This is a reprint of a story i did in January that will explainhow Beale Street as we know it now came to be. There are also other stories that can be reprinted that will prove that John Elkington is a liar when he states that he developed the historic district:
Randall Catron Executive Director of The Beale Street Development Corporation, seen in the middle arm in arm with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, in !968 in the above photo,has taken on a new struggle, And that is to preserve the most successful black business venture in the history of this city, The revitalization of Historic Beale Street.
It was the tireless efforts of Catron and other members of BSDC that makes Downtown Memphis the place it is today. Some have tried to give the credit to John Elkington and "Performa" as being the backbone of the street,But this is totally untrue. When this project started Elkington was just a law clerk for former Memphis mayor Wyeth Chandler.
BSDC which was chartered as a non-profit corporation in 1973,traveled numerous times to Washington D.C. to ascertain funding for Beale. In fact if the truth is to be told BSDC was the first group to build anything downtown after it became a wasteland. In 1973 BSDC secured funding ($240,000.00) and built the first new structure downtown. That structure is 380 Beale or better known as the "Plush Club".
Those you have given the credit to Elkington for the development of Beale Street, have fallen prey to his not telling the truth and wanting it to be known that he works for a black Corporation Elkington has a contract with BSDC, not the City of Memphis to manage the street, That's his only function. So as he strolls down the street like a peacock,he walks in the shadow of his own lies.
The City of Memphis had tried to secure funding for Beale Street but was unable to,But after Chandler saw what BSDC was able to do as far as securing a SBA loan to build 380 Beale,which was the first huge development in the downtown area in decades, He took them up on their offer to take responsibility for restoring The Beale Street Historic district. The city agreed only if BSDC could secure funding for such a mountainous project. The city also agreed that they would match all funding BSDC received.
BSDC being a non-profit 501-C3 secured the very first $1,870,000.00 for the development,revitalization of Beale Street. The City of Memphis had no funds available as they had initially agreed upon. I think that the city never thought that this group of blacks could ever acquire funding. But Chandler staying true to his word in 1977 pledge land. The land value was $714,000.00. The City of Memphis and BSDC became co-grantees with the acceptance of said funds and pledge of land.
BSDC was instrumental in securing a TOTAL SUM OF 25.3 MILLION DOLLARS for the development and revitalization of the Beale Street Historic District. Securing funds from Federal,State and local agencies. The Economic Development administration offered the use of additional funds to BSDC and the City of Memphis under certain conditions. The city had no funds,therefore they were to sell the land to BSDC, A letter from the EDA dated August 22,1980 states "The entire blocks between Second and Third Streets from Mccall to Lt.Lee Avenues would be contributed as in-kind match for this project. The lease agreement between the co-grantees should be amended to GIVE IMMEDIATE CONTROL OF ANY PROPERTY CONTRIBUTED AS IN-KIND.
Those same documents from the EDA stated that the City of Memphis should provide funds for the operation of BSDC,which has never happened to this day. The mayor is to approve the budget which has not happened. The lease agreement and the memorandum of understanding clearly outlined the financial/monetary responsibilities, and functionary duties of both parties.
So just how did John Elkington get involved and whats really his function? I'm glad you asked. Performa Entertainment Real Estate, Formerly known as E & K and Beale Street Management was hired in 1982 by the BSDC to manage the Historic District. The terms of the contract outlined whereas the management company was to have the responsibility for the commercial aspects of the project,including management and leasing of the premises. The City of Memphis shifted its obligatory duties per lease agreement memorandum of understanding to Performa.
Performa alleged a debt of 1.7 million dollars without any supporting documents. Numerous letters were written by BSDC questioning the alleged debt. The City of memphis nor Performa has ever provided any documents of proof for the alleged debts that Elkington states that he acquired. BSDC asked for an audit of the books of Performa in 1989, The city conducted an audit but refused to give BSDC the findings of that audit. In fact I have before me a letter from the city dated April 12, 1989 from the city and signed by Roland McElrath that says " We are aware of Beale Street Development Corporation's responsibilities for bring about the redevelopment of the Beale Street Historical District. We further understand your concern and interest in the results of our examination of Beale Street District's operations. However, we will not be able to provide you with our audit findings prior to issuing the preliminary draft report. This would be a violation of our departments policy regarding administration of the audit engagement."
Why would the city refuse to release the findings of the audit? what is there to hide? Elkington alleges 1.7 million in debt and the city does not seek documentation? But here's the kicker, the lease that Elkington has with BSDC clearly states that any monies expended over $100,000 must be approved by BSDC. What was Elkington's reply to BSDC about the alleged 1.7 million. "No one is going to get paid until performa recoups all it's money".
BSDC has never received any monies from Performa or the City of Memphis as outlined in the signed lease agreements. This is where the FBI should get involved Federal funds were used to re build Beale Street. There is a contract between the Federal Government and the City of Memphis in regards to BSDC that has been violated.
The City of Memphis has received over $43 million dollars in tax revenues,while John Elkington has received millions in revenue from the operation of Beale Street. But how did he come by those millions? And why won't the City give the results of the finances of Beale Street? Is there corruption on the street? Has the many sponsors of events on the street given kickbacks to Elkington? Why did the City of Memphis give Elkington total control of Handy Park for just One dollar per year? This has to come with the mayor's approval,seeing that he and he alone has sole contract signing power.
Since Elkington wants to sell everything on Beale Street except the Park, knowing that he has no control over Beale Street, knowing that BCDC has control of the leases for 52 years, Is there a plan for Herenton and Elkington to cut a side deal? Is this the reason that the city Of Memphis is trying to force the dissolution of BSDC?
The City has told BSDC for years that " No monies are available for you" But yet yearly gave the Beale street Merchants Association $50 -$100,000.00 in grants. This for profit organization headed by indicted city council member Rickey Peete has been able to acquire funds from the city but not BSDC. Could it be because in reading the campaign disclosures of council members the Merchants Association gave $500.00 to most of them.
Which brings me to another interesting point, looking at the campaign disclosure of Peete I noticed where John Elkington gave Peete $3,000 for a contribution. Now why would Elkington do that,was this a way of buying Peet's influence? Did he use Peete to bring pressure from the city on BSDC?
BSDC has had to file legal action against the Merchant association to even be able to sell food on Beale street to generate its only means of funding the corporation. The Merchant Association used legal arms of the City,Code Enforcement, Health department, and others to try an shut down the operation of BSDC. In fact all these city agencies hit BSDC in one day, So again I ask is the $3,000.00 a bribe?
While Elkington has only been to the office of BSDC once, He has often been seen coming out of the office of Rickey Peete. Has Elkington played a role in Peete's political corruption? Is there any data on Peete's computer that will tie Elkington to his misdeeds?
Now you know the facts that backed by documentation, not rhetoric. I am spending a lot of time reading the numerous documents that I have in my possession on this matter. John Elkington has been telling a " Bald face lie" to this community for years. He did not develop the Street,has no control over the leases, That's the reason Randall Catron had to sign for the property on Beale Street to be used for the FedEx Forum and garage. That's the reason that he had to sign so that the new Westin Hotel could be built.
If it had not been for Randell Catron the Forum would not be in place, yes the city could have tried to use a eminent domain statue, But it would have had to go to court and the building would have been delayed. So the greatest downtown developer is not Henry Turley or Jack Belz It's Randall Catron and BCDC. I know that this fact will bother many but the truth is what it is.
And John Elkington since you like the blues,here's a new tune just for you. TAP,TAP,TAP,DOT,DOT,DOT.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=link}