Greenline RSShttp://greatermemphisgreenline.org/index.htmlHot News!enmemphisgreenline@gmail.comCopyright 2009 Greater Memphis Greenline2010-03-11T18:26:45-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:41:10 -0500Four New Projectsmemphisgreenline@gmail.comNone2010-03-11T18:26:45-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/e3a3e0bca5128dcc09bae06938e65fdc-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/e3a3e0bca5128dcc09bae06938e65fdc-12.html#unique-entry-id-12All of us at Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc. — with all of our supporters — have worked hard for the last five years to accomplish the first miracle: the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shelby Farms Greenline. It’s 6.5 miles of what we hope is just the beginning of an integrated multi-use trail system in Memphis and Shelby County.

GMGI is presently working on four other major projects to continue to build on our first success:

1. The purchase of a 2-mile section of unused rail near Chelsea Ave., which links Uptown, the Wolf River Greenway and the Mississippi River Trail with nearby schools, St. Jude, Rhodes College and Midtown.
2. The development of a plan to extend the western terminus of the Shelby Farms Greenline to Overton Park on the north and the Fairgrounds to the south.
3. The purchase of a property at the corner of Scott and Broad Avenues to create a trailhead which will link Shelby Farms and Overton Park — the “Park-to-Park” connection.
4. The creation of 400 miles of utility easements into a multi-use trail system, with the permission and support of MLG&W.
]]>Ground Breaking: The Shelby Farms Greenlinememphisgreenline@gmail.comNews, Shelby Farms2010-02-13T15:27:52-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/aac80428d4a0fb384fdf739f1198c060-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/aac80428d4a0fb384fdf739f1198c060-11.html#unique-entry-id-11This past Thursday, ground was broken on the 7-mile Shelby Farms Greenline. After years of planning, fundraising and hard work, it’s a thrilling see construction starting on this project.]]>In the Newsmemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2010-02-04T22:42:21-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/11447eef310ed396a3956644c716e176-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/11447eef310ed396a3956644c716e176-10.html#unique-entry-id-10

Though a walking path connecting downtown to Cordova is still years away, construction is expected to begin this week on the first stretches of both the Wolf River Greenway and the Greater Memphis Greenline. By the end of this summer, a mile of the Wolf River Greenway and nearly seven miles of the Greater Memphis Greenline should be open for bikers, runners, and walkers to enjoy.

Though not considered part of the original Greening Greater Memphis plan, the Germantown Greenway also is expanding and eventually will link to the Wolf River Greenway. That means Memphians will someday be able to walk or bike from downtown all the way to Germantown.

The greenways may not end Memphis' designation as a "fat city," but it will mean more opportunities for folks to get moving and to explore parts of the city previously hidden from view.

The Memphis Flyer]]>The Project Moves Forwardmemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2010-01-17T08:20:30-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5722d028a190e9bc72c1a19d5dfc8858-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5722d028a190e9bc72c1a19d5dfc8858-9.html#unique-entry-id-9The Shelby County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to move forward with construction of approximately seven miles of previous rail property to create an urban greenway that will connect Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park.

Interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford praised Commissioners for their support of what has been deemed the “rails to trails” project. “This is an historic project for Shelby County . We are using vacant property, transforming it into a valuable green corridor benefiting residents for generations to come.” ]]>Holiday Updatememphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2009-12-20T13:58:50-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/c04279b5973fe0d837ef997f78542884-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/c04279b5973fe0d837ef997f78542884-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc. (GMGI) began five years ago as an advocacy organization, solely to promote the purchase of the unused CSX rail line from midtown to Cordova. Since then, we have expanded our mission to read,

“..to collaborate in a public-private partnership with local government in the development of unused railroad right-of-ways and other easements in Memphis and Shelby County , to create a world-class recreational hiking/biking/equestrian trail system.”

