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Residents, community leaders urge commissioners to drop New Chicago site for new jail
Summary
Dozens of residents, neighborhood leaders and activists packed committee hearings to oppose considering the Old Firestone / 'New Chicago' site for a proposed jail, citing soil contamination, proximity to schools, traffic and community harm. Speakers asked commissioners to remove the site from consideration and urged formation of an ad hoc with community representation.
A lengthy public-comment period at the committee hearing focused on site-selection concerns for a proposed replacement jail. Speakers representing neighborhood groups, the North Memphis Community Alliance, faith leaders, and residents urged commissioners to exclude the Old Firestone / New Chicago site from further study and instead to engage in a transparent process that evaluates alternatives.
Norman Redwing, representing Citizens Against Jail in New Chicago, argued that locating a jail there would "adversely impact" historic Black neighborhoods and lower property values, and said the jail report itself ranked New Chicago as the least viable option. Dr. Carnita Atwater said the plan looked like political corruption to her and warned of legal challenges if public dollars flow to private property without community benefit agreements. Oscar Love, executive director of the North Memphis Community Alliance CDC, urged commissioners to prioritize alternatives with fewer environmental and social harms.
Commissioners heard multiple requests for soil and environmental testing, traffic and land-use impact studies, and for an RFP-based procurement process if the county proceeds. Several commissioners responded by promising an ad hoc or stakeholder committee and asking administration and the sheriff's office to work collaboratively with community leaders before any site selection proceeds.
Representative quote: "We reject propaganda that pushes the fairy tale that the proposal to construct a jail in New Chicago aims to revitalize the North Memphis area," said Norman Redwing.
Next steps: Commissioners directed staff to consolidate public comments, consider forming an ad hoc with community representation, and return to committee with clearer criteria and environmental/traffic study requirements.
