MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new parking garage for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the Uptown area will have to wait.
The Memphis-Shelby County Board of Adjustment has denied the latest proposal.
Neighbors opposed the planned structure, citing traffic dangers on nearby residential streets, but St. Jude said it needs the parking for future employees.
St. Jude, however, isn't giving up. A spokeswoman said the proposal rejected on Wednesday has already been revised, addressing neighbors' concerns.
You can read the full statement from ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, below:
"We appreciate the Board of Adjustment evaluating our proposal today, though we are disappointed with the result as this could adversely impact our planned missional expansion. We will continue to explore our options to expand our campus, including returning to the Board of Adjustment at the appropriate time, since we have significant new construction planned on the western side of campus and the Pinch District and need additional parking to accommodate our growing workforce. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, have added more than 1,200 jobs over the past six years, and likely will add approximately 1,800 more jobs over the next six years. This growth will allow us to advance research and lifesaving treatment for children worldwide and continue to create new local opportunities for investment and employment."
Parks Not Parking 901 released the following statement on the decision:
"The residents and supporters of Greenlaw/Uptown applaud the decision made yesterday by the Board of Adjustment to reject ALSAC/St. Jude’s proposed plan to build a 7-level parking garage on greenspace in our neighborhood. Thank you to this board for listening to our concerns and setting high expectations for how organizations should collaborate with community stakeholders when developing large-scale plans that impact the quality of life and livelihood of thousands of people. As previously stated, we support the great work St. Jude does for families and our city every day. We also expect ALSAC/St. Jude to consider a more thoughtful approach to their growth that will enhance both the campus and the surrounding communities."