City agencies celebrate million dollar grant for new home construction
Jackson Mayor Scott Conger made a simple but meaningful statement during a press conference this past week.
“It’s always a good day when Jackson, Tennessee is awarded a million dollars,” the mayor said at the announcement of a coalition of agencies working together to receive a $1 million grant to build six houses in the city.
The Southwest Tennessee Community Development Corporation, Jackson Energy Authority, Healthy Communities LLC and the Community Redevelopment Agency all worked together to receive the grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
Brian James of HCB Development was the one credited with coordinating the effort with the agencies. It started with he and Chris Alexander discussing a partnership with the Southwest Community Development Corporation and director Patti Pickler.
For roughly three decades, Hardy has been a crucial behind-the-scenes adviser helping orchestrate the School District’s property tax referendum and reminding School Board members that fighting in Facebook comment sections can be a violation of Florida’s Sunshine Laws.
Now, with Hardy’s retirement looming, the Sarasota County School Board is tasked with replacing the man who has outlasted 10 superintendents and 21 School Board members.
Hardy is not weighing in on who should replace him, but he has some advice for surviving the countless legal frays and dueling personalities that populate school board offices. When there wasn’t a clear legal answer, which often there wasn’t, I would try to give the School Board the pros and cons,” Hardy said. “And try to remember that they are the ones making the decision, not me. I m giving the advice.”