A better University of Memphis campus and an enhanced collegeexperience may be the byproduct of an area revitalization projectstarted by some concerned neighbors.
The early stages of a project to improve the area surroundingThe University have begun, aiming to transform the area aroundcampus.
"We got a lot of comments from residents about rising crime,traffic and parking problems and deteriorating property in theareas around the campus and on Highland" at the first town meetingwith neighborhood associations in 2001, said Edwin Masten,president of the University Neighborhood Coalition. "We spent thenext year at UDI (University District Inc.) meetings looking at ourstrengths and weaknesses, evaluating our alternatives and creatinga vision of what kind of neighborhood we wanted this to be."
The associations decided to organize the University NeighborhoodDevelopment Corporation to, as Masten said, "...channel ourvision..." The corporation was organized in August of lastyear.
That vision includes many new additions to the areas aroundcampus.
"In the short term, we are working with the city and TheUniversity to build a new Police Substation on Highland by thisfall, which will be home to the Memphis PD as well as University ofMemphis PD," said Masten. "The building will also include space forneighborhood meetings and programs, and a code enforcement officeto assist in matters relating to properties in the area. It willalso serve as the office of the UNDC.
"Another goal is to develop a master plan for the area. Thiswill serve as a guideline for development so that we don't have toresort to ad hoc reactions to unplanned changes to ourneighborhoods. The plan will target areas that need redevelopmentand help direct funds to get it done."
U of M students may not be the only people gaining a bettereducation from the project. The plans also include kindergartenthrough eighth-grade public schools in the area.
"Establishing families in our neighborhoods is a high priority.People will not choose to live where there is no qualityeducation," said Masten. "We hope we can partner with TheUniversity and the city to make that happen."
The relationship of The University and the surroundingneighborhood seems to be truly symbiotic, said Universityofficials.
"It's part of our mission as a university to assist thecommunity and all of its issues, whether they be crime issues,economic development issues or delivery of services issues," saidRalph Faudree, University provost. "Having stable neighborhoodswith low crime and beautiful houses make the conditions on ourcampus better for those who work here and go to school."
