The Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) along with the Uptown Advisory Committee is planning a week-long charrette to give residents, business owners and community stakeholders a voice in the Uptown Community Planning process. The Charrette will be held from April 16 – 20, 2018 at the Neighborhood Christian Center, located at 785 Jackson Ave in the redevelopment area.
The community meetings are designed to gather input from community residents and stakeholders in an inclusive and interactive way. Throughout the week there will be fun pop-up events throughout the neighborhoods in the redevelopment area. Friday, April 20th, the CRA Team will share with the public early recommendations and close the week with an Uptown themed community block party at the Explore Bike Share Warehouse at 61 Keel.
“During the Uptown community planning process, residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and influence public decisions,” said Tanja Mitchell, CRA Uptown Neighborhood Coordinator. “This is the community’s plan; therefore it is important that residents bring their authentic voice to the table and participate in shaping the future of the community in which they call home. As both an employee of the CRA and a resident of Uptown, I encourage my neighbors to the north, south and east to come out be a part of the planning process.”
Over the next 14 years, more than $95 million will be generated in the Uptown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district which includes not only Uptown but parts of Smokey City, New Chicago, North Parkway, Carnes and the Medical District which are in District 7. “I want to encourage every Uptown resident to participate in the Uptown Community Plan Planning process,” said Berlin Boyd, Chairman, Memphis City Council. “This is an important opportunity to be a part of the process on the forefront and have a say in where and how funds should be allocated to enhance the community.
I guarantee you will feel a great sense of pride and inclusion knowing that you participated in this worthwhile endeavor and had a direct impact and influence on the decisions being made.”
The CRA encourages those not able to attend the public meetings to provide input by completing the survey found at CRAMemphis.org. A full listing of all of the public meetings, pop-up locations, and daily recaps can be found on the website.
About the Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency
The City of Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency was created to review applications for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and expenditures of TIF Funds. The seven-member Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors are appointed by the Mayor of Memphis and Mayor of Shelby County. They are responsible for working with the CRA staff to participate in partnerships that encourage reinvestment in neighborhoods.