MEMPHIS, TN— "We are sick and tired and we're not going to take it any more," that's the message from South Memphis neighbors. They're upset the city has not repaired and repaved broken streets. A spokesperson for Memphis Public Works says they're doing all they can but residents say that’s not enough.
Last year the city fixed about 50,000 potholes and spent more than $6 million resurfacing streets. However, residents in south Memphis told abc24.com those repairs certainly didn't happen in their neighborhood.
"There are some pretty bad roads, potholes, and stuff,” said driver Issac Lepard.
They're bumpy, they're annoying, and they're damaging.
"They need to get over here and fix the potholes because it's damaging to our vehicles,” said Amy McClellan.
She opened her beauty shop a year ago near Peebles and Old Horn Lake Road. She said she's never seen a city worker come out here and patch up the streets.
"Yes it's very frustrating because there's been damage to my tires and my truck as well. There is damage to my front end. It's just potholes all over the city,” said McClellan.
She's not the only one who feels like the money goes to "preferred" neighborhoods.
“It's definitely not fair but I guess that's just the way things kind of happen. Things get fixed where the money is,” said resident Charlotte Gastom.
Memphis Public Works Maintenance Director Robert Knecht said that's not true.
"We try to budget for them and plan them out as most equitable way we can and try to spread the funding so that everybody sees some type of activity in their area," said Knecht.
Even though many drivers said they're used to the bumpy, ugly roads they hope it won’t be forever. When it comes to fixing roads the main problem is funding. Robert Knecht said the city has plans to fix Old Horn Lake Road sometime this year. He says if you see any road or street that needs the city's attention call Public Works.
