Evergreen Historic District Association Board Meeting
November 12, 2025, Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Bill and Teresa Bullock, Chip Chockley, Caroline Smith, Jagur Klemann, Sam Goff, Gene Laurenzi, Don and Marion Jones, Neely Bagwell, Marshall Ogier, Susan Weber, Carrie Kerley, Shannon Dixon.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Membership – 6 new home packets – 3 appear to be investors/developers.
Beautification – Gene has been pushing the city (Mike Flowers) to get them started on the Williamson Park improvements. The new signs have been delivered and will begin to get installed. Trees (approximately 15 so far) will be ordered soon and will likely get planted beginning in December.
Communication – Committee met, determined that complaints about certain Facebook posts did not violate our guidelines. There was discussion whether there should be a rule change regarding posts on subjects outside the neighborhood. It was decided that Jeremy will reach out to the party in question and ask them to reduce the number of posts to something more reasonable.
Financials – Carrie reported on financials. Total assets Oct. 31, 2025 – $57,797. The board approved reimbursing Jagur for expenditures for Trunk or Treat expenses. Financials were approved.
Community Engagement – Neely announced there were three winners in the Halloween decorating contest. Holiday decorating contest – it was approved to fund $150 for gift cards for 3 winners. Christmas Caroling – Marion announced Scooters will donate hot chocolate and coffee, Dinstuhl’s is donating candy, Fresh Market is donating bags of pretzels, La Baguette is donating Christmas cookies. Dec. 7, Santa 1-2, Caroling 2-4ish.
Next committee meeting is next week.
Community Partnerships – Caroline reported the committee met. They will build a list by the end of January. They have a blurb to put in the next newsletter asking community partners in the neighborhood to complete a form. They will also organize a party for this group. They are also looking for ways to add more value to business membership and establish an appropriate membership rate. Community Partnership committee will meet again on December 1 at 5PM, and if anyone wants to join, they can reach out to Carolyn.
Governance and Strategic Planning – Justin Gillis will head this committee. This committee will make a recommendation on whether to have board meetings every other month with committee meetings in between.
Historic Preservation – Kristy Harris will lead this committee. The committee met this week. Memphis 3.0 – Isaac of Planning has reached out and would like to have a small meeting with Evergreen membership. Meeting will likely be next Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Don sent a letter to ownership of Almadura, but has not yet heard back. Don will be requesting information on 1688 Galloway. It appears the house at Hawthorne and N. Parkway has been condemned. Don will look into this.
The “hotel” on Stonewall was discussed. Cozy Bears Bunkers. Looking into what if any rules/laws are being violated. Need to reach out to public works.
Safety – Chip said first priority is recruiting for members. He will make a Facebook post and put something in the newsletter. He will touch base with Jackson McNeil regarding he status of N. Parkway.
Nominating Committee – Marshall will chair again. He will email the board regarding terms.
Next Board meeting Dec. 10.
Sam reported that Trinity will be cleaning and repainting the playground equipment in the spring. They may be seeking labor help from the neighborhood.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Evergreen Historic District Association
October 8, 2025 Board Meeting
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Sam Goff, Bill and Teresa Bullock, Don and Marion Jones, Kristy Harris, Chris Morton, Jagur Klemann, Caroline Smith, Brenda Parker, Justin Gillis, Carrie Kerley, Gene Laurenzi, Sara Palmer, Shannon Dixon.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Financials: Carrie presented the financial report. Total Assets $58,127. The report was approved.
Membership: Chris sent out the new home packet list. No change in membership since last report.
Beautification: Gene attended the last adopt a park meeting which he said was well attended. He noted there is now a program to adopt-a-street. He also noted the city has stated they may start on the Williamson Park improvements in November. He suggested we make a donation to an entity like the Overton Park Conservancy. There was discussion about the board adopting a street like Court or Overton Park Avenue. Jeremy suggested that the committee come back with some motions on these and other items for the board to vote on.
Signs should all be finished within the week. Bill will let the board know when we will have some installation days. Bill will give Chris an updated list of all the trees EHDA has planted.
