this." "The lawyers are meeting tomorrow, but I think they will do that.". Recently opened, the Library Lounge offers small plates, micro brews, wine flights, and craft cocktails in a relaxing environment themed around Mississippi's literary legends. This AM I emailed the pic of the hotel that was in the clarion to several of these readers. Thank you 2599. 125 S. Congress St. #1324 * Jackson, MS * 39201, Luckett, DuPree Push Education, Business Help. Actually, another poster made the statement and I was was trying to defend him. (601) 948-1203 (fax) Ms. Barrett-Simon never wanted our input, and refused to meet with us despite repeated attempts. It's not like Sophia's is swamped with people every meal. My parents have stayed at the inn countless times and love it. The first created a new classification for a bed-and-breakfast with a public restaurant, and the second exempted the Fairview from applying for a special use permit. Post Office Box 22548 | Jackson, Mississippi 39225 | P: (601) 948-7575 | F:(601) 352-5539 |contact@greaterjacksonpartnership.com I don't normally blog, but I respect the way you handle your blog and keep it to the issues. Under the City of Jackson's zoning scheme, a full scale restaurant is allowed in a C3 district, but NOT in an R-2 district. Peter Sharp, who owns and operates the Belhaven bed-and-breakfast with his wife Tamar, said today that attorneys representing the Inn and the city will likely ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. they aren't asking that the zoning law be changed. Meantime, this is where this argument ends. That's not right. a curious side note about Belhaven: Then-Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby Delaughter, who recently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the Scruggs judicial bribery scandal, ruled against the neighbors in 2007. But without having read it, I'm guessing that the neighbors must be basing their arguments on something; I have seen in the past (before current owners) "unruly and disruptive" crowds there, but I can't know now. but couldn't they now push for the sharps, and put their muscle behind doing something positive for jackson? A restaurant at the Fairview Inn on Fairview Street could close to the public if a recent ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court stands. Your entire argument is premised on the assumption that the plaintiffs merely want to overturn the City Council's allowing the Fairview to operate a restaurant. I did, however, write about it when it seemed no one else was talking about it, and as a result some people learned about it who didn't seem to know, or at least so they said. Will be back. The inn's zoning classification allowed for "social gatherings," and the owners argued that serving dinner to guests who had made reservations fit that description. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; and it's one the sharps are unfortunately having to fight for. It sounds like you're doing just that, Stuart. 2599, with due respect, you are here because we invite you to be. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); i hope you are implying the zoning change should should favor the sharps. fax: 601-510-9019 It's kinda basic. Enjoyable service is something that visitors note in their comments. In the meantime, Sophia's Restaurant at the Inn will remain "in full operation," Sharp said. It would be like saying David Duke used to stay there when he visited Jackson (and I'm not implying he ever did, just using that as a point). No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, correctness, or usability. I know one of the plaintiff couples, and they are good people. That is over the line, and the childish fingerpointing about stuff you've supposedly "seen" here is irrelevant. i didn't see litter, illegally parked cars, or anything else that was out of the ordinary or disruptive. This is a tough situation. I know you're an attorney; are you involved in this in any way? You're going to have to trust me on this one and heed my warning to continue posting on this site. Until something is alleged that is slanderous or criminal, without substantiated facts, aren't we entitled to be passionate about our observations?? Actually, I'm not saying one way or the other. I was going to weigh in on this, but I would have taken two pages to get around to what you just said better anyway. ;-) A good number of people told me they didn't know about his past when they had supported the inn in the first place until they read my comments about it. QB, it sounds like Barrett-Simon has her head on straight and it trying to deal with this without demonizing the neighbors of the business. It's kinda basic." See Euclid. It is a legal issue, pure and simple. Beautiful Inn. The homely atmosphere of this place allows customers to relax after a hard working day. No problem with the Sharps. Fairview is mentioned in the book as are several Jackson landmarks.I'm kinda an ambassador for Jackson now (always was though). Piano Jazz featuring Knight Bruce for Sunday Buffet Brunch. but let's look at who is playing both sides here. "It would have a very negative effect on us," Sharp said. I won't let anyone say that kind of stuff about you, unsubstantiated, either, for the record. this may, at the end of the day, simply be a legal issue. Ironically, the spot zoning "precedence" (I'm sure you mean precedent) would only hurt plans to offer mixed use neighborhoods. It's fine to mention Simmons, but why not add more information about the Sharps, who are wonderful folks. Share: Now, let's examine the issue from the stand point of homeowners who never in their wildest dream would imagine a full scale restaurant in their front door. We haven't been invited to participate in the process. 