Memphis City Council Meeting - May 7, 2024

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on May 7, 2024. The agenda included several land use special use permits, a zoning text amendment for solar energy systems, routine consent items, and public comments. Key decisions included the denial of a towing service special use permit, approval of a studio apartment conversion with conditions, and holding a gas station proposal. The council also passed a solar ordinance amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Item 7 (first reading of ordinance to appropriate tax levy proceeds for FY2024-2025) and Item 20 (ordinance amending solid waste fees) passed unanimously.
• Item 9 (resolution approving supplemental agreement for CC plan development) passed with same-night minutes.
• Same-minute night requests for items 8, 9, 21, and 22 were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tara Miller (3551 Carney St.) expressed concerns about converting a former transitional housing facility for at-risk youth into studio apartments at 2491 Joy Lane. She argued the development would not address youth homelessness and contributed to gentrification.
• Kimberly Owens Pearson (1110 Starline) and Ola Hughes (4323 Hawkeye St., Westwood Neighborhood Association president) opposed a proposed gas station at 391 Western Park Drive, citing the existence of seven gas stations within two miles and a petition with 372 signatures. They requested the council reject the special use permit.
• Joseph Kent (511 Flamingo) criticized the lack of current financial data from city agencies and alleged that business elites have access to information withheld from the council.
• Adam Soleil, Jara (UM student, zip 38119), Gazelle Salim (district 9), Yusuf Salim (age 12), Dr. Nabil Bayakli (8835 Dovland Dr.), Amber Sherman (6070 N. Young Grove Dr.), Chantal Johnson (3063 Cypress Lake Dr.), and Natasha Williamson McGlassen (415 State St.) all urged the council to sponsor and pass a ceasefire resolution regarding the war in Gaza. They argued that U.S. tax dollars fund the conflict and that Memphis should stand against genocide and apartheid. Several speakers noted over 60% of Americans support a ceasefire and criticized the council for not bringing the resolution forward.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Resolution Honoring Almetria Turner: Councilwoman Logan sponsored a resolution recognizing doula Almetria Turner for her work in maternal and child health. Turner spoke, highlighting high maternal and infant mortality rates in Shelby County and advocating for budget support for doula programs. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 2 – Special Use Permit for Towing Service (3545 S. Third St.): Division of Planning and Development (DPD) presented a request for a towing service without an impound lot. The property was cited for prior unauthorized use. The permit was deemed inconsistent with Memphis 3.0 land use. Councilwoman White questioned operations. The council voted down the permit (1 abstention, rest no).
• Item 3 – Special Use Permit for Studio Apartments (2491 Joy Lane): DPD presented a conversion of an abandoned social services facility into studio apartments. Applicant Barry Jones stated lease terms would be a minimum of six months. Councilwoman Swearingin Washington expressed support. Concern was raised about out-of-state ownership (All State Management, Ohio). Councilwoman White requested that the property owner register with the state and provide a local contact. Director Zena confirmed this could be added as a condition. The permit passed unanimously with amendments: a six-month minimum lease term and pre-building permit registration of owner/management.
• Item 4 – Special Use Permit for Convenience Store/Gas Station (391 Western Park Dr.): DPD presented plans for a BP station with EV chargers and solar panels. Councilman Ford, the district representative, moved to hold the item until July 9, 2024, citing community concerns and wanting more time. The council unanimously held the item.
• Item 5 – Zoning Text Amendment for Solar Energy Systems (ZTA 24-01): Director Zena explained the amendment, which defines community vs. utility scale solar, requires a special use permit for utility-scale systems in conservation/agriculture zones, and enhances setbacks and decommissioning. Amendments from the Shelby County Commission were incorporated. Council members Warren and Walker expressed support, noting it would not affect residential or accessory solar and would allow MLGW to pursue solar projects. The amendment passed unanimously.
• Item 17 – Ordinance to Rename Pine Hill Clubhouse: Approved on third reading, renaming the clubhouse the Cleopus and Charles Hudson Clubhouse.
• Item 19 – Resolution to Transfer CIP Budget: Transferred $154,000 from Raleigh Civic Center project to architecture/engineering costs. Passed.
• Items 21 & 22 – Appointments: Phoebe McGlynn and Reverend William M. Bond III were appointed to the Police Advisory and Review Committee. Rose Smith was appointed to the Urban Art Commission Public Art Oversight Committee. Both passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 failed (1 abstention, all others no).
• Item 3 passed as amended with conditions for six-month minimum leases and registration of ownership/management.
• Item 4 held until July 9, 2024.
• Item 5 passed (unanimous).
• Consent agenda and fiscal items all passed unanimously.
• Public comments did not result in immediate action.