As January brought new opportunities to the business improvement district from Bidwell to Bayview, the Neighborhood Preservation program was taken over by the Jackson Hill board of directors. They fired the Coordinator, Arnold Stovell asserting that his services were no longer needed after the Coordinator’s insistence on using the funds to improve the neighborhood, rather than their individual fortunes. He was “insubordinate” in the eyes of the Board. Firing the Coordinator, they thought they would receive the funding without his interference. What they did not know was that the Coordinator would have to submit his final progress report on activities, expenses, and justifications before any more money could be allotted.

In February, the Executive Director was the problem. Michele Massey is well-recognized in the community as the impetus behind starting the Jackson Hill Bid. She successfully revitalized its Monticello Avenue component in five years. She moved to the MLK district between Bidwell and Bayview intending to create the same development opportunities. However, the Board of Directors priorities proved to be quite different from the Monticello Ave team.

This Board was combative. They harangued the ED. She eventually succumbed to several mini strokes and would take a doctor-mandated leave of absence. During this vulnerable time, the Board would then fire the ED, thinking they could attain the Jackson Hill assets and city funding they desired to direct towards friends. Again, they were stymied not knowing the process or the players.

By March, the Board recognized Brenda Pettiford, the Jackson Hill Office manager, was also familiar with the process and consulted her. All would be well until she sought her backpay. It had been promised and even confirmed by Board members that she would receive it.But, when they had no means to keep their word, they fired the last person with knowledge, the Office Manager. And did we mention she is sight-impaired? Even the Easter Seals staff, who answered phones and cleaned the office, found other work witnessing such treachery.

So now Jackson Hill Management Co is in limbo, it’s gates down more often than up. The Board has installed the former Asbury Park Superintendent of Schools, RaShawn M. Adams, as the new ED. They even had a coming out party for him and the other Board members and a few of their friends. This substitute looks great on paper (to his frat on the Board) so perhaps RaShawn can get the community a business improvement district again. As for Jackson Hill, this story seems to continue and UTN will be there to tell it.