SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — North Memphians and Midtowners are trying to put a stop to the development of a proposed sawmill and biomass facility in the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood, drawing the ire of the local community.
Concerned Memphians like Jennifer Sanders are worried the project could have significant negative health consequences for the area and that their voices are not being listened to by the city.
“We are being attacked — our lives are at stake,” she said. “There are senior citizens. There are disabled people who are in danger, and they need you to come together and stand with us and help us fight. Do not let them kill us.”
Sanders has lived within walking distance of the intersection of North Watkins Street and Chelsea Avenue all her life. She never imagined she’d be fighting for what she says is the future of her community.
Residents fear the potential negative impacts on the North Memphis community's health and well-being as the site is close to the contaminated Cypress Creek and the 100-year floodplain.
“Why should they not deserve a nice neighborhood quality of life without being burdened by heavy industry. They’ve paid off their mortgages, they’re elderly and retired. Where else can they go?” said community activist Natasha Strong.
The community wants to relocate the proposed sawmill and biomass campus to an area already zoned for heavy industrial use. At a meeting this week with city leaders, the community expressed shock and dismay that their voices have not been more greatly considered throughout this process.
“Our elderly community members are suffering from different ailments and they’re very concerned about this project. They really don’t want this to happen in their neighborhood so we’re just reaching out to any and every resident of Memphis, Tennessee,” said community activist Donald Batiste.
The community is hoping to make their voices heard even more strongly at a City Council meeting on March 19, and they encourage other members of the public to come forward then as well.
“We’re tired of it. We’re speaking up and saying take it somewhere else ,” Strong said.