Is it too late to rethink B$L?

With project costs up, overnight riverboats out of business, the city budget stretched, and a tax increase under consideration, the answer is NO. It's time to pause, get accurate information and do a cost benefit analysis of the project before approving any more money or signing any more contracts.

MemphisCobblestones.com looks at "How far is too far to turn back?"

Memphis is not alone in the dilemma of how to deal with expensive projects in this down-economy.

The economic downturn has reined in a lot of ... big dreams and has also led to questions about whether ambitious building projects from Buffalo to Berkeley ever made sense to begin with

according to a New York Times article.

How much $ is BSL really going to cost?

In December we learned there have been cost overruns and federal reductions, and that the City has been asked for $9M more dollars for Beale Street Landing. But exactly how much money has been spent? How much money will be spent? What share of that is City money? One blog, Memphis Cobblestones.com, has been trying to figure it out. Click HERE.

B$L - The Inconvenient Truths

John Branston exposes fiscal incompetency on the riverfront and reveals why we are where we are:

• Recipe for Screwing Up a $35M Boat Dock

• Beale Street Landing Not on Time; Not Within Budget.

Read more »

B$L - City asked for $9M More to Cover Cost Overruns

The cost of Beale Street Landing was up - to $33M, the City Council was told in May. Memphis's share would be $22M.

Now, 6 months later, the cost has gone up again. The Commercial Appeal reports that the federal share is down, cost is up, and the City is being asked for another $9M to pay for Beale Street Landing.

Letters-to-editor raise questions; point out more problems; and urge City to investigate and get answers before committing any more money.
Read more »

Foam on the River found to be Raw Sewage

Bianca Phillips reports in the Flyer:

From January 2005 to September 2009, the city's Maynard C. Stiles Waste Treatment Plant on North Second Street reported 1,170 overflows in which a total of 23 million gallons of raw sewage leaked into city streets, yards, and the Mississippi River and its tributaries. In addition, a sewage line broke in April 2008 and leaked 45 million more gallons of sewage over a 25-day period.

Memphis faces a possible lawsuit for violations of the Clean Water Act and is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to remedy the problems.
Read more »

"The River" for the Holidays

Annabelle Meacham's beautiful painting of The River is included in the Holiday Exhibition at Linda Ross Gallery, which runs Dec. 1-31.

Memphis News cover story on Mud Island River Park Plans

In case you missed it, the cover story of this week’s Memphis News is an in-depth look at Mud Island River Park and plans for its future by Bill Dries.

There's also an interview with skate park advocate Aaron Shafer and an editorial with suggestions that are realistic, enhancing, and promise a bright future.

Click HERE for the article, HERE for Memphis News commentary and suggestions, HERE for interview with Shafer.

Dickinson & Selvidge in True Story Pictures new "Music Interviews"

Don’t miss the release of True Story Pictures new DVD “The Music Interviews.” Two of the three musicians featured (Jim Dickinson and Sid Selvidge), gave their time and talent to create the CD “Save Our Riverfront” to support Friends for Our Riverfront.

Release party: Dec. 10 @ Memphis College of Art from 5:30-8pm. Tickets are $20. Click HERE to purchase online.
Click HERE to hear Dickinson tell about the source of the Memphis Sound.
Click HERE to learn more about “Save Our Riverfront” and HERE to order a copy.
Click HERE to learn more about award-winning True Story Pictures.