Riverfront nice, but what about neighborhoods?
The city has agreed to pay the Memphis River Parks Partnership $26 million over the next 13 years to manage and develop riverfront parks and amenities.
Since it was founded in 2000, the partnership (formerly known as Riverfront Development Corp.), has been receiving nearly $3 million a year from the city.
That’s more than $50 million in taxpayer funds so far, and another $26 million going forward. That doesn’t include a projected $225 million of Tourism Development Zone dollars for downtown/ riverfront projects going forward.
This huge investment will be positive for Downtown Memphis and our riverfront, and it’s long overdue. But what about other areas of town that have been underinvested in for many years?
I’d like to explore what would happen if other, more distressed areas received $2 million a year. There are professionals and activists doing great work in all parts of the city, and they are limited only by their financial capacity.
Let’s allocate $2 million a year to supplement education for Shelby County School students who live in Memphis. This money could fund before- and after-school programming to supplement classroom learning.
Maybe the after-school programs could provide standardized and ACT test prep. A portion of the funds could go to ensuring educators have the supplies needed for their classrooms, especially for the 47 percent of children who live in poverty and can’t afford supplies.
Maybe the $3 million could go to underfunded and overworked community development corporations.
I’m sure Quincy Morris at the Klondike/Smokey City CDC could use that money to eliminate blight and provide affording housing for current residents.
I’m sure The Works CDC or Soulsville CDC could use more money to have greater control of the future development of their South Memphis communities and to offer more resources to residents.
I’m sure $2 million could have built a new library in Frayser or rebuilt community centers all over the city. Maybe the money could go to activist groups and community residents who are building community out of pocket. Community L.I.F.T. has a grant program that proves this concept works.
Another option could be using that money to keep the promise the city made to its retired public safety employees by supplementing healthcare costs more. A promise is a promise.
Some would like to see an even greater investment in ensuring the success of minority businesses. I’m sure we can think of so many uses for $2 million a year that would have a tremendous impact on our city.
I appreciate the effort and investment going into our downtown. It will be fantastic for tourism. However, we have communities that have been neglected for years. Those areas are worthy of investment and taxpayers dollars.
Downtown does not exist on its own: A greater investment in the communities that surround Downtown will benefit all of Memphis.
Williams D. Brack is a commercial banker, civic volunteer, and community activist. He can be reached at williamsbrack@gmail.com.