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.