Cordova residents seek independence from city
De-annexation in Rocky Point and South Cordova was approved by local officials in 2018 and 2019 respectively, before it became official in 2021. (Courtesy Shelby County Government)
Concerns about the quality of service and response times are creating homeowner opposition to a Shelby County Commission proposal to provide Memphis fire services to the de-annexed areas of Cordova.
Resistance to the request, which the commission public works committee will revisit in February, is the latest in the push from Cordova residents to establish independence from the Memphis city government.
Patti Possel, a resident and activist in the district, “stood on the shoulders” of other citizens fighting for de-annexation in Rocky Point and South Cordova, approved by local officials in 2018 and 2019 respectively, before it became official in 2021.
South Cordova was treated like the “red-headed stepchild,” and it did not receive sufficient fire, police or trash services when it became part of the city in 2012, according to Possel.
“We never wanted to be in, and it took us eight years before we actually got out,” Possel said.
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Cordova Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green Shelby County Commissioner Shante Avant Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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Julia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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