Planning & Development November 2022 e-Newsletter

A monthly e-Newsletter from the Division of Planning and Development – November 2022

A Message from John Zeanah, Director

Last month, the Division of Planning and Development and its staff were recognized with two awards. First, the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association presented the Division with the award for Outstanding Plan Implementation based on the implementation of the vision and goals of the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan.

Over the past three years, planners have engaged in continuous planning initiatives, implementation tracking and reporting, zoning changes, and more as DPD continues implementing the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Planning staff members Bradyn Carson and Faria Urmy were present at the TAPA Fall Conference to receive the award and present on the ongoing projects related to Accelerate Memphis.

At the 2022 Accelerate Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development was awarded the Trendsetter Award for Outstanding Customer Experience for the second consecutive year. Deputy Director Nidia Logan-Robinson, Business & Technology Manager Colleen Funk, and Business Services Analyst Shea Stock along with Shelby County Information Technology Services staff member Marie Holyfield accepted the award during the conference.

I want to congratulate the staff members of DPD on these awards for their outstanding work. I am grateful to work alongside such a talented team of professionals.

Advancing Public Data

On November 1, the Develop 901 Project Locator was launched and made available on the Develop 901 website. This active map provides up-to-date information about the types of permits that are completed and submitted through the Develop 901 Citizen Portal. This map also serves to provide site visitors with current public data in an accessible format, allowing them to search for projects underway in their neighborhood and observe patterns of growth and change across the community.

However, this tool is not designed for project managers to check the status of their projects. The Develop 901 Citizen Portal provides better tools for the checking the status, reviewing communications, and managing general components of a permit or an application approval process.

Planning and Implementation

Lead Hazard Reduction Program

Homes built before 1978 present a unique lead hazard risk to the adults and children who live and spend time within them. When children are exposed to lead paint, they are at-risk of becoming lead poisoned, which can affect their growth and development.

The Shelby County Department of Housing (SCDH) Lead Hazard Control Program provides free assistance to homeowners, landlords, and renters who want to act proactively against the risk of lead-based paint hazards and who want to protect children from adverse health-related effects.

If you or someone you know lives in a home built before 1978 and also has a child or children (6 years or younger) who spend time in the home, then contact the SCDH Lead Hazard Control Program about a free lead inspection at (901) 222-7600. Eligible residents may receive free lead paint removal services. For more information about the program, visit this site.

Applications are now accepted online via the website Neighborly. Use this site to register and create a new account before beginning an application.

October 23 - 29 was National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week; and Housing, Construction Code Enforcement, and Shelby County Human Resources staff marked the occasion while wearing their Lead Awareness t-shirts, pictured below.

Staff Announcements

Staff Planners for Comprehensive Planning, Bradyn Carson and Faria Naz Urmy, pictured right, presented at the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Annual Fall Conference. They spoke to a room of planners and engineers from across the state about the ongoing $200 million Accelerate Memphis public investment initiative. Attendees participated in an in-depth and robust discussion of the Accelerate Memphis process and examples of specific public improvement projects that are currently being implemented across the city.

Laura Myers has joined the Land Use and Development Services department as a new Zoning Examiner. Laura’s undergraduate studies were focused in Anthropology, and she earned her master’s degree from the University of Memphis in City and Regional Planning. The department is happy have her join the team.

Before receiving receiving the Trendsetter Award at the 2022 Accelerate Conference, Business Services Analyst Shea Stock and Shelby County Information Technology Services staff member Marie Holyfield presented on the then-upcoming Develop 901 Project Locator and its use of advancing public data.

Executive Assistant Ann Deberry, pictured left with her grandson and daughter, celebrated her retirement last month after 44 years of service to Shelby County Government, 42 years of which have been with the Division. At her retirement party, Ann was celebrated by her family, friends, and former and current colleagues before giving a rousing speech describing her relationships with everyone and her time with MPO and the Division. We wish her the best in her next adventures.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Division has returned to holding in-person meetings. Meetings will still be broadcast live on the Division's YouTube channel.

Subscribe to Watch Meetings!

11/10/22 – Land Use Control Board

11/16/22 – Board of Adjustment

11/17/22 – Landmarks Commission

Click one of the icons below to share our newsletter with others on social media!

Share This Email