MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Memphis is one of the world's top destination spots, but pretty soon downtown Memphis could be officially tagged a blighted slum area.
The city of Memphis wants the label to redevelop the Cleaborne and Foote homes housing projects.
The Heritage Trail Community Redevelopment proposal would determine how Downtown Memphis is developed for the next 20 years.
The plan would take tax revenue from downtown and use it to pay for 1,200 low income housing units.
The tax revenue can only be used if downtown is designated as a slum area that poses a "growing menace" to Shelby County, something downtown stakeholders scoff at.
“Clearly it is not; there are million dollar homes for sale in South Bluffs and Mud Island and there are so many great things going on Downtown,” said Deni Reilly, Co-Owner of the Majestic Grille.
“Downtown Memphis is the gateway to the City and it really is the mirror of the City and we need to be really careful to protect that and protect that image,” Reilly added.
Shelby County’s Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss the proposal at its meeting tomorrow.