To accomplish this, we have strengthened our leadership considerably by adding new members to our Board of Directors, and by creating a Board of Advisors, members of which have experience in community affairs, funding, and administration. Please see http://www.greatermemphisgreenline.org/board/ for their names and affiliations.

We have hired an Executive Director, Syd Lerner.

We also have created a website, www.greatermemphisgreenline.org, and a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Memphis-TN/Greater-Memphis-Greenline/55635647590 with over 1150 “fans” to inform the community of the benefits of an integrated trail system in Memphis, and to provide a means for communication and community input and support.

We have taken on other projects, including-
* Negotiating with Union Pacific RR for a 2-mile segment of unused right-of-way in North Memphis, near Chelsea Boulevard. This will provide a route under I-240 to link bikelanes and trails with uptown, with the Wolf River Greenway, and the Mississippi River Trail. It also would link with nearby public schools and Rhodes College, St. Jude, and the rest of the developing bikeway/greenway system within Memphis and Shelby County. Lastly, it could be another stimulus for redevelopment of this presently economically depressed area.
* Developing a map, with the help of the bicycling community, to determine where to place bike lanes throughout Memphis. This will include suggestions for very short lanes to connect neighborhoods with local amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, and libraries. We are contributing to both the MPO bikelane plan and the ULI/Regional Design Center efforts.
* Beginning the effort to create trails along the 400 miles of utility easements in Memphis and Shelby County. We will soon have an accurate mapping of easements in place, and will begin contacting nearby landowners.
* Establishing a trailhead at the corner of Broad and Scott Streets. At the moment, this corner is a traffic hazard. We hope to remove the building which blocks traffic views, and establish a trailhead which will connect the Shelby Farms Greenline with Overton Park.

To continue on, WE NEED YOUR HELP !

You can contibute to the GMGI through Paypal on our website at this link:
http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/support/

You can sign on as a contributor though eScrip. GMG will receive 3% of all your grocery purchases at Schnucks, if you register us as your designated nonprofit group with eScrip, which you can do by either calling 800-931-6258, or else registering at www.schnucks.com , and entering "Greater Memphis Greenline" as your non-profit of choice. (When you register your Schnucks card with eScrip, the number you need to enter includes the starting number "4" which is to the left of the rest of the numbers on the Schnucks card, and ends with the number on the far right as well.)

We are starting an electronics recycling program. If you have extra cell phones, or laptops, etc. which you just have stuffed in a drawer somewhere, GMG will gladly accept them. We are in the process of setting up receiving locations. Meanwhile, please contact Syd Lerner at sydlerner@comcast.net .

You can volunteer to serve on any number of committees. We have posted a “volunteer” form on our website: http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/sign-up-form/index.php Our volunteer coordinator is our Vice President, Bill Draper. billdraper@earthlink.net We need help with-
- cleanup
- design/development
- membership
- fundraising
- community liason
- volunteer support
- publicity
- long-term planning
- security
- newsletter

Again, thank you for all your previous support of the Greater Memphis Greenline. We will continue to work to create the user-friendly city we all want.

Bob Schreiber
President, Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc.

]]>Mon., Nov 30: Ride or Walk Starry Nightsmemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews, Shelby Farms2009-11-28T09:40:59-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/237b7328ed04d69918e3d3ead0449540-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/237b7328ed04d69918e3d3ead0449540-7.html#unique-entry-id-7
Starry Nights, which was originally created by MIFA and ran each holiday season from 1994-1999, became a beloved holiday tradition for many Mid-South families. This is the first time the show will be open to pedestrians. The 2-mile route winds through the park, giving visitors on foot and bike a rare and unique view of the giant exhibits others only see through a car window. The loop begins at the Park entrance off Walnut Grove Road and Farm Road, and it ends at the Park’s Visitor Center with a holiday party featuring complimentary cocoa and snacks, and a visit from Santa!

