MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Despite opposition from dozens of community members, the city council approved a resolution amendment to put a RaceTrac Travel Center at the intersection of American Way and Lamar on Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Lynnette Williams, the interim executive director of the East Memphis Community Development Corporation, brought nearly 75 members with her to Tuesday's city council meeting to oppose a new RaceTrac gas station and travel center approved for construction on 3419 American Way, citing noise complaints and air pollution.
"With this particular project, we felt that we didn't get an opportunity to really share our ideas or alternatives," she said. "We're really disappointed, disappointed in the fact that there are a lot of considerations as far as the contamination."
There are now six gas stations for every 10,000 people in Memphis, compared to a national average of four per 10,000 people; a 50 percent higher ratio. Despite this, several city council members cited significant increases in prostitution, crime, and blight in that area of Southeast Memphis. The resolution amendment passed with 10 ayes and three abstentions.
"We will not be doing right by the community to continue to allow a facility to be in this community that promotes or allows crime at this level," said Rhonda Logan, Memphis City Council Member.
Williams says she agrees with the problems that the city council mentioned. Still, he wishes she could list alternatives to the RaceTrac Travel Center, including a farmers market or a shopping mall. She plans to go before the council again to encourage the city council to consider environmental concerns.
