JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – A legal battle is brewing between the City of Jackson and the state of Mississippi.
The city said they will not turn over Smith-Wills Stadium’s deed to the state following a letter sent by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R-Miss.). The city filed a complaint for a declaratory judgment and equitable relief against Fitch, her office, and the state of Mississippi.
In the letter, Fitch said her office was directed by House Bill 1983 to take action to “enforce the reverter language in the 1944 deed,” which conveyed the title from the State of Mississippi to the City of Jackson.
A provision stated that the parcel must be used for park purposes, and Fitch claimed that the terms of the deed have been breached.
Jackson to fight takeover of Smith-Wills Stadium
Fitch stated that the city has until the end of Monday, September 30 to turn over the deed. However, the city is prepared to take legal action if necessary.
“It’s very disheartening to me, because not only does the Jackson Public School student athletes, student athletes play there, but also some of the colleges have played there. And again, I believe that this is both racially and politically motivated. And in the end, I hope and pray that the city and the state can come to a reasonable agreement,” said Jackson City Councilman Brian Grizzell, Ward 4.