The cost of entry for this exclusive event is $20 per adult, $10 for kids 10 and under and free for strollers. The event begins at 6pm and ends at 10pm. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. Run, Walk or Ride the Starry Nights is hosted by Jim Jaggers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy went back to the drawing board to re-imagine Starry Nights, and all the displays visitors will see are newly designed, constructed and wrapped with lights in 2009.

Some of the new displays will have environmental and natural themes, along with traditional holiday features and fun, whimsical pieces. Also new to the event will be a major gift shop and holiday village where visitors can purchase coffee, cocoa, keepsakes, the Starry Nights soundtrack, gifts and ornaments.

“Our vision for Starry Nights is to create something truly magical and unrivaled by any but the very best national holiday light shows,” said Masson. “And what better time than now to give Mid-Southerners a fun, affordable and unique holiday experience?”

Starry Nights will once again have a musical soundtrack, featuring local musicians coordinated by Dean Deyo of Memphis Music Foundation. Regena Bearden of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau is chairing the marketing committee.

“The return of Starry Nights is a great addition to Memphis’ regional attractions,” said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s an opportunity to draw visitors to our city, boosting tourism and business during the holiday season. Starry Nights Memphis, like Shelby Farms Park, makes Memphis a better place to live, which makes Memphis a better place to visit.”

Starry Nights will open at Shelby Farms Park the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, and will run each evening until January 2, open from 6-10pm on Monday through Thursday and 6-11pm on the weekend. Prices will be $20 per car, $35 per shuttle, $50 for a minibus, and $150 for motor coaches. Visit www.starrynightsmemphis.org, become a fan of Starry Nights on Facebook, or call (901)-767-PARK for more information.

Proceeds from Starry Nights will benefit the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to help Shelby Farms Park reach its potential as a celebrated 21st century park that defines and shapes a great city. Get involved by calling (901) 767-PARK, visiting our Web site at www.shelbyfarmspark.org, or becoming a fan of the Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShelbyFarmsPark.
]]>Update from Bob Schreibermemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2009-11-01T12:56:04-06:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/24dafc4473cb79e77af83f27874eaaa0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/24dafc4473cb79e77af83f27874eaaa0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Shelby Farms Park Greenline:
Bids for construction of the Shelby Farms Park Greenline should be opened within the month. We are now hoping that construction will be completed by Spring, 2010 (or Summer, perhaps), if all goes according to plan. TDOT changed a few of the requirements in the original RFP which had already gone out for bid, and this set us back about a month. We will be posting extracts of Phase 1 construction plans on the website in the very near future, when we are provided with a version small enough to post (present plans run 46 pages), with essential information on crosswalks, security, and tree plantings. The SFPG will originate at Tillman, and terminate at Farm Road. Unfortunately, since it is a “construction zone,” it is still officially off limits.
We are forming joint committees with Shelby Farms Park Conservancy to help guide with signage, art, amenities, operations and maintenance (and fundraising, of course). If you are interested in participating, please contact us.

Chelsea Line:
We are negotiating with Union Pacific RR for an approximate two-mile segment of an unused rail line which parallels Chelsea Blvd. The Trust for Public Land is leading the negotiations for us. This will provide a route under I-240 to link bikelanes and trails with Uptown, with the Wolf River Greenway, and the Mississippi River Trail. It also would link with nearby public schools, VECA, and Rhodes College and the rest of the developing bikeway/greenway system within Memphis and Shelby County. And, it could be another stimulus for redevelopment of this area. We have an appraisal in hand for the "Chelsea Greenline" of $770,000 performed by Eric Trotz. However, Union Pacific has a much, much higher opinion of its value.

MLG&W Easements:
MLG&W has approximately 400 miles of easements in Memphis/Shelby County. MLG&W authorities have agreed that if all adjacent neighbors/property owners are in agreement, we could begin the process of creating neighborhood trails on sections in your neighborhood. If you live near an MLG&W easement, and are interested in developing it into a neighborhood trail, please contact us !

