Important Cobblestones Meeting

I got the following from Pan Awsumb, one of our board members. The Cobblestones aren't technically a public park, but like Overton, they are an important and historic public space that is about to become unusable as a boat landing, its traditional purpose in life. Memphis has a history of letting its historic places get changed irrevocably for the worse. Just up from the Cobblestones is Cossitt Library, one of the worst examples. Please consider going to this meeting or writing an email to preserve our river landing, the reason Memphis came to be.

"Last Chance Cobblestones Meeting

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

5:30-7:30 pm

330 North Main (the Balinese Ballroom)

Location: north of the Convention Center and the 1-40 bridge, on the east side of the street, at Jackson Avenue.

We are about to lose the ability to land kayaks and canoes on the Cobblestones. The "restoration" project, as presented by the RDC, is to "stabilize and restore the Memphis Cobblestone Landing and provide limited usability, connectivity and accessibility improvements." Rip rap (big chunks of rock) would separate a newly constructed sidewalk from the river.

BUT that is NOT what the RDC promised the Memphis City Council it would do in order to obtain project approval. They said they would, "Restore the Cobblestones to their historic uniqueness, and establish them as a great commercial boat landing and civic square at the foot of Union Avenue." The Cobblestones are supposed to be restored as a riverboat landing for all but the largest boats.

The meeting is being held by the TN Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is most likely our last opportunity to make this area really usable by the people, and not just a viewpoint from a sidewalk.

Whether your interest is history, recreation, public use or revitalization, come and spread the word.

For more information, check the Friends for our Riverfront website: friendsforourriverfront.org, and memphiscobblestones.com "