Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory
Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory – Vol. 8, No. 18 – Tuesday June 2, 2015
1. Knoxville Finalist for Bell Helmet 100,000 Dollar Prize
2. Preorder Your Rain Barrels and Compost Bins Today
3. SKNBC and Chapman Pool Offer Free Day to Members
4. Garage Sales, Permits and Signs
5. Harbours Gate Community Festival to Take Place at Montgomery Village
6. City of Knoxville Launches New Website, Office of Neighborhood Gets Blog
7. KEMA Offers Community Emergency Response Team Training
8. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhoods to report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. News & calendar deadline: 5 p.m. Mondays.
1. Knoxville Finalist for Bell Helmet 100,000 Dollar Prize
Knoxville is one of just three national finalists for a $100,000 trailblazing grant from Bell Helmets.
Sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), the project is titled the Urban Wilderness Gravity Trail. If Knoxville wins, AMBC will build a world-class bike trail in South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
To support the project, go to http://www.bellhelmets.com/bellbuilt.html?urban-wilderness-gravity and select the Urban Wilderness Gravity Trail. Voting ends June 4.
The Gravity Trail will complement the 40 plus miles of biking and hiking trails already constructed in the South Knoxville. The trail will include rock gardens, drops, and constructed features to create a challenging trail for experienced riders.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for us to put Knoxville in the big leagues with other biking destinations,” said Matthew Kellogg, President of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC). “If we can build this trail, we add a progression to our trails that we don’t currently have – with awesome opportunities for beginners to expert riders,” he added.
Also in the running for the prize is COGGS from Duluth, Minnesota, and Merced Irrigation District from Merced, California.
For more information contact Matthew Kellogg @ 865-603-2940 or [email protected]
2. Preorder Your Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Today!
Preorders are underway for the Water Quality Forum’s annual rain barrel and compost bin sale, which allows residents to purchase the environmentally-friendly devices at a discounted rate.
Water Quality Forum allows residents to purchase the environmentally friendly devices at a discounted rate online now through June 14. The pickup date will be Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Walgreens, 7523 Kingston Pike.
Conserving water is one way to lower your utility bill. The water collected in a rain barrel can be used to water your plants, wash your car, or even a pet. This helps reduce water usage from the tap, thus saving you money.
Did you know that approximately 25% of garbage that homeowners throw out is compostable? Would you like to help conserve land from being used as landfills? Compost Bins are an excellent way to reduce the amount of garbage you take to the street each week.
To order or for more information: http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/Water-Quality-Forum or you may contact Amy Mann at 865-215-5283.
3. SKNBC and Chapman Pool Offer Free Day to Members
Are you a member of the South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition (SKNBC)?
On June 14, Chapman Pool is offering a free day to swim, and enjoy free watermelon and popsicles for SKNBC members. SKNBC includes Colonial Village Neighborhood Association, Island Home Park Neighborhood Association, Lake Forest Neighborhood Association, Old Sevier Community Group, South Haven Neighborhood Association, and South Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. If you live in any of these neighborhoods come enjoy a free day in the sun and meet your neighbors!
There is also a concession stand to purchase hamburgers, hotdogs, and other snacks but you can bring your own picnic. The Chapman pool offers an Olympic size pool, low dive, high dive and kiddie pool. The event promises to be family fun for everyone.
Employees of businesses that are members of SKNBC are also invited to this free event. Please visit http://southknoxvillealliance.org to find a list of member businesses.
If you are unsure of your neighborhood’s membership, please contact your local neighborhood association via the City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhoods at http://www.cityofknoxville.org/development/neighborhoods or send an email to [email protected] or call 309-4661.
4. Garage Sales, Permits and Signs
Did you know that a permit is needed for a garage sale?
Knoxville has a city ordinance to cover Personal Property Sales. But don’t stress, the form is very short, the fee is $10.00, and it can cover multiple days.
Any sale on your property requires this permit. You can have your sale for up to three consecutive days OR for two consecutive weekends. This can all be included in one permit. You may receive a permit three times in a one-year period.
If a neighborhood wants to do a large multi-home garage sale, it only needs to fill out one form and pay the fee once. Each participating home isn’t required to fill out a form or pay separately.
Signs are allowed. They can be put out no earlier than 2 days in advance, taken down each night and replaced in the morning. A homeowner can have two signs on the property of the sale, which will be no more than four square feet. There may be two directional signs that can be no more than two square feet on other property for which you have received written permission to do so.
According to the City’s ordinance, garage sales shall begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and last no later than 6:00 p.m.
If you have questions or concerns, you may call the Business License and Tax office at 215-2083.
5. Harbours Gate Community Festival to Take Place at Montgomery Village
Montgomery Village will host the 4th Annual Inner City Got Voice Competition.
The Competition is run by Harbours Gate, a local 501(c)3 organization dedicated to building safer and stronger communities.
The event will feature a talent competition for the Inner City Housing Community residents. Voice, instrumental, dance, individual acts, bands and all genres of music are welcome. All lyrics must be clean and without profane or vulgar language.
Sterling ‘Sterl the Pearl’ Hinton, a nationally known DJ and former UT Quarterback, as well as Laurel Wright, an American Idol Finalist and Nashville Recording Artist, will host the talent competition.
The event will take place at the Montgomery Village Athletic Fields, 4600 Joe Lewis Rd. Knoxville, TN. It will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Performances will begin at 6:00 p.m.
