The Homewood Star
Volume 6 | Issue 10 | January 2017
‘Positive Strides’
After one year in office, police chief crossing projects off his list.
See page A9
Growing Together
Homewood City Schools invites residents to be a part of its strategic planning process by weighing in on proposed facilities expansion.
See page B1
Back for More
Patriots lead scorer not resting his hat on last year’s state championship.
See page B9
INSIDE Sponsors .......... A4 City .................... A6 Business ..........A10 Food..................A13 Community ...... B4
School House .. B8 Sports ............... B9 Opinion ............ B12 Real Estate...... B13 Calendar ..........B14
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
2017 A
LOOK AHEAD F
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, A20
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
or the city of Homewood, 2017 is shaping up to be no small year. From sidewalks and road paving to commercial developments and a new police building, there’s a lot being planned for the next 12 months. The Homewood Star has profiled several of the projects we’ll be following in the upcoming year. Read on to find out when Pizzeria GM is coming to West Homewood, how the Police Department is using its new license plate readers, what renovations the Parks and Recreation Department is making this year and more.
SIDEWALK PROJECTS, A21
BIKE SHARE PROGRAM The city of Homewood is still considering a bike-share program, but as part of a broader regional program rather than an individual city system. “The whole point of this initiative is interconnectedness,” said Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames. On Nov. 21, the results of a feasibility study by Bantam Strategy Group were released after almost a year of work. The final results of the study were based on Homewood data
See AHEAD | page A16
Learning to overcome fear
facebook.com/thehomewoodstar Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit #54
Former resident decides to turn childhood experience into lesson on display for all By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Jason Lee moved in 1986 with his mother, Billie Gray, and brother to Homewood. Photo courtesy of Jason Lee.
Jason Lee doesn’t enjoy recalling or talking about some of his childhood years in Homewood. In fact, he said a part of him still “wants to turn around and run
away” when he discusses the sexual abuse he experienced at the hands of his assistant Boy Scoutmaster. But Lee continues to talk about his experience, so no other victim of childhood molestation feels like they’re alone. Lee moved to Homewood in 1986 with his mother, Billie Gray, and brother. Because she was busy trying to support her
See DISPLAY | page A15