Looking Back

o understand the fast-changing annexation-incorporation controversy, you have to go back nearly 30 years, when the seeds of this dispute were planted. Here's a look at some key dates, events, and players over the years.

1969: There's been a lot of talk about sewers in this story. Here's why. On August 13, 1969, the city of Memphis and Shelby County government agreed on a plan for sewage collection and treatment. "The city of Memphis will assume all construction, operation, maintenance and treatment of sanitary and industrial sewers and sewage within the city of Memphis and County of Shelby and in consideration thereof shall receive all monthly sewer service charges " the agreement reads.

The city also agreed to be responsible for all future sewer extensions.

The often mentioned Gray's Creek Interceptor is one such sewer extension. Under a 1996 agreement between the city and county, it opens up a huge area east of Cordova to development.

1971: A consolidation referendum is rejected. It passes in the city but not in the county. Consolidation has been discussed often but never voted on since then.

1973-1974: U.S. District Judge Robert McRae orders Plans A and Z, which call for busing over 53,000 students in the Memphis City Schools system. The result is white flight on a scale that surprises even school officials. More than 28,000 white students leave the system. Many will eventually move from the city to the suburbs or to DeSoto County.

1973: A plan to develop Shelby Farms is defeated by a coalition of environmentalists and developers. The plan would have soaked up suburban development for years. Instead, areas south and east of Shelby Farms begin to grow.

1975: Raleigh is annexed by Memphis. City schools begin the optional-school program, which will hold some white students in the system. Shelby County school enrollment hits an all-time low of 17,000.

1984: Memphis files a petition to annex 7.5 square miles of Cordova. Residents bring suit, but lose in a jury trial, and in a 1990 appeal to the State Supreme Court.

1987: Memphis files to annex Hickory Hill and its population of 37,000 residents at that time. Residents sue to stop the annexation. Some prominent black Memphis politicians oppose annexation because it will dilute black voting strength.

On Monday, Mayor Willie Herenton, in response to a question by Shelby County Commissioner Pete Sisson, said the lawsuit, now 10 years old, is scheduled to be heard in January.

1991: Willie Herenton is elected mayor by 142 votes over Dick Hackett. Political scientists estimate that Herenton would have lost by several thousand votes if Hickory Hill had been annexed at that time.

1996: Memphis and Shelby County agree on a Balanced Growth Plan that will allow the city to annex in return for extending the sewer into the Gray's Creek area. Memphis adopts a revised annexation policy designed to let it grab smaller areas more frequently.

Developer on the Spot: Suburban developer Waymon "Jackie" Welch Jr. filed suit against the city of Memphis last month. Welch acted after the city planning department refused sewer services to part of a planned development on Germantown Parkway. The suit is scheduled to be heard this week.

Commissioners on the Spot: Herenton put four white Shelby County commissioners on the spot Monday. Pete Sisson, Buck Wellford, Morris Fair, and Linda Rendtorff represent districts that are primarily made up of Memphis residents. By presenting them with a "pro-city agenda" instead of an "urban agenda," Herenton shifted the focus away from race and put it on the welfare of the city of Memphis and "fairness" to city taxpayers.