Communication: Chris reported that a number of comments were removed. He reported few people are following the Instagram page. Website was down for 24 hours but is back now.
Community Engagement: Neely has agreed to run the Halloween Decorating Contest. Additionally, it was agreed we will have a holiday/Christmas decorating contest. Jagur suggested we also hold a community improvement project in early to mid-November. Christmas Caroling Dec. 7. It was agreed to cover the expenses of about $1,325 for Christmas Caroling.
Sam asked if EHDA could continue to help fund Trunk or Treat, October 26. It was approved to donate the same about as we did last year.
Community Partnerships: Caroline has reached out to 4 partners and has heard back from two of them. She will plan a meeting.
Governance and Strategic Planning: It was agreed that we would post the Strategic Plan that was previously adopted by the board on the website.
Safety: Jagur noted that there was some discussion with Memphis Street Fair to work on traffic calming on Overton Park Avenue near the business area.
There was discussion on best ways to encourage the membership to participate in committees. Jeremy will write a blurb for E News encouraging committee participation. Chris requested relevant information on 3 of the committees for the website.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Evergreen Historic District Association
September 10, 2025 Board Meeting
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Bill and Teresa Bullock, Jeremy Williams, Chip Chockley, Gene Laurenzi, Sara Palmer, Caroline Smith, Kristy Harris, Don Jones, Sam Goff, Susan Weber, Shannon Dixon.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Subject for the evening – Membership Meeting on Sept. 25 at Trinity UMC. There will be a pot luck, with tables for food, tables for eating, and tables for committees. Caroline suggested committee chairs bring pictures of past events or situations that demonstrate the work of the committee. Sam suggested that each committee have a sign with key bullet points on what the committee does. Shannon volunteered to create a tri-fold for all the tables.
Sam will man the membership table in Chris’ absence. Jeremy noted that we have a bunch of business cards with a QR code so folks can link directly to the website for information, paying dues, etc.
We will bring merchandise for sale at the meeting.
State Representative Larry Miller is our speaker. Jeremy suggests that at 6 p.m. (meeting start) we set out food and allow folks to eat and mingle and visit with committee tables until about 6:30. He plans to introduce Larry at about 7.
We need six round table cloths and perhaps a dozen rectangular for committee tables.
Shannon suggested we call the committees “teams.”
At 6:30 Jeremy will address the crowd, welcome folks, introduce the 6 team tables, membership, and other details of EHDA. He will give Caroline 5 minutes to talk about the strategic planning initiative. He will give the Girl Scouts 5 minutes to present a check to Evergreen.
Jeremy will get the board to let Teresa know their shirt sizes so that T shirts can be prepared for board members for the meeting. Teresa will design and order a green shirt with logo and “board member.”
Sam suggested having community partners (such as Friends for All, Garden Club, Crosstown Concourse, etc.) being at the meeting and potentially sitting at one of the team tables.
At the Tables:
Safety Table – Chip
Communications Table – Jagur
Community Engagement – Shannon
Beautification – Gene and Teresa
Historic Preservation – Don, Cannon Parkerson and Buddy Fey
Community Partnerships – Caroline
Membership (in lobby) – Sam and Susan. Merchandise will also be sold at this table.
Sam will look in the basement for clipboards.
Jeremy will make sure we have all the necessary supplies for the pot luck.
Planning item: COA application for property at Galloway and Hawthorne. Board agreed with Planning recommendation to support the application.
Chip has been contacted by director of development for Brooks. They are having a big winter exhibit honoring the College of Art. They want to involve EHDA in some way. To be discussed later.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Evergreen Historic District Association Board Meeting
August 13, 2025
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Jagur Klemann, Bill and Teresa Bullock, Autry Parker, Carrie Kerley, Chip Chockley, Susan Weber, Neely Bagwell, Caroline Smith, Sam Goff, Chris Morton, Ashley Baker, Don Jones, Marshall Lawler, Sara Palmer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Finance: $57,328 balance at end of July. Significant increase for dues paid. Willi Gomez is now taking care of Sallie Hillard Park and is paid $70 per visit. Approved.
