In the matter of the balcony and staircase at 1220 Washington St. (Burger Village), I would like the opportunity to clarify my position on this matter.

I cannot recall the final vote, but I do remember a majority approval by the entire Board of Architectural Review, of which I am a member, not just me.

I offered up the motion for the balcony without the staircase for two reasons. First, and foremost for me, I made the motion as a matter of fairness.

In 2007 or 2008 the board voted in favor of a balcony at 1209 Washington St. That applicant received a unanimous approval. With the exception of the staircase, the balcony issue at Burger Village is the same.

My view is that complete denial of a balcony at Burger Village was unfair. I offered what I saw as a fair and consistent motion for the balcony without the staircase. I also hoped the gesture would reach a middle ground.

Second, I see the staircase as a completely separate matter. My objections to the staircase are related to public safety, civil liability and simply being a good neighbor. One does not need to be an architectural, safety or legal professional to see the hazards of building a staircase on a public sidewalk and one that intrudes on our neighbors. I think many of us can agree this is wrong and a situation that should be avoided.

I am in favor of any business that follows existing community rules, has a business plan and offers prosperity and harmony to our city. I do not favor attempts to avoid, change or scam established processes.

It is not for me to say the applicant’s business is right or wrong for our community. Believe me the citizens of Vicksburg and Warren County will make that decision.

Troy Weeks

Vicksburg