MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Furious over what they say is a neglect and disregard of their neighborhood, the Whitehaven Hills East neighborhood group met at Fellowship United Baptist Church on Tuesday to voice their concerns.
United Housing Inc. and Memphis Blight Authority are expected to build 10 homes and one duplex near Tchulahoma Road and East Holmes Road, but group leaders say will cause increased crime, traffic and congestion, leading to more accidents. The group gathered to collect signed petitions to stop the development, but because the city has already approved plans leading up to the groundbreaking, including utilities, Joyce Adams, part of the neighborhood group leadership, says they are eager to file a lawsuit.
Councilwoman Pearl Walker, who attended the meeting, hopes to see more advocacy from this group.
"I hate to say it, but it's kind of like the squeaky wheel gets the noise, and so they need to get in front of us," she said. "So we know that they are here, that they have these issues, these concerns, and it's just very helpful to see and hear from the constituents."
If this new development is secured, it is said to be for homebuyers, but may also be available to renters on United Housing finalized plans. Adams and other Whitehaven residents say they will be protesting and getting prepared for a lawsuit.
United Housing, Inc. provided ABC24 with the following statement on Wednesday:
"United Housing plans to build 11 single-family, freestanding homes on 60-foot lots. The homes are ranch-style and mirror many of the existing homes in the neighborhood. Row homes are connected houses or properties typically no more than 25 feet wide and share walls with bordering properties.
These homes will be reserved for homeownership and sold to local individuals and families. United Housing does not approve residents for home loans if their mortgage payment takes up more than 30% of their monthly income. Using $223,000 as a base price and the average 30-year interest rate of 7%, a family must make more than $59,000 a year to qualify. This income closely mirrors that of current residents of Whitehaven Hills, where the median household income is $57,000 a year. Additionally, these buyers will go through credit counseling and homeownership classes while working closely with financial partners to support long-term success in their new homes.
Adding single-family homes does not significantly contribute to increased population density. While marginally more people will rely upon community streets and public services, we do not anticipate the nominal number of properties to create change existing residents will feel. No evidence supports that developing new homes will increase crime in the immediate vicinity. Conversely, the percentage of homes homeowners occupy in a neighborhood is directly linked to reduced crime. These homes will be sold to locals who plan to make Whitehaven Hills their long-term home."