To preregister, contact Tom Garner at 679-8610 or register from 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. the day of the event.
6. City of Knoxville Launches New Website, Office of Neighborhood Gets Blog
The City of Knoxville is proud to announce the launch of its new website at www.knoxvilletn.gov.
This is the first update to the City’s website since 2004. The website features a clean, photo-centric homepage with easy navigation and increased user functionality including integrated calendars, blogs and photo galleries. Also the webpage is designed to work on mobile devices as well as desktops.
As part of the update, the Office of Neighborhoods has a new blog. Timely news and information relevant to neighborhood groups will be available there. Also, the Office of Neighborhoods is calling for Neighborhood photos that can be uploaded to the website to showcase neighborhood activities and events. Send your digital photos to [email protected] with “photo” in the subject line by June 26. Be sure to include the name of the neighborhood and the event title, along with a phone number. Or call Travis Nissen at 215-3077.
The old website will remain active at cityofknoxville.org for a limited time, to ease the transition, but a banner will direct visitors to the new website. After a short time, the old address will simply redirect to the new site.
Any comments or questions about the new website can be emailed to [email protected].
7. KEMA Offers Community Emergency Response Team Training
The Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) — in cooperation with other local emergency response agencies — is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
Neighborhood representatives are urged to sign up.
“During major emergencies and disasters, emergency response agencies can be overloaded, and professional responders may not be immediately available,” says KEMA Operations Officer Colin Ickes. “The CERT program gives people the information and skills they need to be prepared and to be able to help themselves, their households and their neighbors during a disaster.”
When individuals complete CERT training, they are expected to focus on their neighborhoods and their immediate area. “When [CERT members] see a need in their neighborhood, and they can put their CERT skills into practice, then they should do so,” Ickes explained.
The CERT class will meet a total of eight times. Seven sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Thursdays, starting July 16 and ending August 27. The last class, a Disaster Simulation, will take place on Saturday, August 29.
Each class session will last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. There is no cost for the course, and all materials will be provided.
To register, contact Colin Ickes at [email protected] or 865-215-1166.
In addition to CERT, the Office of Neighborhoods offers a guide and training to develop a neighborhood-level disaster preparedness plan. For more on this, contact Griff Ashooh at 215-3456 or [email protected].
Other details can be found here: http://bit.ly/1Gj7s12
8. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 215-3456.
Visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/calendar/ for a complete list of meetings of various city boards and commissions. See the Community Events Calendar: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/events/events.pdf
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to attend a City of Knoxville public meeting, please contact Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 215-2034 no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend.
Tuesday, June 2 — 4:30 p.m.
Dandridge Avenue Neighborhood Watch (First Tuesdays)
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
Lawrence Washington, 524-4498
Tuesday, June 2 — 6 p.m.
Mechanicsville Community Association (First Tuesdays)
Fairview Recreation Center, 1628 Dora St.
Charles Wright, 637-1802
Tuesday, June 2 — 6-7 p.m.
Norwood Neighborhood Watch – 6 p.m.
Norwood Homeowners Association – 7 p.m.
Monthly on a Tuesday: Jun 2, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sep 8
New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1705 Merchants Road
Lynn Redmon, 688-3136
Wednesday, June 3 — Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. Meeting – 8 a.m.
East Towne Area Business & Professional Association (First Wednesdays)
Neighborhood Residents and Leaders encouraged to attend
New Harvest Park Community Building
Chair, Justin Sterling, [email protected]
Thursday, June 4 — 6 pm
Cumberland Estates West Neighborhood Watch
(First Thursdays, even-numbered months)
Cumberland Estates Recreation Center, 4529 Silver Hill Drive
Anna Compton, 599-0724, [email protected]
Thursday, June 4 — 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
South Knoxville Open Forum
Get an update on issues and projects in South Knoxville
Hosted by City Councilman Nick Pavlis, County Commissioner Mike Brown and
School Board Member Amber Rountree
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Avenue
Monday, June 8 — 1:30 p.m.
Montgomery Village Residents Association (Second Mondays)
4600 Joe Lewis Rd. #175
Ronnie Thompson, 604-6492
Monday, June 8 — 3 p.m.
Northgate Resident Association (Second Mondays)
Social Hall, 4301 Whittle Springs Rd.
David Wildsmith, 219-0417
Monday, June 8 — 5-6 p.m.
Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
Michael Meadowview Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
CAC East Neighborhood Center, 4200 Asheville Hwy.
Michael Meadowview: Marian Bailey, 525-5625
Cold Springs: Terrell Patrick, 525-4833
Monday, June 8
Fountain City Town Hall (Second Mondays)
Board Meetings: 6 p.m. Monthly
General Membership Meetings: 7 p.m., April, September, November
Church of the Good Shepherd, 5337 Jacksboro Pike
Daniel Dunn, 387-6390, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Lyons View Community Club (Second Mondays)
Lyons View Community Center, 114 Sprankle Ave.
Mary Brewster, 454-2390
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Vestal Community Organization (Second Mondays)
South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Old Maryville Pike
Katherine Johnson, 566-1198
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Downtown Residents Meeting
(Second Monday, First Month of Each Quarter)
Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Central Business Improvement District (CBID)
http://www.downtownknoxville.org/
Michele Hummel, 246-2654, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6:30 p.m.
Community Potluck
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization (Second Mondays)
Central United Methodist Church, 210 Third Ave.
