Statement from City Attorney Drew Martin on recent developments in Retro Metro LLC. vs. City of Jackson federal court case

For Immediate Release:

August 29, 2024

(Jackson, Miss.) - "Last year, the City of Jackson vacated office space it had been using at the Metrocenter mall because of deplorable conditions which endangered city employees working there. The space was owned by Retro Metro LLC, which then sued the city for breach of lease, seeking an additional ten years of payments which would have totaled over $4.5 million.

"Today, the federal court dismissed those breach of lease claims against the city. The federal court also dismissed various claims Retro Metro made against Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Council President Virgi Lindsay, and council members Brian Grizzell and Vernon Hartley.

"This outcome supports our ongoing commitment to protect the health and safety of our city employees and the public. The citizens of Jackson and our hardworking employees deserve safe and healthy working environments, and we believe no one should be subjected to poor or unsafe conditions. This decision is a positive step toward ensuring that our community and workforce are treated with the respect and care they deserve.

"The Office of the City Attorney remains dedicated to providing the best legal outcomes for the citizens of Jackson and its employees. We are pleased with this result and will continue to prioritize the well-being of our community as we address the remaining issues in this case."