Lambuth Area Supporting Univ. of Memphis
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Talks continue in Jackson-Madison County about allowing the University of Memphis to take over Lambuth University’s campus. A petition is circulating around the area in support of the proposal. Scott Murray, a resident who lives near Lambuth, says, “We have the greatest fear of negative impact happening to our neighborhood, and with Lambuth being the heart of our neighborhood, we need to have another entity that’s just as strong.” That other entity, Murray, says that he would love to see come in, is the University of Memphis. Talks between city and county leaders, and other organizations, paying off Lambuth’s multi-million dollar debt, so that the sale can happen, are underway. Murray, adds, “It’s coming down to the wire on decisions to be made, so were needing to get everyone who feels like this is an important step for Jackson and West Tennessee as a whole to come sign our petition.” The man behind the petition to bring the University of Memphis here, is local business owner, Bobby Lindsey. He feels it would be an opportunity to bring more businesses and jobs to the area. Lindsey, says, “We came to the conclusion that there needed to be some platform for area residents to voice their support.” The petition, supported by the Lambuth Area Neighborhood Association, is racking up about a hundred signatures a day, and there is even a Facebook page. Lindsey, adds, “I think the only other alternative we’re looking at is vacant boarded up buildings, causing further deterioration of the community and neighborhood.” This is the final push for residents. If an agreement is made between all the parties involved, the state would give school leaders about 5 million toward the purchase. The school is set to close June 30th, however, city leaders will not say if the deal needs to be made before then. Details are not being released on the stakeholders’ purchase proposal just yet. If you would like to view the petition go to http://www.petitiononline.com/LambuthU/petition.html
