The SoMe RAP, commissioned by Rev. Robinson to identify the physical and social conditions and to determine the prescription that addresses these issues in a defined target area of South Memphis. The study area includes the area west of I-240, south of Trigg Ave., east of Lauderdale, and north of Person Ave. The study area includes more than 1800 building lots, 21 churches, 5 schools, and is home to approximately 7,000 people.
Who was involved with SoMe RAP?
More than 100 students and members of the faculty of the University of Memphis from 5 different departments: Anthropology, Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Engineering, and Public Health. Among the members of the university were various institutions that participated including: St. Andrew AME Church, The Works, Inc., Self Tucker Architects and the Memphis Regional Design Center, among many others.
The SoMe RAP Process
This engaged planning process utilized various methods to assess the current conditions, and to determine the needs of the community. Students used the U.S. Census Bureau for data to create an initial assessment of the area. They also did land use surveys, physical conditions surveys, resident interviews, and institution interviews did understand the whole picture in assessing the needs of the community. Also, many focus groups were used to generate more thinking and prescription of the needs of this great community and putting members of this community in an environment of interaction with each other, it served as a valuable method.
Highlights of SoMe RAP
After speaking with thousands of residents in this community, a common need was immediately identified. Access to quality and affordable retail, especially one that meets their grocery needs. Many of the residents find it difficult to access retail because of a lack of transportation, thus, requiring these individuals to pay outlandishly high prices at local retail stores that are preying on the residents misfortune.
South Parkway Pioneer Plaza is proposed to meet this need for neighborhood retail. This retail facility will provide more than 24,000 ft.2 providing area for a food market, access to banking, a pharmacy, various restaurants and even a police substation.
Another concern by many of the residents is the vacant car wash that resides on the corner of Kerr and South Parkway. This facility is a haven to many illicit activities including, violence, drugs and prostitution. This location can serve as an opportunity for the community to take an area of the community that is promoting unhealthy living and transform it into something that promotes healthy living.
It is recommended in the SoMe RAP that this location is transformed into the Renaissance Farmers Market. Currently, there is a contingent of farmers that sell fresh produce along South Parkway and other areas of South Memphis. This will provide a place that can house these individuals, while providing the community with a place for fun interactions, ultimately contributing to a sense of place. Since this revitalization is supporting healthy living, it is further recommended that this be the location for health screenings from mobile health units.
What is Next?
Members of the community and the collaborative are taking the SoMe RAP to the City Council to have this neighborhood plan adopted into the Memphis Comprehensive Plan. There is a community meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Ruth E. Tate Senior Center at 1620 Marjorie Memphis, TN 38106 to discuss the next steps. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
For more information on the SoMe RAP, please visit http://www.memphis.edu/planning/student_projects.htm.
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