Greetings Neighbors,

At long last the infamous Lamplighter Motor Inn is closed; happy news indeed!

I will share some information here about the Lamplighter for our newest neighbors, and will give more details on the closing and what we, the residents of Annesdale-Snowden, will need to do to help ensure that the Lamplighter never again opens as the same type of business.

For several years the Lamplighter Motor Inn has been a constant source of criminal and unseemly activity in our neighborhood, as well as the whole area surrounding the Bellevue and Lamar intersection. Solicitations for prostitution and drugs have been regular business on or near the Lamplighter property. As well, this past summer there was a fatal gun shooting in the parking lot. Meanwhile, the majority of the area of Memphis in which our neighborhood and the Lamplighter lie has seen significant improvements. Examples being two of the largest and high profile revitalization projects in Memphis: the Memphis Medical / Biotechnology District expansion and the Lamar Terrace renovation. Despite such progress, the Lamplighter has served as a hindrance to our neighborhood fully realizing the ensuing benefits. Now, thanks to the hard work of the District Attorney’s office, the Memphis Police Department and the persistence of the Annesdale-Snowden neighborhood we have an opportunity to help bring about significant improvements to the part of Memphis we call home.

From discussions with the District Attorney’s office we have learned that the session before Judge Potter on Friday, February 15th will be more or less perfunctory and there is no added value in neighbors being present. The Lamplighter will remain closed for at least a week and most likely for several weeks beyond. The expectation is that there will be a trial within a month. It is during the trial that the District Attorney’s office has stated that residents of Annesdale-Snowden may be requested to make statements about observed activities at and near the Lamplighter. The District Attorney’s office will contact me if and when they need statements from neighbors. I will keep the neighborhood informed about any court dates and other information that come to light related to this issue. As well, if any neighbors learn of any new information, or observe possible criminal activity at the Lamplighter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email address below.

In closing I would like to share an interesting item that came to light during the sting operation – in addition to the drugs and prostitution going on at the motel, it was discovered that the Lamplighter has been operating without a “Use and Occupancy License” – to put it simply, they are not licensed to operate a motel.

Steven Hoover
President
Annesdale-Snowden Neighborhood Association
annesdale-snowden@hotmail.com