Liz Upchurch, 898-1809, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6:30 p.m.
Historic Old North Knoxville (Second Mondays)
St. James Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway
Andie Ray, 548-5221
Monday, June 8 — 7 p.m.
Belle Morris Community Action Group (Second Mondays)
City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave.
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/Belle_Morris
Rick Wilen, 524-5008
Tuesday, June 9 — 9 a.m.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Technical Committee
(Second Tuesdays)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Agenda: http://www.knoxtrans.org/meetings/techagen.htm
Dori Canon, 215-2694, [email protected]
Tuesday, June 9 — 11:45 a.m.
Agenda Review, Metropolitan Planning Commission
(Tuesday before MPC’s monthly meeting)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Tuesday, June 9 — 2 p.m.
Western Heights Resident Association (Second Tuesdays)
Building to the right of the mail boxes when you enter Western Heights
Jamesena Nolan, 237-5558
Tuesday, June 9 — 4-5 p.m.
City of Knoxville Greenways Commission
(2nd Tuesdays, even-numbered months)
Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/greenways.asp
Lori Goerlich, Parks & Recreation Dept., 215-2807
Tuesday, June 9 — 6 p.m.
Brown Avenue Neighborhood Watch (Second Tuesdays)
Hoitt Ave. Baptist Church, 2121 Hoitt Ave.
Jimmy Ramsey, 637-0243
Tuesday, June 9 — 7 p.m.
City Council (Every Other Tuesday)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil/agenda.pdf
Wednesday, June 10 — 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
City Business Breakfast
Helping local businesses “do business” with the City of Knoxville
More Info: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/Press_Releases/Content/2015/0519.aspp
Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015Business-Breakfast
Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave.
City of Knoxville, Purchasing Department
Wednesday, June 10 — 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Food Policy Council
(Second Wednesdays but check website for confirmation)
Knox County Health Department, 140 Dameron Avenue
http://www.knoxfood.org; [email protected]
Wednesday, June 10 — 11:30 a.m.
Community Forum (Second Wednesdays)
Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road
Sue Mauer, 690-0269
Wednesday, June 10 — 4:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Advisory Council, City of Knoxville
(Second Wednesdays except December)
CAC / L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Ave.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/neighborhoods
David Massey, 215-3232
Lost Cat
From: Jessica Barousse Subject: Lost Cat Message Body: We moved into 2025 Rivergate yesterday (June 1) and our cat seems to have escaped in the process. He’s a small, longhair grey cat. He’s very friendly and cannot meow. If there is a neighborhood email list where you can put out an APB for him, please do. I can send pictures if necessary. My phone number is 202-669-8275 — This e-mail was sent from the public contact form on Lakemoor Hills (http://lakemoor.org)
Cell Tower Update
To keep you updated on the cell tower issue.
A sign announcing the MPC Hearing has been posted on the property. Although it references a June MPC hearing, the hearing had officially been postponed until July.
Meeting Minutes 05/19/2015
Lakemoor Hills Home Owner’s Association Meeting
“The Quiet Side of the River”
Minutes – May 19, 2015
President Dick Graf opened the meeting at 7:00 pm and welcomed all attendees.
Secretary’s Report Minutes from March 17, 2015 – (John Haynes) Minutes as posted in the Website. Motion was made to approve, seconded and carried.
Treasurer’s Report (John Haynes) – Current balance of $ 6,458. Motion was made to approve, seconded and carried.
Branch Towers, LLC (Ms. Mary Miller, Attorney for Branch) Dick Graf introduced Ms. Miller and stated the expected duration of the presentation as 15 minutes, with 15 minute of Q&A. (It went much longer.)
Ms. Miller discussed the following:
-She explained how our society has gone big for wireless devices, adding one billion devices just in 2014, with a 734% increase in usage from 2010-2014.
-T-Mobile needs to fill a gap in their coverage and capacity, not just for customers, but to comply with FCC regulations.
-She stated they were delaying their hearing from June to July
-Kayla Cramer is a representative from Branch Tower LLC in Tulsa, OK which has employed Ms. Miller.
-They expect to add carriers to their tower, in addition to T-Mobile
-Their main shortage is in the Lakeshore, Lakemoor Hills and Sequoyah Hills areas
-They have looked at more than 50 sites before selecting this one
-They have looked at co-locations (existing towers) for this service
-They have to file a “Site Acquisition Report” to the MPC
-They don’t want to make our neighborhood mad at them, so they will work with us on the tower
-She showed some alternate locations they had considered
-They had looked at mounting on Cherokee Country Club, but not high enough
-The audience asked her to look at Sutherland Avenue
-The audience asked her to look at Lakeshore Park
-She explained a “Distributed Antennae System” was just for smaller areas (like tunnels), so would not be strong enough for this purpose
-They are proposing a 190 ft. tower and, although they are permitted to add 10% to the height, they cannot go above 200 ft.
-They would consider a “stealth tower” (monopole or pine tree) if the neighborhood wanted it
-They are willing to try to find a solution with us
-They are proposing a second meeting with us, where they would do a “balloon test” – sending a large balloon up at the tower site to the 190 ft. so the neighbors could visualize the impact
-They have already received FAA approval for the site (meaning no conflict with air traffic)
During the Q&A Phase, the following were discussed:
-They were asked to look at the big water tower as a location
-Comment about how they would be taking a lot of property for the tower
-Comment about there being studies about health problems and brain damage from cell towers
-They were asked to look at UT property at Cherokee Bluff
-They were asked to look at putting a tower on top of the revamped apartment building next to Tyson Jr. High Bldg.
