Westwood Residents, Officials Discuss Future of Drive-In Property
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood had a packed house Thursday evening as concerned citizens and community leaders met to discuss plans for the former Southwest Twin drive-in.
The Reimagining Southwest Twin Community Meeting was led by Rev. Melvin Watkins, a founding member of Uplift Westwood CDC and the senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood. Also present were a panel of city and county leaders, including Director of Memphis Parks Nick Walker, Memphis City Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. and Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr.
“This is good news,” Rev. Watkins said. “We are happy about what’s getting ready to take place in our community and we’re going to stay positive and encouraging tonight.”
On the agenda were two different presentations about how the Southwest Twin lot could potentially be developed. An interactive survey was included to gauge the temperature of how Westwood residents feel the area should best be used to benefit their community.
The first proposal was created by Memphis Parks and presented by landscape architect of Memphis Parks, Roger Ekstrom. Ekstrom explained that the recently purchased land could be developed into a community park with an athletic area and walking trails, something many attendees entered on the survey as something they valued in parks and recreation.
“We had a dry cleaner, laundromat, Matthew’s Hardware Store was there, a grocery store, dentist, dollar store — the post office used to be in the drug store,”said Peggy Robinson, the owner of Westwood-based business Peggy’s Beauty Salon, which has been open since 1975. “I own one of the last original businesses that is still in Westwood from the time I first came.”
Westwood community members attend a meeting to discuss the recent purchase of the old Westwood drive-in property, and how it should be used, on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Robinson, who has been a Westwood resident and neighborhood advocate since 1971, says the difference between the Westwood of 1971 versus the Westwood of today speaks for itself.
“There used to be so much here. Now we don’t have a bank, we don’t have a dentist, we don’t have an eye doctor — we don’t have a sit-down restaurant in Westwood,” Robinson said. “Things started going away out here slowly in the 1980s and never really came back.”
As it became clear the spirited attendees appeared more interested in talking about bringing business back to Westwood as opposed to talk of expanding parks, Councilman Ford spoke.
“This is the first meeting,” Ford said. “I want everyone to understand this. Do you like what the Southwest Twin looks like today?”
With a resounding “no” from the crowd, Ford continued.
“We have to start from one thing and go to another, and then another,” Ford said. “Money — funding — is very important right now. We have the Shelby County chief operating officer here, we have Memphis Parks here. ... I want Third Street to look like Austin Peay does now. It’s time to do it. I need all these people here working with us. Remember: this is just the beginning. Everyone here will have input.”
Commissioner Ford also emphasized that the redevelopment process would take time and work, but the lasting and positive impact it could have on Westwood residents was worth an open conversation.
“I don’t want all of my good folks in 38109 and 38116 to go out to Southaven or Arkansas to get everything they need,” Ford Jr. said. “I want you to be right here to spend your tax dollars because many of you have been taxpayers for up to 50 or 60 years. You deserve what you should get as taxpayers.”
The second proposal was a conceptual site plan presented by Rev. Watkins. The plan was designed and created by Design Love Studio of Memphis and includes areas for a community center, MPD substation, community bank and retail space.
“There is not one bank in this area, not one. Our people need access to capital, and know how to handle that capital,” Watkins said. “We need a place for our business owners to be able to do business in a healthy, safe and beautiful environment. Right now, our library is a hole in the wall. This could be a great opportunity to expand our library as well.”
Anthony D. Latiker is the founder and owner of Slice of Soul Pizza Lounge in Midtown Memphis and a 1989 graduate of Westwood High School.
“I still live in the Westwood area,” Latiker said. “I’m still a part of the community and I remember how it was back in the day. I would love to see that aspect of Westwood flourishing again.”
Latiker says that despite chances to bring his business to other parts of the city, from the beginning his plan was to take it to Westwood.
“I always wanted to bring something back to my neighborhood,” Latiker said. “I had the opportunity to take my business to the medical district, to Whitehaven — but I always wanted to come back home. Our kids in Westwood need to see more people from their area succeeding and in the spotlight. I’m ready to help bring that kind of pride back here.”
A period for discussion of the proposals followed after the presentations. Westwood resident Barbara Roy immediately stood up to voice her thoughts on why she believed Watkins’ presentation better suited Westwood.
“I’ve been here since 1970 and have seen a whole lot of change. To be frank, this is the best idea I’ve seen in the whole time I’ve been here,” Roy said. “We need something that looks good and is versatile. To see a retail park area and a movie screen on the plan is wonderful.”
Memphis Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen concluded the meeting by noting that while the city cannot force businesses to relocate to Westwood, he and city officials are onboard to make positive changes and help the neighborhood grow.
“You have our commitment. We want to move quickly and we want you to see a visible change,” McGowen said. “I want you to feel like something is happening in your neighborhood, because it actually is. We’re setting the stage for the future.”