MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – As efforts continue to save the oldest African American communityin the city of Memphis, Shelby County commissioners were told Wednesday morningthat property values in Orange Mound are still dropping.
Shelby County Assessor Melvin Burgess says he has formed acommittee of local experts who will study the issue and come up withrecommendations.
“Oh, it’s critical. I have already received areport from a conversation with someone at the University of Memphis who saysit’s almost at the point of no return. We are in a good spot with this taskforce and support I am getting with just everybody. We can make this happen,”said Burgess.
The troubles are getting national attention. Orange Moundand Harlem in New York City are the two largest neighborhoods with AfricanAmerican homeowners in the country.