Jackson McNeil, Transportation and Mobility Director for Innovate Memphis spoke to the board. They are launching an organization called Street Fair. He reported that North Parkway and East Parkway will be resurfaced in early to mid-2026. The city will have the ability to submit any recommend changes. They plan to have listening sessions in the near future to get input from citizen stakeholders.
Community Engagement/Safety – Chip reported there was an issue at McLean and Overton Park with construction sign blocking pedestrian walkway. Seems to have been resolved.
Branding – Sam suggested that we should have T shirts for board members. There was discussion regarding design, colors and quantities. Teresa and Sam will explore options and attempt to get T shirts made in time for our September membership event.
It was agreed to get 250 more business cards to hand out at meetings. Chris will order.
Jeremy let the board know that Justin Gillis is now living in Evergreen, and he believes Justin would be a good fit to fill an open position. It was agreed that Jeremy would make the request to Justin.
Jeremy shared a packet of information with a summation of comments related to the strategic plan and committee recommendations. The board agreed that there was valuable work put in by the committee and Barbara Sysak. There was a motion made and seconded to adopt the strategic plan as submitted. The motion carried 9-7.
Membership Meeting September 25, State Representative Larry Miller will be guest speaker. Jeremy also wants tables with committee representation. It will be a potluck. Tentatively at Trinity but looking at other options. We will invite Jackson McNeil to man a table.
New EHDA Signs being powder coated. Should be ready in a couple of weeks.
Christmas Caroling is on track.
Next meeting Sept. 10, 2025.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
EHDA Board Meeting
July 10,2025
7:00 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church
Guest Speaker: Will Ezzell, Bikeway and Pedestrian Program Manager for the City of Memphis
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Sam Goff, Susan Weber, Don and Marion Jones, Caroline Smith, Chris Morton, Gene Laurenzi, Marshall Lawlor, Jagur Kelmann, Chip Chockley, Shannon Dixon, Ashley Bonds
Monthly Business:
- The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
- No financial report (Carrie was absent)
Committee Reports
Beautification: Williamson Park—Gene has attempted to contact the Parks Department for an update re: walking path with no success. Lawn maintenance seems to be taken care of at Sally Hilliard and Stonewall median south of Poplar (Teresa spoke to Willie Gomez; unsure whether Willie cleaned up median)
Membership: report distributed; lower than usual YTD, fundraising is lower than previous years. One board member and 18 block captains’ membership dues outstanding. Jeremy said he will send out reminders/make calls.
Communication: Chris created a QR code that links to the EHDA Communications website and added to printed business cards for distribution by board members. The new calendar is live on website.
Fundraising: No fundraisers being planned for the immediate future.
Planning/Landmarks/Preservation/Coding Concerns:
- Repaving North Parkway: Marshall shared that the city is getting feedback/advocates are gathering input so residents can voice how they like the project to be implemented. Conflicting information about funding of this project and timeline, but it appears that city is planning to do the repaving soon. Guest speaker acknowledged this as a current project for his dept.
- Shannon noted a parking pad at a home near Dickinson/Forest was poured despite EHDA recommendation to not proceed
- “Not fit for habitation” sign is now posted on the rainbow house on Galloway. No details re: demolition known—Jeremy check status.
- Flava House update—no meeting yet with Jeremy. There’s been lots of construction going on, but Jeremy and Shannon suggested that we drop by to see how things are going
- Shannon reported that City Council has not yet ruled on its property receivership policy relating to derelict properties cases. There’s a possibility that disputed properties may be passed to Chancery, but council decision is in limbo. (see Daily Memphian for recent article)
Community Engagement/Safety:
Guest speaker Will Ezzell discussed his department’s role in planning and management of new pedestrian and existing bike infrastructure, traffic calming, E-bikes and scooter rentals, bike lane revisions, all of which is done in conjunction with city engineers. Ezzell is currently working on the Memphis Safety Action Plan (MSAP), results of which will be used to obtain Federal and TDOT dollars for ped/bike improvements. To gather data, the city is monitoring cycling activity encounters across city, mostly in stationary locations, i.e., Big River Crossing, as well as a mobile traffic counter on V-E Greenline. MSAP is expected to be drafted/passed by early 2026. He added that the Bike/Ped Dept. is currently operating on a budget of zero. Board members asked Ezzell about traffic calming efforts on Overton Park Ave between Cleveland and Overton Park. He will follow up via email regarding specific plans for that corridor. Ezzell left business cards and encouraged board to contact him about bike/ped concerns.
