History of the V&E Greenline

The Vollintine-Evergreen community is in north-midtown Memphis with boundaries of North Parkway, Watkins Street, Springdale Street, and Cypress Creek.  The Vollintine-Evergreen Community Association (VECA), founded in 1970, is dedicated to maintaining the residential diversity and quality of the neighborhood.  VECA CDC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1995. 

The L&N Railroad abandoned its right-of-way in 1980.  It previously extended from downtown Memphis to Raleigh.  The route included 1.7 miles in Vollintine-Evergreen.  VECA received grant funds from the Pew Charitable Trusts in 1995 to undertake widespread community revitalization.  The purchase of the L&N railroad and the development of community gardens were part of the original Pew proposal.  VECA purchased the abandoned right-of-way in November 1996 and renamed it the V&E Greenline.  In 1997, the V&E Greenline became a program of VECA CDC and as such is entitled to the benefits of an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.