Help us Save Memphis In May

MRPP's proposed MIM layout includes unrealistic numbers to hide its flaws. They fail to guarantee support of popular large BBQ booths, while inflating the number of small, less-desirable booths. Their “current” Beale Street Music Festival (BSMF) map is misleading about actual current capacity. The proposed layout simply can’t handle the sell-out crowds the current design does. Smaller potential crowds could limit the caliber of talent and amount of revenue BSMF attracts.

We’ve all heard of “Memphis in Mud.” Traditionally all BBQfest booths abut concrete walkaways that see heavy traffic from scaffold crews, construction equipment, and teams loading in. Next, there’s the stampede of guests by day, and heavy sanitation trucks emptying toilets by night. MRPP’s plan places a large number of booths facing narrow grass walkways that are not capable of supporting this traffic, REGARDLESS of the claims of “improved drainage.” Some construction and scaffold vendors have implied they will not build booths at the festival under the proposed conditions.

Traditionally there has been a dedicated north/south artery (Riverside Drive) for emergency and support vehicles. The proposed plan calls for Riverside Drive to be packed with vendor and team booths, eliminating any emergency or functional use of that road. Year-round, the introduction of meandering terraced walkways and trees introduce opportunity for criminal activity if not policed properly. MRPP offers vague mention of “working with MPD” (who are already understaffed) and “adding lights and cameras.” There doesn’t appear to be a detailed safety plan or maintenance plan, or a budget to support either. How much will it cost taxpayers to protect those who use the new park?

In 2018, MIM generated a whopping $137.7 million economic impact for the City of Memphis. This figure has grown about 25% annually from $111.9 million in 2017 and $88 Million in 2016. The festival is critical to downtown businesses, as evidenced by leaders in the hospitality industry openly opposing MRPP’s proposed plan. Shrinking MIM would likely cost local businesses tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs.

Historically, the center of the WCBCC features a large complex consisting of a judging tent, festival operations, and a large stage for awards and entertainment like Ms. Piggy Idol and live concerts. The location and scope of this judging complex is the nerve center of the “world’s most prestigious BBQ competition,” yet the MRPP plan appears to have left these essential elements off their festival plans. When we rush, we sometimes overlook important details.

MRPP has only raised HALF of the proposed $70 million needed for the project (assuming it stays under budget). With the proposed start mere months away, will taxpayers be stuck with the tab for the balance? Where is the plan or funding for ongoing maintenance? The Memphis riverfront is already littered with failed or dilapidated development projects. Let’s encourage the Mayor and City Council to slow this down, and take the time to ensure this potential riverfront development is done RIGHT.