-Stated that light poles next to Alcoa were not high enough
-Stated that there would be a security fence (chain link w/ 3-strand barbed wire around the tower site
-Stated that with approval, construction would start in the Fall
-Stated studies showed that there is no property value decreases with cell tower installs
-Road access will have switchback, come in from Blow Dr.
-Neighbor Laura Ward spoke about how the tower would ruin her property for her (they just moved in)
-Asked if T-Mobile could use a lower height tower. If so, they could guarantee they wouldn’t raise it any more
-Knox County requires bonds to be taken out to guarantee the removal of the tower, if it was no longer in use
-Someone stated “due diligence was not done”
-She asked to have neighbors help by recommending other options
-Co-location – their tower could hold an additional 3 stations
-After the MPC decision, appeals can be made to Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
-She said anyone was welcome to call her with questions, etc anytime at her office (865-934-4000)
-She can provide RF maps at different tower heights
-The MPC meeting would be at the earliest – July
-Two other cell towers by Branch are being requested at Bluegrass and at Rifle Range Ridgecrest
Follow-up discussion after Ms. Miller left:
-John King, an attorney who lives at 3604 Blow Dr. spoke – he is helping, without fee,
-JK recommends finding additional alternative sites
-JK encourages us to continue opposition
-We have an additional interest of protecting historical site Speedwell Manor
-JK recommends getting big numbers of people to the MPC meeting. Each side will have only 5 minutes to present
-Charlie Mulligan stated that there was a “Cell Tower Committee” formed two weeks ago, after the LHHA Board voted to oppose the tower. Sequoyah Hills help was enlisted (Sandy Gillespie/Jim Bletner), subdivision rules reviewed, attorney Wayne Kline (expert on cell towers) consulted, initial consultation and specific questions for Branch provided by Columbia Telecommunications company in MD. Committee members are Dick Graf, Charlie Mulligan, Gene Burr and John Haynes.
-There is another attorney JK knows who will also be fighting this. Also Tom McAdams is involved in fighting
-A reminder that the tower builder is only interested in building towers – not having the carrier co-locate on another existing tower
-Jim Bletner, representative from Sequoyah Hills, stated the tower company can adjust their antennae to change their stated coverage patterns, so getting an expert telecommunications consultant is important
-Jim was asked to give opinion on chance for our success. He said better than theirs, which took two years (and $50,000 legal fees) He said maybe 50-50 chance. That the laws are stacked in the cell tower companies’ favor. He also stated that it is important to react vigorously to changes from outside such as this to show that Lakemoor Hills is a neighborhood that is strong.
-A resident said that, with a cell tower, there is increase likelihood of lightning strikes
Welcoming Committee (Geri Mulligan) — Geri welcomed new members: Patrick Perry (Manor Dr), Seth Leevy (Blow Dr), Laura Ward and Cindy Brooks (Velmetta Circle), Dennie and Laura Rexroad (Manor Drive).
Nominating Report (John Haynes) We have made progress on our slate of candidates for the next fiscal year. They are:
President Open
Vice President Kathy Proctor
Treasurer Tom Ingram
Secretary Barbara Houchin
At Large Director, Second Term Clay Aalders
At Large Director, Second Term Gene Burr
At Large Director, Second Term Sharon Gerkin
At Large Director, Second Term Cindy Klassen
At Large Director, Second Term Charlie Mulligan
At Large Director, Candidate……Jim Kincaid
At Large Director, Candidate……Open
We ask that any person interested in serving or knowing of a person willing to serve as President, please let us know. This is obviously the most important position to fill.
Circle Lake Park (Geri Mulligan) Geri explained that the Garden Club, in anticipation of the Triangle’s Flower Garden being removed by the new Alcoa Highway improvement, wants to adopt Circle Lake Park and Bluff Point Median as new projects. A total of $3,000 is needed to accomplish the improvements. The Garden Club will be funding most, but are asking that the LHHA donate $900 toward the design of the projects. Motion was made, seconded and approved to make the donation. Details of the proposal will be posted in our website.
Beautification Committee (Sharon Gerkin) – Sharon described a new one-time effort to clean up brush and cut logs from neighbors’ properties. Randy Kerns and Jim Gray did a survey of all streets and identified work locations. The work is proposed to be done by the Sheriff’s Work Release Program, with only those individuals serving time for misdemeanors. There would be two units of three workers which would accomplish the work in one day. Each work group would be supervised. A more detailed description of this program will be posted in the Beautification Committee section of the Committees tab in our website.
Neighborhood Picnic (Diane DeRopp) May 23rd Memorial Day Weekend 4 PM Please come and enjoy this weekend: food, crafts, scavenger hunt, adult activities, steel drums, art display, photography, car show, fly fishing, door prizes. Participants should bring dish to pass or dessert. BBQ & chicken main will be provided.
Meeting adjourned Next meeting will be Tuesday, September 22, 7:00.
Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory
Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory – Vol. 8, No. 17 – Tuesday, May 26, 2015
1. West Hills Group Schedules Annual Picnic
2. Elected Leaders to Hold South Knoxville Forum
3. Cumberland Avenue: Free Parking, Free KAT Rides, Free Information
4. Three Properties Added for Sale in Homemaker’s Program
5. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhoods to report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. News & calendar deadline: 5 p.m. Mondays.
