Reeves Fearful Mayor Would Tear Business Down

owner of A-1 Pallet Company said that she filed a $100 million lawsuit against the city of Jackson and the mayor because she was afraid that Mayor Frank Melton would tear down her business.Charlotte Reeves said during a news conference on Thursday that the controversy surrounding alleged attempted demolition of a house on Ridgeway Street in 2006 by the mayor and his entourage, is at the root of her fears.Melton and his bodyguards Marcus Wright and Michael Recio pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges related to the sledgehammer attack on the house. They are scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 18. Reeves and her husband, Carl Monte Reeves, filed the lawsuit on Monday. It claims "the publication of false and defamatory statements, the use of law enforcement and other city personnel in an attempt or in order to harass, disrupt and cause the closure of (A-1 Pallet Company).""All (Melton) had to do was ask to see us," Charlotte Reeves said. "Ask us what our business was; ask us did we have plans for the future. That's all he had to do, but he never did."The Reeves are suing for $50 million in actual damages and $50 million in punitive damages.Reeves said that the amount she is seeking isn't excessive because the business has allegedly lost customers because of Melton's actions.The Mill Street business is near the historic Farish Street district and is protected by federal and state laws because it was cotton gin operation in the 1800s. There are plans in the works to redevelop the Farish Street area as an entertainment district.Reeves said that she has plans to convert the Mill Street complex into an arts and retail district with restaurants. Reeves wouldn't give details of the development because she didn't want competitors to move in.The dispute between the Reeves and Melton began in June 2007 when Melton threatened to shut the pallet company down. He called it an eyesore and claimed that it was a health hazard.That same month, the Reeves filed a restraining order against the city.City officials refused to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday.