MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The war over the Overton Park Greensward waged on as an ordinance was heard by the full City Council Tuesday.
The council previously gave the Memphis Zoo control over part of the Greensward for overflow parking.
Now, an ordinance meant to defend that decision got its first reading.
The full City Council voted to approve the consent agenda, which included the first reading of the Overton Park Ordinance with no discussion.
But even getting it downstairs was a battle as crowds of Greensward supporters showed up to an earlier Executive Session hoping it would be delayed.
They were wearing green, but seeing red.
“This is ridiculous.”
Greensward supporters packed into the City Council’s Executive Session as members considered whether to allow a first reading for the Overton Park Ordinance Tuesday.
“It sets in motion the legal framework to deal with this issue once and for all,” said Council Chairman Kemp Conrad.
The ordinance is meant to ratify the Council’s March 1 resolution that gave the Memphis Zoo control over part of the Greensward.
It states the city’s charter grants the council sole authority to quote, “acquire and dedicate lands for park purposes.”
Some at the meeting wanted to delay the first reading saying there’s still not enough information to make a decision.
“I don’t think we need to be voting on anything, because we don’t have anything. This is a sham,” said Patrice Robinson.
Councilman Berlin Boyd said he’s worried about ongoing cost to taxpayers in the form of extra policing at the park and noting recent vandalism.
The City Council eventually voted to move it downstairs.
“I was was actually encouraged by some of the things said, and I’m really hoping for a good result from the mediation,” said Greensward supporter Margaret Turley.
The deadline for mediation is June 30.
With the first reading being approved tonight, the third and final reading will be on track to be heard June 7.
To read the full ordinance, click here.