1. West Hills Group Schedules Annual Picnic
West Hills Community Association’s annual potluck picnic will be held Monday, June 15, at the Gazebo in West Hills Park.
The picnic will be held in place of the regularly scheduled monthly neighborhood meeting. Residents should plan to arrive at 6:00 p.m. The Knoxville Zoo will have an event for kids beginning at 6:15. Candidates for political office are welcome. Bring a dish to share, and food will be served at 7:00 p.m.
For more, contact Ashley C. Williams at [email protected] or 865-313-0282.
2. Elected Leaders to Hold South Knoxville Forum
Three elected officials in South Knoxville will hold a public forum at Ijams Nature Center at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, to update citizens on issues and projects in South Knoxville.
Citizens are invited to hear about ongoing projects and issues, and to ask questions. The hosts are First District Knoxville City Councilman and Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, Knox County Commissioner Mike Brown, and Knox County School Board Member Amber Rountree.
3. Cumberland Avenue: Free Parking, Free KAT Rides, Free Information
As Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis is fond of saying, Cumberland Avenue is open for business, so don’t let the City of Knoxville’s Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project prevent you from heading to your favorite restaurant or shop on The Strip.
For one thing, free parking is available through an agreement with Fort Sanders Regional Hospital, whose surface lot at 19th Street and White Avenue can be used for free from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, except during football games. The same applies to the parking lot at UT Federal Credit Union, 2100 White Avenue.
Moreover, starting June 1, KAT is offering a Fare-Free Zone along all of Cumberland Avenue. This zone will run from downtown all the way to the western end of Volunteer Blvd., creating an easy trip from downtown to The Strip and back at no charge.
KAT will have bright signage distinguishing its Fare-Free stop locations and will also have information at those stops that will allow users to know when their bus is expected to arrive and depart.
Also, here are several ways to keep up to date on the project so that you can successfully navigate your way to and through the area.
*** App: The CumberlandConnect app is available online as a free download for Android and Apple devices. It was created by Vaughn & Melton, the City’s construction engineering inspections contractor on the project. It includes regular updates, contact information for any questions about the project, and coupons from Cumberland Avenue merchants. (Apps for other devices — Blackberry, Windows and Kindle – will be available at the end of May.)
*** On Line: Vaughn & Melton created a website (www.cumberlandconnect.com), a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cumberlandconnect), and a Twitter account (@VisitCumberland) to keep everyone posted on the project.
*** Blog: Anne Wallace, project manager with the city’s Office of Redevelopment, mains a blog with regular updates at www.cumberlandconnections.blogspot.com.
*** Project Overview
Click to access 040215_PreConstructionMeeting.pdf
*** Detour Map
Click to access 040215_TrafficControlPlanPhase1DetourMap.pdf
*** Traffic Control Plan
Click to access 040215_TrafficControlPlan.pdf
4. Three Properties Added for Sale in Homemaker’s Program
The City of Knoxville has recently listed one house and two vacant lots for sale in the Community Development Department’s Homemaker’s Program.
The house, located at 327 Cansler Street in Mechanicsville, is packaged with an adjacent vacant lot. This is a ranch-style home; 2BR/1BA with 769sf; fireplace; covered front and side porches; built approx. 1946; chain link fencing; and concrete driveway.
The empty lots are located at 3401 Bishop Street and 0 Evans Street in Lonsdale.
Under the Homemaker’s Program, the City offers vacant lots and lots with substandard structures for sale to individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses. These properties have been identified by the City for acquisition to further its mission to remove blight, redevelop neighborhoods and provide affordable housing opportunities. The purchaser will be required, in almost all cases, to construct a new dwelling on vacant parcels or rehabilitate existing structures.
Individuals can make an offer on a property by submitting an application. The sales agreement includes a provision that allows the City to take the property back if the new owner fails to make improvements to the property per guidelines.
See http://www.cityofknoxville.org/development/homemaker/ for a copy of the application, along with other details about the program.
5. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 215-3456.
Visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/calendar/ for a complete list of meetings of various city boards and commissions. See the Community Events Calendar: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/events/events.pdf
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to attend a City of Knoxville public meeting, please contact Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 215-2034 no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend.
Tuesday, May 26 — 2 p.m. (zoning at 5 p.m.)
Knox County Commission
(Fourth Mondays, January-October. Third Mondays, November-December)
www.knoxcounty.org/commission
Agenda: Click on “Information” and then “Commission Agendas”
Public Forum held at beginning & ending of meeting
Tuesday, May 26 — 6 p.m.
Inskip Community Association (Asociación de la Comunidad de Inskip)
Community Meeting (Fourth Tuesdays)
Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Rd.
Betty Jo Mahan, 679-2748, [email protected]
Tuesday, May 26 — 6:30 p.m.
Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association (Last Tuesdays)
Administration Building, Knoxville Zoo
Paul Ruff, 696-6584
Tuesday, May 26 — 7 p.m.
City Council (Every Other Tuesday)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil/agenda.pdf
Wednesday, May 27 — 9 a.m.
