MEMPHIS, Tenn. — People in Orange Mound say the lack of sidewalks is making it tough for students to get to and from school.
WREG talked with people in the community who said they want the city to do something about it.
Everyday students walking to and from Melrose High School have to walk on the side of the street and students say that’s a major problem.
Longtime Orange Mound resident Billy Brown told us he gets nervous every time he sees students walking to and from Melrose High School.
“The sidewalks are a problem in that area,” he said.
Sidewalks are only on one side of the the street, but people who live near the school said that’s not enough.
They complained to the city but ultimately feel defeated.
“I think the main problem is safety. We got kids going and coming to school in all different hours, and I feel like that’s a safety issue because not being able to walk on the sidewalk and having to walk in the street is a problem,” Brown said.
Homeowners said other parts of the neighborhood are just as dangerous because some parts have sidewalks, others don’t.
“If it’s raining or muddy or something they be walking in the ditch,” said Willie Neal.
The city released a statement saying it received complaints from alumni about the missing sidewalk on one side of Deadrick Avenue.
City leaders also spoke with the principal about whether addressing this is a major concern for school safety.
The engineering department for the city said school officials never indicated that they should prioritize making this connection.
“Orange Mound is a historic district and I’d like to see them invest in that like they do in Midtown or other districts,” Brown stated.
Although people in the neighborhood want the city to pay for more sidewalks, some homeowners are talking about raising their own money to get them.
A spokesperson for the city also said the network provides a pedestrian route along every road leading to the school.
She said engineering would be happy to review and address concerns.