Contentious North Memphis Tree Upcycling Project Halted

A contentious tree upcycling venture in North Memphis, initially planned by Memphis Urban Wood and The Works Inc., has been scrapped following concerns from the community and local representative, Justin J. Pearson. The project was set to transform waste wood into lumber and compost on a vacant 10-acre property on North Watkins Street.

Public Concerns Over The Project

“This project has not centered the people, and what has happened is what happens when Black folk continues to get overlooked when our voices are not valued,” voiced Rep. Justin J. Pearson at a press conference with concerned citizens opposed to the proposed development on Friday, March 15.

The project became a matter of dispute with local people citing potential environmental impacts, a lack of community engagement in the plan and concerns over the effect on local property values.

Memphis Urban Wood’s plan

Memphis Urban Wood along with The Works Inc. proposed the tree upcycling project which intended to turn the vacant land into a facility capable of transforming wood waste into usable lumber and wood compost. That wood waste would otherwise more than likely result in landfill, adding to Memphis’s landfill burden, and miss an opportunity to create value and employment within the community.

Resistance from Representative Pearson

Anthony Pearson, however, was clear in his opposition to the development, expressing his concerns about the perceived lack of consideration for the local community and the potential environmental impacts.

“This project has not centered the people. And what has happened is what happens when Black people continue to get overlooked, when our voices are not valued,” Pearson said, underlining concerns shared by many citizens.

Not Profit, But People First

Memphis and its community have seen a number of development projects that have not reflected the needs and expectations of their communities, particularly in under-represented groups and neighborhoods. Pearson’s comments reflect the growing local concern that development needs to take into account the wider impact on residents, not just potential profit or business interests.

Cancellation of The Project

The project’s cancellation indicates a win for Representative Pearson and those local residents who shared his concerns. Yet, it raises questions for future development in Memphis and how to balance the needs for investment and development with community expectations and environmental considerations. Further, it raises the serious question of how best to utilize waste wood and other resources to bring both economic and social value to the city.

Conclusion

While undoubtedly disappointing for those involved with the now-defunct tree upcycling development, this outcome underscores the vital importance of maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration between developers, local public figures, and the residents they are expected to serve.