Memphis, TN, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Residents in the New Chicago neighborhood of Memphis are rallying against a proposal to build a new Shelby County Jail on a vacant site. Concerns revolve around the potential impacts on the community, including blight and lack of input from local residents. A protest is scheduled for August 16 to voice objections at the Shelby County Commissioners meeting. Alternative sites have been discussed, but community leaders emphasize the need for local input on such decisions.
Memphis Residents Rally Against Proposal to Build New Shelby County Jail in New Chicago Neighborhood
Residents of Memphis are passionately opposing a proposal to build a new Shelby County Jail on a 71-acre site located at Firestone Avenue and Morehead Street in the New Chicago neighborhood. The site, which was once home to the Firestone tire manufacturing facility—once the largest of its kind in the world—has been vacant since the facility produced its last tire in 1983. Recent discussions surrounding the potential construction have sparked unrest among local community members, who are concerned about the implications for their neighborhood.
Developers assert that relocating the jail to the former Firestone site would benefit the local economy by creating much-needed jobs. They have also highlighted the site’s brownfield status, viewing the contaminated land as an opportunity for redevelopment. In a communication to the Shelby County Commissioners, plans for the proposed jail were outlined, with developers claiming that it is the most viable option among alternatives suggested for the facility’s relocation.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Despite the developers’ optimistic portrayal of the jail’s potential impact, residents have begun to express significant opposition. Local community leaders and residents advocate for the need for improved jail facilities, but believe that location decisions should involve community input. They contend that the choice should not rest in the hands of individuals who do not inhabit the neighborhood. Concerns about blight in the area have also been emphasized, with many urging for such issues to be addressed before any new constructions begin.
There are alternative sites suggested for the jail, including Shelby Farms Park, which faces zoning and infrastructure hurdles that could impede development. Another option is to keep the jail in Downtown Memphis; however, developers argue that this alternative would incur higher construction costs and lack adequate facilities for temporary housing of detainees.
Upcoming Protests
In response to the proposed plans, residents are preparing for a community protest scheduled for August 16 at the old Firestone site. Activists plan to rally and voice their objections at the Shelby County Commissioners meeting, hoping to influence the decision-making process. Some residents have indicated a willingness to escalate their opposition, potentially resorting to legal actions if necessary.
Furthermore, alongside their push for community consideration in regards to the jail’s location, local leaders are stressing the need for infrastructure improvements in the New Chicago neighborhood to complement any new developments. Carnita Atwater, director of the New Chicago Community Development Corporation, has raised questions about the role of people outside the community in determining the future of the area.
Next Steps
As the situation unfolds, county leaders have yet to make a final decision about the proposed jail’s location. They plan to hold additional public meetings to gather community opinions before moving forward with a vote on the project. Developers have requested $350,000 to initiate the project, and local government officials are weighing the benefits against the community’s significant opposition.
Historical Context
The former Firestone site, where the jail is proposed to be built, has a storied past. It was the site of a major manufacturing plant until its closure in 1983, leaving the area in a state of neglect. Since then, discussions about redeveloping the brownfield space have been on the table sporadically, but nothing has materialized until now, as the possibility of a new jail has sparked both interest and contention in the local community.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Jail Site | Former Firestone Plant, North Memphis |
| Community Protest Date | August 16 |
| Developer Request | $350,000 for project initiation |
| Community Leaders’ Stance | Support need for a new jail, but demand community input on location |
| Concerns Raised | Blight, community involvement, legal action |
FAQ
Why are residents protesting the new jail proposal?
Residents are concerned about the impact of the jail on their neighborhood, calling for community input on its location and addressing existing issues of blight at the site.
What alternative sites were considered for the jail?
Alternative sites include Shelby Farms Park, which has zoning and infrastructure challenges, and keeping the jail in Downtown Memphis, which is believed to be more costly and lacks temporary housing facilities.
What steps will be taken by county leaders regarding the jail proposal?
County leaders plan to hold more public meetings to assess community opinions before making a final decision regarding the jail’s location.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: The Former Firestone Site is a Brownfield
- Wikipedia: Brownfield
- Memphis Flyer: Jailhouse Blues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail
- WREG: Debate over New Jail in New Chicago Sparks Controversy
- Google Search: Shelby County Jail
- Local Memphis: Residents Push Back Against Proposed Jail in New Chicago
- Google News: Jail Protests Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