Infill Housing Design Review Committee (Fourth Wednesdays)
Re: infill housing in central city neighborhoods with IH-1 overlay
http://www.knoxmpc.org/zoning/infill.htm
Jeff Archer, 215-3821, [email protected]
Wednesday, May 27 — 9 a.m.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Executive Committee
(Fourth Wednesdays, Jan.-Oct., and Third Wednesdays, Nov.-Dec.)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Agenda: http://www.knoxtrans.org/meetings/execagen.htm
Dori Canon, 215-2694, [email protected]
Thursday, May 28 — 9 a.m.
Special Events Community Meeting (Fourth Thursdays, January-October)
“Meet with city services that may assist in planning your event.”
Civic Coliseum Ballroom, Third Floor
Free Parking available at Civic Coliseum Parking Garage
Office of Special Events, 215-4248
Friday, May 29 — 9:30 a.m.
Public Officer Hearing – Neighborhood Codes Enforcement
The PO considers action on violations of city’s building codes.
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/betterbuilding.asp
Cheri Hollifield, 215-2119, [email protected]
Monday, June 1 — 1:00 p.m.
East Knoxville Community Meeting (First Mondays)
Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway
Michael Covington, 865-274-7958, [email protected]
Monday, June 1 — 4 p.m.
Love Towers Fellowship Association (First Mondays except holidays)
Love Towers Community Room; 1171 Armstrong St.
Bill Jackson, 221-4402
Monday, June 1 — 6:30 p.m.
Parkridge Community Organization (First Mondays except holidays)
Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine St.
David Anderson, (803) 259-6289, [email protected]
Monday, June 1 — 6-8 p.m.
Wesley Neighbors Community Association
(First Mondays, even-numbered months)
West Knoxville Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Rd.
John Heins, 297-7045
Monday, June 1 — 7 p.m.
Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association (First Mondays)
Community Club House, 916 Shamrock Ave. at Henegar St.
Bill Hutton, 773-5228, [email protected]
Tuesday, June 2 — 4:30 p.m.
Dandridge Avenue Neighborhood Watch (First Tuesdays)
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
Lawrence Washington, 524-4498
Tuesday, June 2 — 6 p.m.
Mechanicsville Community Association (First Tuesdays)
Fairview Recreation Center, 1628 Dora St.
Charles Wright, 637-1802
Tuesday, June 2 — 6-7 p.m.
Norwood Neighborhood Watch – 6 p.m.
Norwood Homeowners Association – 7 p.m.
Monthly on a Tuesday: Jun 2, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sep 8
New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1705 Merchants Road
Lynn Redmon, 688-3136
Wednesday, June 3 — Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. Meeting – 8 a.m.
East Towne Area Business & Professional Association (First Wednesdays)
Neighborhood Residents and Leaders encouraged to attend
New Harvest Park Community Building
Chair, Justin Sterling, [email protected]
Thursday, June 4 — 6 pm
Cumberland Estates West Neighborhood Watch
(First Thursdays, even-numbered months)
Cumberland Estates Recreation Center, 4529 Silver Hill Drive
Anna Compton, 599-0724, [email protected]
Thursday, June 4 — 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
South Knoxville Open Forum
Get an update on issues and projects in South Knoxville
Hosted by City Councilman Nick Pavlis, County Commissioner Mike Brown and
School Board Member Amber Rountree
Ijams Nature Center. 2915 Island Home Avenue
Monday, June 8 — 1:30 p.m.
Montgomery Village Residents Association (Second Mondays)
4600 Joe Lewis Rd. #175
Ronnie Thompson, 604-6492
Monday, June 8 — 3 p.m.
Northgate Resident Association (Second Mondays)
Social Hall, 4301 Whittle Springs Rd.
David Wildsmith, 219-0417
Monday, June 8 — 5-6 p.m.
Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
Michael Meadowview Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
CAC East Neighborhood Center, 4200 Asheville Hwy.
Michael Meadowview: Marian Bailey, 525-5625
Cold Springs: Terrell Patrick, 525-4833
Monday, June 8
Fountain City Town Hall (Second Mondays)
Board Meetings: 6 p.m. Monthly
General Membership Meetings: 7 p.m., April, September, November
Church of the Good Shepherd, 5337 Jacksboro Pike
Daniel Dunn, 387-6390, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Lyons View Community Club (Second Mondays)
Lyons View Community Center, 114 Sprankle Ave.
Mary Brewster, 454-2390
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Vestal Community Organization (Second Mondays)
South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Old Maryville Pike
Monday, June 8 — 6 p.m.
Downtown Residents Meeting
(Second Monday, First Month of Each Quarter)
Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Central Business Improvement District (CBID)
http://www.downtownknoxville.org/
Michele Hummel, 246-2654, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6:30 p.m.
Community Potluck
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization (Second Mondays)
Central United Methodist Church, 210 Third Ave.
Liz Upchurch, 898-1809, [email protected]
Monday, June 8 — 6:30 p.m.
Historic Old North Knoxville (Second Mondays)
St. James Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway
Andie Ray, 548-5221
Monday, June 8 — 7 p.m.
Belle Morris Community Action Group (Second Mondays)
City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave.
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/Belle_Morris
Rick Wilen, 524-5008
Tuesday, June 9 — 9 a.m.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Technical Committee
(Second Tuesdays)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Agenda: http://www.knoxtrans.org/meetings/techagen.htm
Dori Canon, 215-2694, [email protected]
Tuesday, June 9 — 11:45 a.m.
Agenda Review, Metropolitan Planning Commission
(Tuesday before MPC’s monthly meeting)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Tuesday, June 9 — 2 p.m.
Western Heights Resident Association (Second Tuesdays)
Building to the right of the mail boxes when you enter Western Heights
Jamesena Nolan, 237-5558
Tuesday, June 9 — 4-5 p.m.
City of Knoxville Greenways Commission
(2nd Tuesdays, even-numbered months)
Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/greenways.asp
Lori Goerlich, Parks & Recreation Dept., 215-2807
Tuesday, June 9 — 6 p.m.
Brown Avenue Neighborhood Watch (Second Tuesdays)
Hoitt Ave. Baptist Church, 2121 Hoitt Ave.
Jimmy Ramsey, 637-0243
Tuesday, June 9 — 7 p.m.
City Council (Every Other Tuesday)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil/agenda.pdf
Wednesday, June 10 — 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
City Business Breakfast
Helping local businesses “do business” with the City of Knoxville
More Info: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/Press_Releases/Content/2015/0519.aspp
Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015Business-Breakfast
Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave.
City of Knoxville, Purchasing Department
Wednesday, June 10 — 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Food Policy Council
(Second Wednesdays but check website for confirmation)
Knox County Health Department, 140 Dameron Avenue
http://www.knoxfood.org/; [email protected]
Wednesday, June 10 — 11:30 a.m.
Community Forum (Second Wednesdays)
Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road
Sue Mauer, 690-0269
Wednesday, June 10 — 4:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Advisory Council, City of Knoxville
(Second Wednesdays except December)
CAC / L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Ave.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/neighborhoods
David Massey, 215-3232
Thursday, June 11 — 1:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Planning Commission (Second Thursdays)
http://www.knoxmpc.org
Agenda: http://agenda.knoxmpc.org
Thursday, June 11 — 6 p.m.
Lonsdale Homes Resident Association (Second Thursdays)
Community Building, 1956 Goins Dr.
Phyllis Patrick, 323-7224
Thursday, June 11 — 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Greenwood Heights Neighborhood Watch (Second Thursdays)
Corner of Buttercup Circle and Sundrop Dr.
Alice Wershing, [email protected]
Thursday, June 11 — 7-8 p.m.
Colonial Village Neighborhood Association
(Second Thursdays except December and January)
South Knoxville Church of God, 5623 Magazine Road
Terry Caruthers, 579-5702, [email protected]
Friday, June 12 — 7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m.
North Knoxville Business & Professional Association (Second Fridays)
Breakfast at 7:45 am, Meeting at 8 a.m.
Open to North Knoxville Residents, Neighborhood Groups, Business Owners
Meeting location varies. Check Website for location. http://northknoxvillebpa.org/
Becky Dodson, [email protected], 545-6750.
Friday, June 12 — 6 p.m.
Beaumont Community Organization (Second Fridays)
Community Room, Solid Waste Transfer Station, 1033 Elm St.
Natasha Murphy, 936-0139
Saturday, June 13 — 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lonsdale Multicultural Community Market (Second Saturdays)
Pavilion, Lonsdale Park, 1317 Louisiana Avenue
Latino Task Force and Lonsdale United for Change
Emma Cosigua, 201-207-8801, or Rosie Noriega, 865-405-0931
Sunday, June 14 — 2 p.m.
Historic Sutherland Heights Neighborhood Association
(Second Sundays, even-numbered months)
Marble City Baptist Church, 2740 Sutherland Avenue
John Yates, 865-588-8883, [email protected]
Monday, June 15 — 6 p.m.
Annual Potluck Picnic
West Hills Community Association
The Gazebo, West Hills Park, 7624 Sheffield Dr.
Ashley Williams, 313-0282, [email protected]
Monday, June 15 — 7 p.m.
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization
Board Meeting (Third Mondays except January)
“Birdhouse”/Fourth & Gill Center, 800 North Fourth Avenue
Liz Upchurch, 898-1809, [email protected]
Tuesday, June 16 — 6:30 p.m.
Lonsdale United for Change (Third Tuesdays)
Lonsdale Recreation Center, Stonewall Ave.
Steve Ritter, 973-0877
Tuesday, June 16 — 7 p.m.
Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association (Third Tuesdays, except December)
Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail
http://edgewoodpark.us/
Wednesday, June 17 — 12 Noon
Eastport/Lee Williams Neighborhood Watch (Third Wednesdays)
Lee Williams Senior Center, 2240 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Sylvia Cook, 206-3433, [email protected]
Wednesday, June 17 — 6:30 p.m.
Lindbergh Forest Neighborhood Association (Third Wednesdays)
Graystone Presbyterian Church, 139 Woodlawn Pike
Kelley DeLuca, 660-4728, [email protected]
Thursday, June 18 — Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. Meeting – 8 a.m.
East Knoxville Business & Professional Association (Third Thursdays)
Open to Neighborhood Residents and Leaders
Meeting location varies
Doug Minter, [email protected], Knoxville Chamber, 637-4550
http://www.eastknox.org/
Thursday, June 18 — 8:30 a.m.
Historic Zoning Commission (Third Thursdays)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/historic.asp
Kaye Graybeal, 215-3795, [email protected]
Thursday, June 18 — 12 p.m.
KUB Board of Commissioners (Third Thursdays, except July)
Historic Miller’s Building, 445 S. Gay St.
See www.kub.org. Click on “About Us” at top of the page.