Branding:
T-shirts will be printed for EHDA board members for use at events. Jeremy will reach out to Teresa regarding design/ordering.
Fall Membership Meeting:
Sept 18 or 25, depending on speaker. Jeremy contacted Steve Cohen’s office. Cohen is unavailable Sept. 18, and was asked to call back early August re: other date. Committee volunteer tables mentioned; Strategic Plan details may be shared at this meeting (see SP below).
Strategic Planning:
Though the SP subcommittee proposed that we approve the SP tonight, Marion, Don and Chris requested giving the board more time to make revisions with consideration of EHDA bylaws. The board agreed to delay the vote until August, but will do “homework” with Jeremy to make revisions prior to that meeting. He will email board members the EHDA bylaws, the 7 pg. plan from Barbara, timelines/deadlines and will make ongoing revisions throughout the month. We will vote in August.
For the September Membership meeting, we all agree it will be a great time to engage with volunteers who responded to the survey, as well as identify neighbors who could fill a vacant board member seat and numerous block captain seats. Caroline suggested we identify specific, shorter-term opportunities to engage reluctant committee volunteers. Shannon encouraged us to declare a deadline so we can keep momentum by tapping willing volunteers who responded to resident survey. Marion suggested we create short term committee goals or consider ad hoc committees. Gene suggested we have committees established for the Membership meeting in Sept. and Sam added that we need to keep in mind our pitch (15 second elevator speech) when recruiting volunteers.
Christmas Caroling: email and letters sent; planning is on schedule. Event has been added to EHDA calendar on website.
Sponsorship by EHDA for Oct. 11 VE Art Walk – motion approved for $500 donation (same as last few years)
Meeting adjourned after all topics discussed.
EHDA Board Meeting
June 11, 2025
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Jagur Klemann, Don and Marion Jones, Sam Goff, Caroline Smith, Chris Morton, Gene Laurenzi, Chip Chockley, Susan Weber,
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Beautification: Sallie Hillard Park needs mowing. Hopefully on Willi Gomez’ radar. Sam will take out the dead tree. Chip will check on status of Stonewall median and see if we still need Willi to address this.
Membership: About a dozen new home packets to go out. Membership about 225 at present with $8,230. Chris believes we are on track for a “normal” year.
Communication: Chris put all links on the web page and he has ordered business cards with a QR code that points to the page,
Community Engagement – Chip, Don and Shannon will meet to rewrite the committee structure per the discussion at recent board planning session. Sam proposed that we work to get people out to vote in the midterms, with the goal being having Evergreen the highest turnout in the county. This would be August, 2026. Sam will lead the ad hoc committee on this.
Fall Membership Meeting: Likely September 18 or 25. Will check on Steve Cohen’s availability.
Christmas Caroling: Dec 7 is the date.
Flava House, the new restaurant slated for Galloway and Watkins was discussed. We are attempting to meet with the owner to welcome them to the neighborhood and find out about their menu, hours of operation, etc.
National Night out is August 5. July 18 deadline for registration on MPD website.
Decoration contest for Halloween and Christmas.
Chris presented the 2025 calendar, and will add the dates discussed above.
Jeremy will reach out to the city regarding traffic calming on Overton Park Ave.
Bill will reach out to Wain regarding donation to a charity of his choice.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Evergreen Historic District Association
May 14, 2025 Board Meeting
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jagur Klemann, Jeremy Williams, Chris Morton, Denise Parker, Caroline Smith, Susan Weber, Sam Goff, Gene Laurenzi, Neely Bagwell, Marshall Ogier, Kristy Harris, Ashley Bonds, Shannon Dixon.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Beautification – Gene will give a report next board meeting on Williamson Park.
Membership – Chris passed out a new home packet list of 4.
