MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis leaders recently implemented their newest initiative, Blight Zero, near Austin Peay highway in Raleigh. With plans to invest more than $13 million in the efforts, officials want to focus the cleanup in specific high-need areas of Memphis.
However, residents like Kerusch, who didn't want to use her first name, said that's not enough.
"The pavilion, the roof is torn up," she said. "There are potholes in the parking lot. And what's concerning to me is that it seems like north Memphis and our district seven, we always get the kibbles and bits, if we get that much."
Kerusch specifically pointed out Brown Ave. and Springdale St., which has blight primarily seen as vacant homes and overgrown shrubs and trees.
She has also called 311 multiple times about Gooch Park and Randolph Branch Library and said she has not received a resolution.
"I have been sending emails back and forth for at least two or three years, mostly dealing with overgrown lots, but I have gone before the city council twice with regard specifically to the pool, like, can you tell me when we might expect some type of improvement over here?" she said. "And really, there's no answers."
Harvey, who has lived in Memphis for more than 40 years, said he wants to feel that Memphis leaders care about him and are including him in the city's plans.
"Do your job, see about us, take care of us, take care of the people," he said. "And also, [we should] have greater resources around, so we get a better understanding. So everybody may not know but this is an opportunity to allow them to understand. We need help, too."
In addition to Blight Zero, the Memphis 3.0 comprehensive plan includes North Memphis as part of its planning district.
The City of Memphis issued a statement Wednesday:
"In 2018, the Randolph branch made exterior improvements to the facility, which included new benches, stained glass art, and landscaping improvements. Randolph is currently in the middle of a sign renovation project. A new sign is under construction and should be completed by the fall. There are also plans for new lighting on the south side of the building.
"At Gooch Park, a new pavilion with grills has been funded and will go out for bid later this summer. Memphis Parks applied for a grant through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. If awarded the grant funds, Memphis Parks will upgrade Gooch Park with a playground, pool renovations, a football field, and a walking trail."