Schnucks eScrip Program:
First, thank you for all your support at Whole Foods, which just had a year-long promotion where if you used your own shopping bag, they gave you a “wooden nickel,” which you could deposit into a receptacle, giving the money to the GMG. Over the course of the year, we raised over $800 ! Now, Schnucks is having a promotion as well.
GMG will receive 3% of all your grocery purchases at Schnucks, if you register us as your designated nonprofit group with eScrip, which you can do by either calling 800-931-6258, or else registering at www.schnucks.com, and entering "Greater Memphis Greenline" as your non-profit of choice. When you register your Schnucks card with eScrip, the number you need to enter includes the starting number "4" which is outside the rest of the numbers to the left, and ends with the number outside at the right end as well..]]>Photos from the Rotary Run 5Kmemphisgreenline@gmail.comPhotos2009-10-25T11:36:46-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/0353af8a9935835faa259b3426bdf79c-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/0353af8a9935835faa259b3426bdf79c-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Here are some photos from the recent Rotary Run 5K.]]>What's Next: An Open Letter from Bob Schreibermemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2009-08-12T20:40:56-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/a8d3b9df1df0acf85db1dd1214c01c40-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/a8d3b9df1df0acf85db1dd1214c01c40-4.html#unique-entry-id-4An open letter from Bob Schreiber, President, Board of Directors, Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc.:

Today, August 12, 2009 is a Great Day in the history of Memphis ! The County signed the official paperwork with CSX RR to purchase the first 7-mile section of the Greater Memphis Greenline, from Poplar/Walnut Grove to Shelby Farms Park. See the story here.

Greater Memphis Greenline, Inc. (GMGI) is now working on some other projects, including first, with the help of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, negotiating with Union Pacific RR to purchase a 2+-mile section of unused rail in North Memphis, and secondly, promoting a series of bikelane/walkways to create an interconnected Memphis and Shelby County. We also will be prepared to negotiate with other RR’s as unused track comes available. We will also be working with MLG&W in the future to develop as many of the 400 miles of easements into trails as is possible.

]]>County Signs Paperwork to Acquire CSX Linememphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2009-08-12T20:39:04-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/10a5385219cd8f32c0497b631f41a7a9-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/10a5385219cd8f32c0497b631f41a7a9-3.html#unique-entry-id-3From the Daily News:

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton Jr. was all smiles Wednesday afternoon as he signed the paperwork transferring the old CSX railroad line from the railroad to the county.

The county will now transform the corridor into a 7-mile multiuse trail that extends from the Poplar-Union avenues viaduct in the west to Farm and Mullins Station roads and Shelby Farms Park to the east.

“This is one of the greatest moments – and this is not hyperbole – in the history of the city and the county,” Wharton said.
]]>Memphis Flyer Covers Public Meetingsmemphisgreenline@gmail.comNews2009-07-18T09:16:58-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5b2e23f383e74146c6e9e7f46dd6f2a6-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5b2e23f383e74146c6e9e7f46dd6f2a6-2.html#unique-entry-id-2The Memphis Flyer:
Shelby County mayor A C Wharton, representatives from area law enforcement, and several county commissioners attended the meeting at the Central Library, as well as more than a hundred local residents, some of them cyclists and walkers and some of them residents with homes adjacent to the CSX property.

"The trail will not open until we have a comprehensive security plan in place," Wharton told those assembled. "This is more to this than just saying, let's get a trail. This is going to bring neighbors together. ... it's about connecting citizens to sidewalks instead of sofa.”]]>Notes From July 6 Public Meetingmemphisgreenline@gmail.comLinkedPublic2009-07-06T23:01:08-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5d50282bc78ef633f380f93be1c1b78d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5d50282bc78ef633f380f93be1c1b78d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1Click here for coverage on Twitter.]]>Some Bad News About the Blogmemphisgreenline@gmail.comSite News2009-07-06T23:00:21-05:00http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5fba93b83e2b23965d0335ee00012b6f-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/blog/files/5fba93b83e2b23965d0335ee00012b6f-0.html#unique-entry-id-0