Planning Committee – 310 Garland – retro application on exterior repair. Committee found application was incomplete. 309 N. McLean – application for a circular driveway. Recommendation is support the application but remove the parking pad that is also included. 41 Dickinson retro asking for parking pad. Recommendation from committee is to oppose. Board approved those recommendations.
It was approved to make a charitable contribution on behalf of deserving retiring board members. It was agreed we would ask the honoree their charity of choice, and we will publish the honoree’s achievements and the gift in the Evergreen News. It was agreed to honor such board members with a $100 donation to their charity.
The group discussed traffic calming, particularly on Overton Park. At this time, we are awaiting the City’s response to the numerous 311 requests for speed humps on OP just east of Stonewall. It was agreed that EHDA will write a letter to the City to ask what they are going to do and when. Jeremy and Marshall will get together and try to get the new city bike/pedestrian coordinator to address EHDA.
Willie Gomez has begun maintaining Sallie Hillard Park. We have yet to meet with him about doing the same on the Stonewall median south of Poplar.
The board discussed short term rentals. Jeremy will forward an email from neighbors who have asked for EHDA support on their suggested resolution to issues on one on Angelus.
Send top concerns to Caroline regarding our board strategic planning session in June. And sign up to bring a snack.
Bill and Jeremy updated the board on the new restaurant planned for the old Mardi Gras. Jeremy has reached out to the owner and has asked to meet so we can find out what is planned.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
EHDA Board Meeting
April 9, 2025, Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Chris Morton, Chip Chockley, Don and Marion Jones, Caroline Smith, Denise Parker, Chooch Pickard (A2H), Natalie Wilson (Shell), Kristy Harris, Sam Goff, Ashley Bonds, Carrie Kerley, Susan Weber, Roy Bell.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Financial Report: Carrie reported usual expenses plus donation to Snowden and sponsorship of Trinity/EHDA Easter Egg Hunt. Total assets = $58,831 as of March 31. The report was approved.
Natalie presented on the additions and renovations planned for the Overton Park Shell. She handed out some conceptual designs. Chooch Pickard spoke about several projects – Restrooms (additions and upgrades), Offices, Board room/revenue generating space, Green room improvements (addition with showers). Plans are not yet complete.
Jeremy noted we have two open positions on the board. The board approved for Jagur Klemann to step into an at large position.
Beautification – Don and Gene communicated our desires to the City as they requested for Williamson Park upgrades.
Membership – Chris reported on membership and listed the new home packet list. Appears that about half of the 11 may be investor owned. Jeremy will get Chris Natalie’s email address so we can communicate their information to Evergreen residents.
Planning – Don reported that John Zenah shared with him some information on short term rentals (STRs). Zenah noted that responsibility for STRS will shift to Department of Planning and Development. That will likely be a positive in dealing with problem situations.
It was noted that the Almadura has closed. Not sure what the plan is, but Sam has heard that it is to be torn down.
Chris reported things are going well with the UDC stakeholder committee meeting. Zoning names will be changed. He reported their goal is to be finished with the rewrite by the end of the year.
Jeremy reported Melvin Burgess (Assessor) would like to have a forum with Evergreen residents. Jeremy will try to put that together.
Strategic Planning – Caroline reported our session is planned for June 7 1-5 p.m. The meeting will include a complete debrief. Board members need to be prepared. Jot down three big reactions to discuss. Caroline asked for help with refreshments. Sam will do cold cuts, fruits and cheese. Kristy will bring drinks.
Caroline also asked what our expectations are.
Snowden Community Event April 26.
There was discussion on how to honor some of our long-serving board members. We will research the records in the Evergreen Collection at the Library. Bill and Don agreed to put some information together so we can at least have good information on all the past presidents of EHDA on our website.
There were questions regarding the maintenance of Sallie Hillard Park. Sam will reach out to Betsy Black of the Evergreen Garden Club.
Marion suggested that after discussion with some neighbors, EHDA consider helping maintain the median on Stonewall between Poplar and Court. Willie Gomez was brought up as a potential.
