 Jackson Avenue, from Ayers Street to Garland Street, is one of 21 areas proposed for a rezoning that bars gas stations and used-tire shops. (Tom Bailey/Daily Memphian)
Welcome to About Town, where we take a deeper dive into one area each week while also highlighting the latest news, developments and back stories from Memphis’ neighborhoods. This week’s focus: Everywhere!
Normally on About Town, I highlight a specific neighborhood through one or multiple stories our staff has reported on within the past week.
Well, sometimes there is a story that focuses on how one decision can impact many neighborhoods.
Daily Memphian reporter Tom Bailey wrote just such a story on the City of Memphis’ plans to potentially down-zone 21 commercial districts to limit the spread of new gas stations and used-tire shops in those areas. It’s safe to say this story falls in the latter category.
Even some of the suburban cities have expressed concerns about a proliferation of gas stations in their respective cities.
The reasoning behind the city Division of Planning & Development (DPD) recommendation to the Land Use Control Board?
To help those 21 business districts — ranging from Frayser to South Memphis to Midtown — look more desirable and to enhance walkability and neighborhood aesthetics.
“The thinking is gas stations and used tire shops, which are all over town, they are fumy, they are kind of loud, they’re covered in concrete and just not pleasant and don’t give off a safe vibe for a pedestrian or bicyclist,” Bailey told me.
This latest proposal came after the Memphis City Council put a moratorium on new gas stations and used-tire shops across the city in March. The council asked the DPD to study the effects of those businesses on neighborhoods.
It’s not the first time the Memphis City Council is facing a potential decision on down-zoning. Previous down-zoned areas include sections of Summer and Lamar avenues.
Before it goes to the City Council, the LUCB will consider the DPD’s recommendations on Sept. 9.
“If Lamar and Summer (decisions) are any indication, there’s probably a good chance this will be approved,” Bailey said.
More About Town:
 Hundreds of backpacks packed with school supplies were distributed during the Back to School Bash hosted by Shelby County Commissioner Willie Brooks at Raleigh Springs Civic Center. (Lucy Garrett/Special to The Daily Memphian)
A drive-thru backpack giveaway at Raleigh Springs Civic Center helps Shelby County Schools students prepare for the start of classes Monday.
The BDC Business Hub represents the nonprofit’s most significant job training and creation endeavor yet. The site will also house business tenants aligned with its mission and commitment toward offering more opportunities for Binghampton residents.
 Attorney Ben Crump (right) comforts Tasheta Motley, (left) the sister of Alvin Motley Jr., during a press conference on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
“Alvin Motley had a right to exist, pump gas and play his music because this is America, and nobody has the right to kill a young Black man for playing music,” says civil rights attorney.
The same Atlanta-based developer involved in other big industrial developments around Memphis International Airport is facing stiff opposition from residents to its plans to erect a fulfillment center at the Mississippi state line and Tchulahoma Road.
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