MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s one step forward, but there is still a mountain to climb for Raleigh Springs Mall.
The City of Memphis had to do a re-boot in its efforts to get control of the mall through eminent domain from property owners who don’t want to sell.
“When you are using eminent domain to acquire property, there are a lot of legal issues and responsibilities placed on, in this case, the City of Memphis to demonstrate,” said Memphis City Councilman Harold Collins.
He said the council’s vote for the project allows negotiations to move forward.
Mall supporters remain hopeful.
Kevin Brooks with the Raleigh Community Council said a Police Precinct and library at the mall will help Raleigh thrive.
“Anytime you bring in something new, it’s going to help out the community,” said Brooks.
State Representative Antonio Parkinson has been pushing for city action and said the council’s vote is a good sign.
“I think it means that the project is still alive and people want to know the project is still alive and is gonna move forward,” said Parkinson.
With a more than $30 million price tag, it may still come down to dollars.
Will new a new City Council and Mayor wrap their arms around putting the project on the fast track?
We asked for an interview with incoming Mayor Jim Strickland for his thoughts on Raleigh Springs Mall.
He was not available, but plenty of people will be watching to see what his administration ultimately does on this long debated project.
A part of the plan the City Council approved could create a basin at the mall to relieve flooding in the area.
That would allow storm water funds to be used for development.