Jeremy reported he addressed the midtown Rotary club representing Evergreen on April 1.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
EHDA Board Meeting
March 19, 2025
Trinity United Methodist Church
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Chris Morton, Don and Marion Jones, Sam Goff, Gene Laurenzi, Diane Duke (FFA), Ashley Bonds, Neely Bagwell, Barbara Sysak, Carrie Kerley, Autry & Denise Perkins, Niel and Sara Prosser, Caroline Smith, Marshall Ogier, Sara Palmer, Kristy Harris, Cindy Reeves (FFA), Shannon Dixon, Mike and Elza McKenna, Dr. Sean Hayden (FFA), Katy Leopard, Bill and Teresa Bullock.
The minutes of the previous two meetings were approved with one change (remove “morning after pill”), from the minutes of the meeting at Friends for All.
Friends for All Application – Jeremy began discussion regarding the FFA. It was moved by Shannon, seconded by Denise, and approved by the board to allow neighbors to speak.
Diane (FFA) spoke and asked that the board support the application as amended.
Niel Prosser spoke, noting that the board’s role is to keep the neighborhood residential. He noted that the site has only been used for residential and office to date. He stated that FFA is planning uses that will be detrimental to the residential character of the neighborhood. He concluded that he does not believe the variance should be approved.
Cindy Reeves (FFA), discussed the previous uses of the site.
Niel noted that the variance is vague. He called the variance a “blank check.”
After a question, Don stated he has drafted language to add to the variance that more finely describes the uses of lab and pharmacy, noting that they would not be primary uses.
After a question, Don also stated that the variance would likely go with the property in perpetuity. Niel stated that he believed a sunset provision could go with the property variance.
There was discussion regarding whether conditions at the park have improved since FFA took over. Anecdotal reports were given on both sides of this.
Gene made a motion that EHDA send a letter of support for the variance to the Board of Adjustment with the conditions submitted by FFA and that we put language in that we recommend the variance to expire when the site is sold. Seconded by Sam.
Marion said that she did not think it appropriate to operate on weekends.
It was voted 11 -5 to vote on Gene’s motion.
Gene’s motion was approved 13-3.
It was agreed to go through Don’s suggested language line by line to see if the board agrees with all.
Don moved and Sam seconded that we add Don’s language 2 and 3 to our letter. It was approved 16-0 (one abstention).
Jeremy introduced Barbara Sysak, our consultant in our strategic planning process. We are planning on Saturday June 7 for a session to discuss findings of the strategic planning committee.
Barbara complemented our committee. We did a survey, we held listening sessions. There are common themes from both neighbors and board. She noted the session would need to be at least 3 hours, with board members reading and being familiar with the data prior to the June 7. Jeremy suggested that EHDA purchase refreshments for us.
Carrie presented the financials. Current assets are $59,844. Financials were approved.
It was approved that EHDA support Trinity Easter Egg hunt with $500.
Beautification – Gene and Don reported that the City is ready to start work on Williamson Park. He showed a map of the park, and showed where EHDA needs to make decisions on what we want to do. We agreed to have an asphalt trail (not crushed limestone) on the east side of the park and no additional parking on the north end.
Membership – Chris included a new home packet list with the agenda.
Planning – Fence at Hawthorne and North Parkway. Committee recommended supporting application.
Legislation – TN state government has suggested that Landmarks lose authority in Tourist Development Zone. No longer on agenda for this year.
Trash can – Jeremy will reach out regarding can for Sallie Hillard Park.
Snowden Community Celebration April 26. It was approved to support with $500.
Jeremy suggested honoring long-term retiring board members. To be discussed at a later meeting.
The board discussed speed humps on Overton Park east of Stonewall. A number of individual requests have been made.
Memphis 3.0 meeting tomorrow night on anchors 5:30 at Immaculate Conception.
There was an air B&B issue in the neighborhood. Don suggested we discuss and potentially speak with Councilman Jeff Warren when we have a suggested plan.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Evergreen Historic District Association
Feb. 26, Special Board Meeting
At Friends for All
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Autry and Denise Parker, Chris Morton, Gene Laurenzi, Kristy Harris, Bill Bullock, Chip Chockley, Susan Weber, Cindy Reaves, Diane Duke, Claire Gold, Amanda Lee Savage, Ashley Bonds, Don and Marion Jones, Roy Bell,
The meeting was called to order by Jeremy at 6:06.
