MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis' Land Use Control Board has approved plans to turn a hotel into a truck stop and gas station, but tabled a discussion on a new gas station in East Memphis.
Thursday morning, developers and those opposed to the truck stop development at the intersection of Lamar and American Way went before the Land Use Control Board. The plan is for RaceTrac to build the large gas station where the current Garden Inn and Suites is located.
The hotel has been at the center of controversy over the years, and while many would like to see the hotel torn down, those who live nearby said they don't want to see another truck stop.
“It’s just not right," said Mary McCord, who lives behind the proposed site. “I’ve only seen my part of town diminish, never to be brought up.”
McCord wasn’t the only one to voice opposition to the board Thursday.
“I can hear the Love's speakers when they’re announcing stuff all the way over in my house and they’re across the street," said another homeowner.
Ultimately, the board approved the plan with a unanimous vote despite those concerns from homeowners who live directly behind the proposed site.
“I came out to this property, and I met with members of Memphis police to discuss crime in the area and to start to anticipate what type of measures we might need to make this property a success," said Kelly Harrington with RaceTrac. "We are going above and beyond with the measures we are planning to deploy at this property.”
Harrington told the board they will take a proactive approach on crime. He said they will be using 47 HD cameras with 24-hour recording with 90-day retention. He also said they will give Memphis Police direct access to those cameras to combat crime. Also, they will install license plate readers and have 24-hour security.
Meanwhile, McCord said even with those measures in place, she believes it will have a negative impact on the neighborhood.
“I feel like it’s gonna diminish our area and take down the value of our houses, bring more pollution, bring more health problems, bring more crime," McCord said.
Another topic that was to go before the Land Use Control Board Thursday was another gas station proposed for the Sea Isle Park neighborhood in East Memphis.
Homeowners there are worried it too will bring crime.
The board decided to table that discussion until September.