Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association

Trail/Shelter Restoration Project Application for Grant

Neighborhood Demonstration Grant Application Form

I. APPLICANT/SPONSOR
A. Primary Organization: Tucker Jefferson Neighborhood Association (TJNA)
Responsible Person or Representative: Stacey Greenberg, President
Street: 2084 Court Avenue
City: Memphis State: TN Zip: 38104
Telephone: 729-2591 Work: 528-4821
Email: staleyg@yahoo.com
B. Coalition Members: This project is supported by the Tucker Jefferson Neighborhood Association’s resident and business members.


II. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
A. Boundaries: West: Cooper, North: Poplar, East: McLean, South: Madison
Tucker-Jefferson is located between Overton Square and Overton Park
B. Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association has approximately 60 households and 10 businesses as members
C. TJNA is registered with the Center for Neighborhoods


III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Tucker-Jefferson neighborhood is nestled between Overton Park and Overton Square. Lick Creek runs directly through the neighborhood and connects the park and the square. Lick Creek is a major eyesore. It is full of trash and overgrown trees. Many railings are missing. What was once an asset to the neighborhood is now an embarrassment. TJNA is interested in reclaiming this green space, beautifying it, and using it as it was originally intended – as a trail from the square to the park.

TJNA is also interested in restoring the historic bus shelter located along Lick Creek on the south side of Poplar Avenue between Cooper and Bellair Drive East across from Overton Park. It was constructed sometime prior to 1956 and originally marked the eastern terminus of city bus service along Poplar. The adjacent property (now a residence at 2073 Poplar) was utilized as a turnaround for public transportation for many years. Over the past several years the shelter has fallen into disrepair. The adjacent trees have over-grown the structure endangering the building and damaging the ornamental metalwork capping the ridge of the hip roof. The railing protecting the adjacent drainage culvert has disappeared posing a safety hazard. Transients have frequently used the space to sleep, leaving trash and waste behind, discouraging the public from using the facility for its intended purpose.

This project proposes to restore the historic structure to its original sate and to beautify the area around it, in the process improving the health, safety and appearance of the neighborhood.

IV. ESTIMATED COST

A. Estimated Costs
1. Bus Shelter paint and tree removal $1,260.00
2. Electrical Trenching, conduit, connection, safety lighting $2,000.00
3. Site Furnishings Trash container, ash urn $700.00
4. Concrete Sawcut, patch, repair concrete slab $700.00
5. Metals Remove, repair, replace ornamental cap $700.00
6. Railings (iron railing on north side of Jefferson, $450.00
concrete headwall to match south side)
5. Paint for railings on south side $125.00
6. Vinyl coated chainlink fence (120 ft) $2,100.00
7. Restoration of concrete post/wood railing detail $1,690.00
along creek
8. Trail clearing (trees, garbage and brush) $1,800.00
9. Trail base build up and stabilization $2,600.00
10. Permits and Fees Drawings, specs, permits $500.00

Total: $14,625.00

B. Maintenance of the trail along Lick Creek will be provided by members of Tucker-Jefferson. In addition to individual efforts, TJNA will plan two annual neighborhood clean ups in conjunction with the Spring Arts & Jazz Festival and the Fall Taste of Midtown Festival in Overton Square.


V. SPONSORING GROUP’S CONTRIBUTION

A. In addition to ongoing maintenance, TJNA plans to donate considerable sweat equity to get this project off the ground. TJNA members will be available to help clear the creek, install posts, paint, etc. TJNA will also plan an event to celebrate the opening of the trail with media and local businesses invited. Proceeds from TJNA’s annual yard sale (approx. $500) will also be reinvested in the trail as needed.

B. x Volunteer services
x Donation of materials and services
x Ongoing maintenance


VI. RELATIONSHIP TO NEIGHBORHOOD DESIRES
The Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association was formed to represent the best interests of the neighborhood’s residents and businesses. To date, Tucker-Jefferson has focused its efforts on establishing a positive identity in the community. The members worked together for over two years to create unique neighborhood sculptures to represent the area. The residents of Tucker-Jefferson continue to strive to make the entire neighborhood a place to be proud of. Restoring the trail along Lick Creek and the historic bus shelter fit into TJNA’s desire to establish a positive identity and create a safe, beautiful, and unique neighborhood.

VII. The Tucker-Jefferson Trail/Shelter Restoration Project fits all four of the Neighbrohood Demonstration Grant themes. By restoring the trail and removing overgrown trees and shrubs, as well as trash, TJNA will develop a safe area in the neighborhood that will attract residents and offer a sense of community. The Trail/Shelter Restoration will also make efficient use of tax dollars by refurbishing an historic structure and revitalizing a polluted creek. Restoring the trail along the creek will expand green spaces in the Tucker-Jefferson neighborhood and protect the existing natural resources. Finally, by restoring the trail and the bus shelter, residents will be encouraged to walk and use MATA buses.

VIII. The Tucker-Jefferson Neighborhood Association meets quarterly. Between the time TJNA became aware of the Neighborhood Demonstration Grant and the grant deadline, a meeting was not scheduled. However, TJNA has an email list consisting of 70 contacts. TJNA often communicates via email and has found this to be an effective way of gauging community sentiment. On April 2, 2003 the president of the association sent out an email describing the grant and asking for project suggestions. Several suggestions were received and researched. Based on interest, budget, and neighborhood desires, the Trail/Shelter Restoration Project was selected. The members were again contacted by email and made aware of the selection and the details of the project. A group of residents came together to research specifics of the projects and compile a budget. A copy of the grant application will be posted on the neighborhood website (www.tuckerjefferson.com). The next scheduled TJNA meeting is May 12, 2003. We will continue to build support for the project and get even more members to participate.


IX. Signature of applicant:___________________________ Date: _______________