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Commission committee backs permanent utility easements on Summer Avenue for MLGW relocations
Summary
Shelby County committees approved three permanent utility easements to allow Memphis Light, Gas & Water to move electric, gas and water facilities outside the Summer Avenue right‑of‑way so TDOT can widen the road. County staff, MLGW and commissioners discussed timing, impacts to businesses and greenbelt protections.
Shelby County commissioners' public‑works committee voted to recommend three permanent utility easements across county‑owned land along Summer Avenue so Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) can relocate facilities required by an upcoming Tennessee Department of Transportation widening project.
Bill Goss, the county’s right‑of‑way manager, told the committee the parcels were purchased in the mid‑1960s with federal grant funds to preserve Fletcher Creek and an associated greenbelt. Goss said the easements let MLGW place relocated lines on county property so TDOT can retrofit the Fletcher Creek bridge and widen Summer Avenue. "This resolution approves this utility easement that is needed by MLGW so they can relocate their facilities outside of the right‑of‑way of Summer Avenue," Goss said.
Lorenzo Ware, a right‑of‑way agent for MLGW, said the relocations are permanent because the road widening is permanent and that MLGW is acquiring easements on both sides of Summer Avenue up to Sycamore View. "We're acquiring easements all across Summer Avenue on both sides ... this particular easement is required from the government," Ware said, adding the utility work follows TDOT guidelines and is designed to avoid the parkway and greenway areas.
Commissioner Brooks asked how the moves would affect nearby businesses and whether lines could be placed underground; Ware replied that bores under creeks are not feasible in this corridor and that standards require above‑ground routing in the creek crossings. Commissioners also asked for lists of widening priorities in their districts; staff agreed to provide follow‑up information by email.
All three easement resolutions were moved, seconded and taken to voice votes in committee; clerks reported favorable recommendations (aye tallies were recorded on the record). The items now proceed to the full Commission with committee recommendations.
