MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) says it has come up with a plan to ease traffic on Riverside Drive and create additional free parking next to Tom Lee Park.
DNA said it took community feedback and created the plan, which leaders said would be low-cost and double the amount of parking.
The design would make portions of Riverside Drive two lanes and add parking spaces directly next to the park, easing concerns about parking tickets for those trying to visit the park.
DNA said its President Jerred Price and Executive Director Luanne Yeley presented the plan to the City of Memphis' Engineering team and Councilwoman Pearl Walker.
"We knew this issue was coming when we saw that Memphis River Parks was cutting parking in the park from 200 spots to less than 70 in the new park design. We want you to know WE HEAR YOU," said Price in a statement. "We want to ensure there is enough free, equitable parking for all Memphians coming to the new park.”
He continued, "That's why we are proposing this new plan that will slow traffic, add a lot more parking, and help make it more pedestrian friendly - it also keeps the width of the road from curb to curb the same as a 4 lane road, so that Memphis In May can still use the road for their load in / loud out of the festivals.”
The organization said the proposal received overwhelming support from its membership at their March 2024 meeting.
In response to the proposed changes, the Memphis River Parks Partnership released the following statement:
- The DNA parking sketch for Riverside Drive raises more questions than it answers.
- Parking on Riverside Drive is the responsibility of the City.
- Design for a two-lane Riverside Drive was part of our original plan for Tom Lee Park but was not approved.