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.