Memphis City Council Meeting Summary - September 24, 2024

This meeting of the Memphis City Council, held on September 24, 2024, began with a prayer led by Pastor Munger of One Accord Ministries and included ceremonial recognitions for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and Building Memphis's 25th anniversary. The council then conducted its regular agenda, which included significant land-use decisions, notably on a Whataburger drive-thru and a Racetrack travel center, along with numerous budgetary and procedural approvals. The meeting also included extensive public comments regarding the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) crisis.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes from the September 10, 2024 meeting.
• Approvals by acclamation were made for resolutions honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and Building Memphis's 25th anniversary.
• The consent agenda (items 10-14) and fiscal consent agenda (items 15-16) were approved en bloc. Key items included accepting public improvements and a resolution amending an honorary street name for Glenda Baskin Glover.

Public Comments & Testimony

• MATA Funding and Cuts: Numerous citizens and advocates spoke about the ongoing MATA crisis. They urged the council to provide emergency funding (suggested $5-7 million) to prevent service cuts and layoffs. Speakers included bus operators, riders, and representatives from groups such as the MATA Union (ATU), the Micah Transit Equity Committee, and Better Transit for a Better Memphis. They criticized MATA leadership for lack of transparency and called for long-term solutions.
• Whataburger (Item 5): Residents from the nearby neighborhood spoke against the proposed 24-hour drive-thru, citing traffic congestion, safety concerns for pedestrians, and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 plan. Jerry Bradfield and Gordon Alexander expressed opposition.
• Racetrack Travel Center (Item 6): Several community members spoke against the proposed Racetrack travel center, citing health concerns (asthma), increased crime, prostitution, and negative impacts on property values. Some questioned the adequacy of public notices and pointed out that only 7 people attended the public meeting. Supporters, including some residents and business owners, argued the development would replace a blighted hotel and improve safety with robust security measures.
• General Comments: Joe Kent and others made general comments on various topics including the Brooks Museum funding and MATA oversight. Tara Miller, a social worker, expressed concern about the disingenuous arguments around the Racetrack development and highlighted Suicide Awareness Month. Joan Harp spoke about conditions at Memphis Animal Services, requesting budget cuts and better management.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Whataburger Drive-Thru at 1925 Union Avenue: The council discussed a request to modify a special use permit to allow a drive-thru restaurant. Councilman Carlisle, after noting the developer's efforts and concessions, moved to strike the drive-thru allowance and instead extend the special use permit for 730 days to preserve rights for hotel and townhome development. DPD staff explained their recommendation for rejection due to inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 future land use and failure to meet designated frontage standards. The applicant's attorney argued the company was a quality corporate citizen and had worked to accommodate DPD. After deliberation, the council voted to strike the drive-thru language (12-0-3) and then approved the amended resolution extending the SUP for 730 days (13-0-2).
• Item 6 – Racetrack Travel Center at 3419 American Way: The council reviewed a plan development for a Racetrack travel center. DPD staff recommended approval, noting consistency with Memphis 3.0 and conditions including a landscape buffer. The applicant's team highlighted security measures ($900,000 annual budget), 24/7 security guards, and EV charging stations. Community opposition raised concerns about health, crime, and notification issues. Several council members supported the project, citing the benefit of replacing the existing crime-ridden hotel and the need for economic development. A friendly amendment regarding window transparency (front 45%, side 35%) was accepted. The council voted 11-2 to approve the plan development.
• Item 7 – Drive-Thru Restaurant at 4615 Quince Road: The council approved a special use permit for a drive-through restaurant on a vacant former bank site. Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas asked about discussions regarding student employment and loitering; the applicant confirmed they would employ students and monitor for loitering. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 9 – Motor Vehicle Sales at 5700 Mount Moriah Road: The council approved a special use permit for motor vehicle sales, with conditions regarding landscaping and no chain-link fencing. The applicant confirmed the existing use would remain. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 33 – Brooks Museum Funding: The council allocated $500,000 from CIP for construction. Public commenter Joe Kent opposed the public funding, arguing it should have remained privately funded. The item passed despite the opposition.
• Item 41 – More for Memphis Strategic Plan: The council adopted a joint resolution supporting the More for Memphis strategic plan, a guide for improving economic mobility for children and families. Councilwoman Logan expressed concerns about transparency regarding fund allocation, but the overall sentiment was supportive of collaboration. The resolution passed with one abstention.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5: Approved the removal of the Whataburger drive-thru and extended the SUP for 730 days (vote: 12-0-3 for the amendment, 13-0-2 for the main motion).
• Item 6: Approved the Racetrack plan development (vote: 11-2).
• Item 7: Approved the drive-thru restaurant (vote: unanimous).
• Item 9: Approved the motor vehicle sales SUP (vote: unanimous).
• Item 41: Approved the More for Memphis resolution (vote: 12-1-1).
• Numerous budget appropriations and consent items were approved, including $500,000 for Pure Youth Academy (amended with same-night minutes) and $1,219,142.34 for the radio system upgrade.

All agenda items were disposed of during this meeting.