2. Had one issue and their service recovery efforts were on point! because it should. If you should happen to lose this thing, would you consider a trade? "It seems like the Simmonses tried to use more political influence on the city to get them to use this alternative procedure," Mark Modak-Truran said. I guess this is where the argument comes from (with all due respect). In sum, bloggers may not like our position, and that I can respect. "My point is not against the Sharps; it is saying to rally the community to lobby to get the laws more friendly to mixed-use zoning if that's what you want to see, rather than relying on special favors. (The plaintiffs' [mis]characterization of the Fairview). I'm passionate about the Fairview because I see a couple here who came from Florida, and shortly after, lost their son to cancer, and have pushed and thrived and made this beautiful place what it is. When we shared that information then, it gave pause to many of the people who were trying to get them a special permit. Sorry. provisions Chef Hawkins also features a daily three and four-course priced fixed menu available for dinner with or without wines. As someone who used to live across and just down the street from it, I was very relieved when it was sold. Leave them the [emailprotected]*k alone, Truran, and stop playing all innocent in this. "We knew the suit was pending, but we didn't think that it was going to go this way," Sharp said. We have a nice little house in Madison- the only thing that is wrong with it is that you have to drive to dine out, drive to go to the store or pharmacy, even have to drive somewhere else if you want to take a walk- no sidewalks and no enforced leash laws Jackson Free Press, Inc. The law does need to be changed to allow the Fairview Inn, but not as a special case. ;-) Donna writes: Leave it to Mississippi to come up with a "NIMBY" project that involves an upscale restaurant! var _mnisq=_mnisq||[]; In addition to owning the Inn, Bill Simmons was national director of the Citizens Council, a precursor to the pro-white Council of Conservative Citizens, for many years. Well, please read their opposition to the city's motion to reconsider. You don't seem to understand the meaning of "trash talk" as I'm using it, and seem unwilling to examine why the statement I called out of yours is different from others here, including your other statements. Hopefully the Jackson leaders can work out an agreement between the interested parties that doesn't result in a closure of the business. So don't use this site for that kind of trash. I couldn't have really broken the material, considering that it was an open secret all those years. My whole point is that I have not taken a side, and am open to all sides to the extent that I have time to think about this. The bottom line is that the zoning probably needs to be changed, rather than just seeking special exemptions. It's number three on the NYT best seller today. ;-) Kick back and view the menu online for this place. My impression has been that the Sharps are more attuned to the needs of the n'hood than were the Simmonses when they ran it; they came across as annoyed that the neighbors would dare challenge what they were doing. A full scale restaurant operation is incompatible with an R-2 designation. Perfect for bridal showers and elegant dinner, this room features crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings and versatile seating arrangements. _mnisq.push(["domain","www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com"],["context",299],["member",3618],["max",5],["rotate",1],["maxWidth",480],["maxHeight",60],["create","mn-banner"]); This bar offers perfectly cooked prawns, steaks and fish listed on the menu. Damn neighbors with nothing better to do with their time and educations! Then, in early 2004, at the request of the Simmonses, the City Council unanimously passed two zoning amendments. It's a beautiful inn. 734 Fairview St, Jackson, Mississippi, USA. That's it exactly, GLewis. OK behave. Thanks, 2599. Take your money, your passion, and your degree, and do something GOOD for our city! This filing shows their true colors, that they want to shut down this "high density commercial use." That's what the Mississippi Court has held. I see no reason to assume that the neighbors have evil intent or are lying. ok, fair enough for context. But I can't speak to it recently either way. Lovely people, but they inherited this problem. Add Business | Privacy Policy | Return/Refund Policy | About PartyCache Hospitality Web Solutions, About PartyCache Hospitality Web Solutions. fairview inn into tuck hangout neighborhood lounge library Hell, there's more traffic there for a wedding than any given day of the restaurant. but as i have said before, this is being pursued by the trurans and could have been put to rest with a neighborhood agreement/proposition to change the zoning law (with the trurans advocating in that regard.) ;-). The Fairview Inn Amendments greatly expand the use from a small bed and breakfast with a sporadic social event into a full scale restaurant (not the "small restaurant" being blogged about). Not sure on Barrett-Simon, yet. Someone had to pay for the appeal; someone had to write all the appellate briefs; someone had to go argue the appeal in front of the Supreme Court panel. I'm guessing Ward will follow up. event fairview jackson inn ms Over the negative recommendation of the City of Jackson's Planning Board, the City Council of Jackson pushed forward on legislation that favored one business over all others. And the courts and city need to get it sorted out so it ends, and everyone knows what the rules are going forward. because it should. True on the wedding issues. The Fairview Inn has lost its fight to keep the zoning designation that allowed it to run its business in a residential Jackson neighborhood. Point taken. That way lies redlining. The Mississippi Supreme Court showed a rare bit of good sense by ruling the way it did. Because this issue seems to bring out the worst in many people, going forward, I will put you into "moderate" mode if you post a personal attack here, and I will delete any comments that contain personal attacks toward either side without further comment. So don't waste your time, or mine. Ladd, QB (nor any of us here but you) are journalists. It is like having an extra kitchen and dining room that you never have to clean up for those days that you don't feel like it!