He noted we were here to discuss the concerns that EHDA has regarding the Variance put forth by FFA.
There was initial discussion on how we got to where we are now. The issue is the interpretation letter that initially allowed the activities sought by FFA but was later struck down by an appellate court. After this, the variance was sought, and the terms of the variance are what is of concern to EHDA.
Responding to questions, Diane discussed how many people FFA has reached (about 3,000 separate individuals/year).
The clinic sees about 600 per year. They give food to between 400 and 600 folks per month.
Diane talked about the Corner. Currently at Cooper and Elzy. They give out Prep and pep for folks that may have been exposed to HIV. It has 2 nurse practitioners. They see about 16 individuals per day at most currently.
They would like to move some or all of this to the Poplar site.
They are currently open 8:30 – 5 Monday through Friday. Anticipate ½ day on Saturday. Security guard is here from about 7 – 5:30 M-F. Corner is open noon to 8 on Monday and Tuesday, and 8-4 W, Th, Friday. They would like to continue the late hours 2 days per week at the new site.
Laboratory use for primary patient care. Probably 16/day.
Pharmaceutical services – no opiates – serving the same 16/day.
It was noted that use variances go with the property. It is planned to put specific conditions in the variance, one being that the site should stay non-profit. Don noted this may work but could face legal hurdles if there was a new owner in the future.
It was agreed that the EHDA board would discuss this further in another meeting and work with FFA to draft a Variance acceptable to both. Cindy agreed to draft. She will coordinate with Jeremy.
Things agreed to included:
No housing
No methodone
Future use is non-profit
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
EHDA Board Meeting
Feb. 12, 2025, Denise and Autry Parker’s home
Attending: Jeremy Williams, Roy Bell, Gene Laurenzi, Susan Weber, Marshall Ogier, Carrie Kerley, Chip Chockley, Shannon Dixon, Sam Goff, Don and Marion Jones, Denise and Autry Parker, John Zenah, Niel and Sara Prosser.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Financial Report: Carrie presented – Directors and Officers Insurance Paid, $60,666 total assets including over $2,000 for Williamson Park Arboretum. Report Approved.
John Zenah – John discussed the Memphis 3.0 Plan. Adopted in 2019. Have been working to implement the plan through investments. Also implementing through regulation in applications for special use permits and similar proceedings. He says the plan is a generalized plan used to guide in determining appropriateness of applications. They did not look at the zoning map and make changes across the board.
The plan is back in the spotlight because they are looking at the plan and preparing an updated zoning map. Meeting Feb 20 at Immaculate Conception at 5:30, with 2 more meetings to follow. He noted that the area around Crosstown Concourse is designated as multi-family. The proposed zoning map will be discussed in the third meeting. Goal is healthy stable anchors supported by healthy stable neighborhoods.
In response to a question from Don, John agreed that EHDA preparing a letter outlining areas of concern as the process goes forward would be a good step.
Beautification – Gene is meeting with Mike Flowers tomorrow at 3 p.m. to get improvements at Williamson Park moving.
Planning – Met and discussed Memphis 3.0 and Friends for All application for variance for Board of Adjustment. As it stands now after a court interpreted, FFA is only allowed office uses. They are seeking a variance for numerous other uses.
After significant discussion, it was moved by Autry Parker to oppose they variance as currently written and reach out to FFA representative Cindy Reeves. Seconded by Bill Bullock. The motion carried with one nay vote. Jeremy will reach out to Cindy Reeves.
Community Engagement-Safety – Chip reported new speed limit signs on Evergreen.
Strategic Planning – about 160 respondents to our survey. SWOT analysis had 18 responses from the Board. Listening sessions scheduled. Will have a planning session for the board in April.
It was approved to contribute $1,000 toward rebuilding the stone columns at Overton Park and Garland.
It was approved to move forward with $6,450 (1/2 of total) to purchase 13 new EHDA signs and extra parts.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.