Mayor Paul Young's "One Memphis" tour made its stop in Frayser on Tuesday, with residents raising their share of qualms, chief among them the crime emanating from a problematic apartment complex. During a community gathering at Ed Rice Community Center, Mayor Young, alongside Interim Police Chief CJ Davis and other city officials, fielded a slew of questions on various issues impacting the neighborhood.
Ridgecrest Apartments became a focal point, with homeowners nearby expressing frustration over the criminal activity they claim is spilling into their streets. Addressing the concerns, Interim Chief Davis mentioned a staff dedicated to overseeing Frayser, recognizing the apartment complex's reputation as a nuisance in the area, as reported by FOX13 Memphis.
In contrast to the pressing concerns about crime and safety, a predominant topic discussed was the blight of illegal dumping and overgrown tree weeds—aesthetics that, unchecked, speak to deeper neglect. "We’ve established a strike team in the solid waste division to target areas of blight," Solid Waste Director Phillip Davis declared, according to WREG.
"It feels like we’re talking to our cousin, brother because he is so comfortable with us," Frayser resident Kami Reed said, highlighting the tour's intimate atmosphere as a welcome approach for civic engagement, as cited by WREG.
The "One Memphis" tour reflects Mayor Young's endeavor to ensure every community in Memphis not only feels heard but engaged in dialogue that shapes their lived realities, as per Action News 5.
