CGA Developed a Plan with Input from Residents in 2016

Since 1966, the Central Gardens Association Board of Directors has worked to position the neighborhood as a premier historic residential district in the Mid-South. Recent discussions have led us to recognize that it was time to devise a new strategic plan--one that allowed each resident to have a voice in the neighborhood’s direction. 

Over 500 neighbors had input into the plan either through listening sessions, online surveys or a stakeholder session. The CGA thanks everyone who participated! For the full plan click here:

Future and addendum: Discovery Report and Online Survey results.

The Neighborhood Strategic Plan was funded through a generous grant from Renasant Bank.

 

Strategic Plan Summary 2022

 

Progress on the Plan

The listening sessions and survey results provided a road map for the plan that concentrates on the neighborhood’s needs and residents’ quality of life.  Three main “pillars” of focus emerged and are defined here:

  • Green Spaces and Infrastructure- protect and enhance the historic nature and beauty of the neighborhood.
  • Community Building & Events- continue to build relationships among neighbors and groups within Central Gardens.
  • Midtown Relationships- develop relationships between our neighborhood and other neighborhoods, schools, retail and other organizations around common issues.

 

Organizational changes

Not only did the board seek to learn where residents would prefer the Association target its focus, but we also recognized that if our focus were to change, our structure would need to be modified as well. Organizational changes include:

  • The creation of Pillar Leaders, one for each area of focus. These Pillar Leaders are now part of the Executive Committee
  • The development of a new format and calendar for board meetings. The board now meets six times a year and each meeting is strategic in nature. The details of committee work now occur at the pillar level.
  • The creation of a decision matrix to help guide board decision-making. The decision matrix helps the board determine when to offer an official viewpoint, when to advocate on specific issues or when to simply educate or facilitate.  This was a recommendation from our strategic plan facilitator. 

 

Community Building

We learned through the listening sessions that residents would like block-centered events that they can put on themselves, with some assistance and guidance from the Association. Central Gardens Association helped facilitate National Night Out and Cop Stop events in the neighborhood. Click here to learn how your CGA helped facilitate some of the National Night Out events in Central Gardens.

Block Party Tool-Kit

Linden Avenue has been hosting a Block Party for 21 years! CGA has engaged Sarah Blackburn of Linden so that we can develop and share a Block Party Took Kit, based on Linden’s success. Sarah has also joined the board and is chair of the Communication Committee. Thanks, Sarah for bringing your expertise to the board.

 

Midtown Relationships

We worked with our neighbor associations and other stakeholders in Midtown on a common issue- improving our park. Click here to read about CGA's involvement with the Overton Park Alliance. 

Midtown Growth

Members of the Central Gardens board have been on hand at meetings where the expansion of an industrial complex in Midtown has been reviewed and discussed. It is argued that this expansion may impede walkability and biking in and around Overton Square, a family friendly destination for all Midtowners. Central Gardens Association is helping to educate and engage our fellow neighbors who have a personal stake in an issue. 

 

Safety and Security

In December, the CGA Safety Committee held a Neighborhood Watch meeting where residents gathered to learn more about safety in general and what is being done to combat crime. On hand were Harold Collins of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission and Philip Spinosa, City Council Member. Harold spoke about Operation: Safe Community and specifically addressed crime rates, gang activity, the recent reduction in police force, issues with blight, and more.  Philip Spinosa spoke about the "SkyCop" program and the pros and cons of various crime deterrent options.

 

Green Spaces and Infrastructure

To help improve our neighborhood infrastructure, CGA will form ad-hoc committees to engage neighbors for special projects. These projects may include connecting city support services to work on infrastructure problems like alleys, missing or damaged signs, graffiti, illegal dumping, weeds, potholes, missing or blocked drain covers, litter, missing street lights, etc. Participation in the SWEEP program is part of those efforts. Click here to learn more.

 

Neighborhood Walkability & Pedestrian Evaluation

Volunteers are currently working on a walkability initiative, evaluating the condition of our sidewalks.  This effort came out of the Listening Sessions and is a part of the 2016 Strategic Neighborhood Plan. To date, one-quarter of the neighborhood has been evaluated using a tool provided by Livable Memphis. The team is currently researching numerous national best practices for sidewalk repair. 

 

Historic Landmarks Redo

The CGA Landmark's committee works closely with the Memphis Landmark’s Commission and is charged with addressing issues related to the neighborhood’s architectural heritage and design guidelines. The CGA Landmarks Committee recognized that our neighbors need more consultation on the front end when submitting an Appropriateness Application. This gives our neighbors more time to review and alter plans before they are reviewed formally by the Commission. See our new webpage, located under "Resources" for how the committee can help you navigate the architectural guidelines and Memphis Landmarks Commission's Certificate of Appropriateness application. Also under Resources, you will see a link to "311 Direct" a simple way for neighbors to report problems to the city as well as code enforcement.