- Report: #64645
Complaint Review: Prime Retail Outlets - Gulfport Mississippi
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Prime Retail Outlets
10000 Factory Shops Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501 Gulfport, 39501 Mississippi, U.S.A.
Phone:
228-867-6101
Web:
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Prime Outlets At Gulfport, aka Prime Retail Outlets ripoff. Discriminatory Leasing Practices. Justice Department and HUD refused to enforce federal laws. Gulfport Mississippi
I am now a bankrupt and former co-owner of a religious music store, God's Music, located in Gulfport, MS. My former business partner and I (both Black), had to file for this bankrupcy as a result of the Prime Retail Outlet refusal to give a lease in the mall, due to our race.
In March 2000, we went to Prime Retail to apply for a lease and the mall manager, Pam Meinzinger, tried everything she could think of the talk us out of doing so; saying things like: "I don't know why you want to open a store in this mall." "The mall did a survey and found that only 15% of Blacks shopped here." We knew this to be untrue and as of this date, the mall has never been able to produce such a survey showing this.
We submitted the required paperwork of Meinzinger and were denied entrance into the mall.
Our pastor put me in touch with the Harrison County Development Commission Director, Mike Olivier, who promised to assist but repeatedly lied to us and lead us around in circles. Finally, after I informed them we were going to the Justice Department, we were given a three month contract.
We asked why three months since it was not sufficient time to do anything. Meinzinger informed us: "So that the mall can get to know you/you us and so we can see if you will be profitable for us." Finally, we decided to take this contract but upon picking it up and review, we found that it contained on the three months and nothing else; move in 1 Jun 2000 move out 31 Oct 2000. No options to extend. Nothing! Our protestations fell on deaf ears. Our state senator (Deborah Dawkins) even called on our behalf. Nothing.
We decided to hire an attorney and all requests to establish communication with the mall failed and we were forced to file a law suit.
We were not allowed a hearing in District Court, even after I produced evidence supporting our case. My appeal was rejected due to the mall's high powered lawyers requesting this, citing Mississippi law that prevented an official of a corporation representing the company, not being licensed to practice law.
I sought further support for our case and wrote the mayor and two city councilpersons of Gulfport; requesting under the Freedom Of Information Act, public records of federal dollars spent in the establishment/upkeep of this mall. They have refused to supply this request. I wrote the Mississippi Attorney General and his office simply has ignored my letters.
I have contacted the Justice Department and HUD who both have refused to enforce federal laws on discrimination.
We need someone's assistance in this case.
I can support written proof of all I have stated here and may be contracted through this site.
Lastly, Blacks are assisted in fighting and dying for this great country but not so when it comes to making and earning a decent and respected living.
Please help.
God bless.
Willie
Corpus Christi, Texas
U.S.A.
In March 2000, we went to Prime Retail to apply for a lease and the mall manager, Pam Meinzinger, tried everything she could think of the talk us out of doing so; saying things like: "I don't know why you want to open a store in this mall." "The mall did a survey and found that only 15% of Blacks shopped here." We knew this to be untrue and as of this date, the mall has never been able to produce such a survey showing this.
We submitted the required paperwork of Meinzinger and were denied entrance into the mall.
Our pastor put me in touch with the Harrison County Development Commission Director, Mike Olivier, who promised to assist but repeatedly lied to us and lead us around in circles. Finally, after I informed them we were going to the Justice Department, we were given a three month contract.
We asked why three months since it was not sufficient time to do anything. Meinzinger informed us: "So that the mall can get to know you/you us and so we can see if you will be profitable for us." Finally, we decided to take this contract but upon picking it up and review, we found that it contained on the three months and nothing else; move in 1 Jun 2000 move out 31 Oct 2000. No options to extend. Nothing! Our protestations fell on deaf ears. Our state senator (Deborah Dawkins) even called on our behalf. Nothing.
We decided to hire an attorney and all requests to establish communication with the mall failed and we were forced to file a law suit.
We were not allowed a hearing in District Court, even after I produced evidence supporting our case. My appeal was rejected due to the mall's high powered lawyers requesting this, citing Mississippi law that prevented an official of a corporation representing the company, not being licensed to practice law.
I sought further support for our case and wrote the mayor and two city councilpersons of Gulfport; requesting under the Freedom Of Information Act, public records of federal dollars spent in the establishment/upkeep of this mall. They have refused to supply this request. I wrote the Mississippi Attorney General and his office simply has ignored my letters.
I have contacted the Justice Department and HUD who both have refused to enforce federal laws on discrimination.
We need someone's assistance in this case.
I can support written proof of all I have stated here and may be contracted through this site.
Lastly, Blacks are assisted in fighting and dying for this great country but not so when it comes to making and earning a decent and respected living.
Please help.
God bless.
Willie
Corpus Christi, Texas
U.S.A.
