For press information, contact Kathy Krueger

The Southeast Memphis Community Development Corporation and the University of Memphis Southeast Memphis Initiative will host a Neighborhood and Community Summit March 27 at 6 p.m. at the Hickory Hill Community Center, 3910 Ridgeway Road. The subject will be the new SAFEWAYS project.

Supported by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to Shelby County, the project will bring enhanced law enforcement efforts to Southeast Memphis. The meeting is open to the public.

Guests will include Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin, U.S. Attorney David Kustoffand representatives from other agencies involved with SAFEWAYS.The summit will describe the SAFEWAYS initiative to lower crime rates by focusing on the disproportionately high crime rates in apartment communities. SAFEWAYS combines Blue CRUSH-style law enforcement, statistical analysis and community outreach. It also provides an opportunity for the precincts and the Southeast Memphis CDC to develop a support structure for apartment managers and the business community in their efforts to improve safety. The Southeast Memphis CDC will be partnering with community stakeholders to reach out to youth and families in these high-risk environments.

The summit will also feature new information on post-tornado commercial revitalization issues with guest Pat Jacobs, general manager of Hickory Ridge Mall; the Southeast Memphis CDC anti-foreclosure program; Environmental Court coming to the Ridgeway Precinct; and Community Enhancement grants awarded by the Shelby County legislative delegation.

Following the general meeting, participants are invited to participate in one of three topical discussions: SAFEWAYS, commercial revitalization or housing and foreclosure issues.

This briefing is the eleventh in a series of ongoing community meetings with residents, public agencies, non-profit organizations, faith communities and the U of M. For more information, call Kathy Krueger at 901-273-2870 or 901-233-6296.