In response to the letter to the editor published in The Madison County Herald on Thursday, Aug. 14, titled, “South Ridgeland panned” , we submit the following:

Many of Ridgeland’s residents and business owners are very informed about current issues in the city and took one or many of the opportunities to participate in the city’s Master Planning process over the last two years. Community involvement was integral to the creation of this award-winning Master Plan that will help us develop and redevelop our city.

Prior to the completion of the Master Plan, we accomplished two significant road projects on County Line Road to improve safety, travel and aesthetics. In late 2005 we spent $2.7 million reconstructing County Line Road from Pear Orchard Road to Ridgewood Road. Since the completion of this road project which included the installation of a median, vehicular accidents have decreased tremendously. We continuously work to improve the landscaping and the appearance of the area.

In 2007 we spent $7.1 million to widen County Line Road from Pear Orchard Road to Old Canton Road.

Ridgeland Police and Northpark Mall security personnel maintain a strong presence at the mall and the surrounding area. It is very well patrolled and safe. Northpark employs closed circuit television inside and outside of the mall as well as personal transporters.

Also, Northpark does not allow loitering by groups of three or more. Crime has actually decreased over the last two years. There have been no armed robberies, no armed carjackings, no rapes and no burglaries in the 1200 Block of County Line Road and Ring Road.

Northpark Mall continues to be very successful with strong sales. They consistently have a high occupancy which speaks to the success of tenants and the mall. Several new tenants are coming into the mall.

Numerous tenants are either remodeling, expanding or both, making significant investments, a sure sign of success and growth.

For example, American Eagle is expanding by several thousand square feet, building their newest and largest prototype at Northpark.

In the area south of Lake Harbour Drive in Ridgeland, more than 200 new businesses have opened in the last four years. Literally dozens of new commercial buildings are located on or just off County Line Road. This level of investment in Ridgeland between County Line Road and Lake Harbour Drive demonstrates strong confidence in the continued success of the area.

Ridgeland continues to be a wonderful place to live with its involved citizens, great schools, parks and trails, and safe neighborhoods.

Ridgeland offers the convenience of work, home and play in one great place. We have excellent restaurants, shops, services and community events. There is something for everyone here with the variety of people, jobs, and homes that make Ridgeland special.

The future is bright in Ridgeland and the best is yet to come.

Gene McGee is mayor of Ridgeland.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 4th, 2008 at 11:19 am and is filed under Success Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.