We, oppose the proposed height of 2 apartment developments at the intersection of Sam Cooper and East Parkway, a Major Gate to Midtown.
- Planned development applications are in direct conflict with Lea’s Woods Historic Conservation Standards, which state on p. 6:
- “New construction should be consistent with the architecture and period-styling of the existing buildings along a street in terms of height, scale, setback and rhythm”.
- We cannot set a precedent of overriding Historic Conservation Guidelines, which would damage the validity of standards in 12 other Midtown Historic Districts.
- Increased demand for on-street parking resulting from the height, "will unduly damage the use, value and enjoyment of the surrounding residential homes." (Unified Development Code, p. 239)
Background:
We do NOT oppose adding density to our city, but it must be properly located and abide by the standards of any neighborhood it occurs in.
We want fair housing (homes and apartments) to be offered to people of all income-levels, ethnicities, religions and lifestyles. This will preserve keeping it “our” town, and not one ruled by corporate interests.
7 acres were purchased by Makowsky, Ringel and Greenberg, LLC (MRG), directly across from Overton Park, where the beautiful bicycle arch is located.
- MRG intends to build 3, 4 and 5 story buildings at the corners per their applications to Office of Planning and Development: PD 17-07; PD 17-08
- There are no apartment complexes or other buildings with a height over 2 stories within the area, or nearby.
- Originally, this property had single-family residential homes that were demolished during the state’s initiative to run I-40 through the heart of Midtown.
Actions In-Process
- Lea's Woods core neighborhood group are soliciting support from all other Midtown community and civic organizations.
- We have retained a highly respected attorney to aid us, and are actively lobbying City Council members to protect our historic district standards. (Council meeting expected July 25.)
- We want fairness for all Memphis residents, of all incomes and lifestyles. We don't want that lost. To help us or more info:
KeepMidtownOurTown.com
- Funding donations for our attorney costs can made to:
GoFundMe Attorney Contributions
Keep Midtown Our Town!
Protect Midtown's Historic Standards