Thursday, June 18 — 4 p.m.
City Board of Zoning Appeals (Third Thursdays)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Pre-Agenda Meeting: 3 p.m. in Room 511
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/zoning.asp
Thursday, June 18 — 7 p.m.
Old Sevier Community Group
(Third Thursdays, January-November)
South Knoxville Elementary School Library, 801 Sevier Avenue
Gary Deitsch, 573-7355, [email protected]
Saturday, June 20 — 10 a.m.
South Haven Neighborhood Association (Third Saturdays)
Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1615 Price Ave.
Pat Harmon, 591-3958
Saturday, June 27 — 9 a.m. until last person is heard
“Coffee with the Councilman”
(Usually the Last Saturday of Each Quarter)
Vice Mayor and First District City Council Member Nick Pavlis
Bring your concerns or stop by to chat; open to all city residents.
Roundup Restaurant, 3643 Sevierville Pike
Nick Pavlis, 454-7216
New Business in Bearden
This came in over the Administrative mail onto our website. I thought it was worth a posting.
From: Greg Wilson Subject: New garden center in Bearden Message Body: Hi. My name is Greg Wilson. Just wanted to inform your neighborhood and garden club that I opened a new garden center in Bearden at 5805 Walden Drive on March 21 of this year. We sell a variety of indoor plants, pottery, vintage items and garden decor. We also sell shrubs, trees, perennials and herbs. If there is something particular you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask. You can also check out our Facebook or wilsonfinegardens.com. Thank you. — This e-mail was sent from the public contact form on Lakemoor Hills (http://lakemoor.org)
Picnic
Thanks, Dick, for your complimentary comments about our picnic yesterday. On behalf of the Lakemoor Hills Homeowner Association’s social committee, we want to thank all of you who helped make our annual neighborhood picnic such a great event!!! A great big thank you goes to Alex Shivers who did such a great job smoking the pork (he put in a 9 hr day total!) and Pat for bringing Debbie for pony rides.The Bounce House was a big hit and we have Forrest Orr of Dean Smith Realtors to thank for sponsoring it. Jim de Ropp did a super job with many tasks, including signs and tents, Suzan Bowman and Carolyn Adkins did so much as “co-chairmen”, as did Mike Parker with the car show, Kenneth Pace and Sandra with our art/craft display, and Geri Mulligan with the plant swap. More big “thank you’s” go to Ryan and Miranda Welch for setting up volleyball, Cheri Perry and Hattie for the fun children’s craft activities, Randy and Leslie Kerns for the wonderful steel drums, Clay Aalder for his fly casting demo, and Marta Vandergrif and Rosemary Burr for manning the welcome table. A huge thank you goes to the following whose help was invaluable: Dick and Ann Graf, Jim and Barbara Kincaid, Charlie Mulligan, John Haynes, Gene Burr, Lynn Kleinfelter, Gail Erwin, John Witherspoon, Connie Holmes, Bill Crown, Bill Terry and Chris Reagan. And last but not least, a huge thanks goes to all of you who brought the delicious covered dishes and desserts, and most of all a sincere note of appreciation for all who supported this opportunity to come together and enjoy great food, fellowship and fun! Diane de Ropp
LHHA Picnic Success
THANK YOU LHHA PICNIC COMMITTEE, ESPECIALLY TO JIM AND DIANE DEROPP AND YOUR WHOLE GROUP OF WORKERS, IT WAS A WONDERFUL DAY FOR ALL OF US HERE IN LAKEMOOR HILLS. The atmosphere , The delicious BBQ prepared by the The Shivers, the delicious food, the music ,the jump house provided by Forrest Orr, games, “special events for children, the arrival of the pony for rides for the kids, antique cars display, plant swap and especially for all our talented neighbors that shared their art, The conversation , the opportunity to see many that came “back” to visit and enjoy old times, the newer families, the children. It was a special day and everyone left with a feeling of community and a chance to meet, eat and just have a wonderful summer picnic .What a great day to be a neighbor in Lakemoor Hills. Thank You for all your hard work you’ re efforts were enjoyed by everyone. Dick G.
Cell Tower
Dear Neighbors-
Hopefully, most everyone in the neighborhood is aware of the cell tower issue, even though not all interested could come to our Tuesday meeting. A cell tower company wants to install a 190 foot cell tower on property leased from 3509 Blow Drive. Their first and only antenna company renting space is T Mobile.
As mentioned at the meeting, there is a small working group – Dick Graf, Charlie Mulligan, Gene Burr and John Haynes – who have begun to develop the best defensive plan possible. The plan to fight against the cell tower in our neighborhood was a firm decision made by our LHHA Board.
Jim Gray’s Post – Cell Tower
On Tuesday evening the LHHA heard from Baker Towers, LLC, the company which is planning to build a cell phone tower in our neighborhood. Mary Miller, a lawyer, made a presentation for Branch. Although allotted 15 minutes, the presentation went on for twice that. It was a classic “dog & pony show”, an exercise in deception, dodging, and what magicians call ‘misdirection’. Ms. Miller started out telling us about the growth of cell phone use world-wide and the increasing use of smart phones, iPads, and other wireless devices. She mentioned figures in the billions while ignoring the fact that we were concerned with the 400 families who live here in Lakemoor Hills. Then she proceeded to give reasons why a new tower was needed. First, she claimed “our customers” are complaining about service. Wrong! Her customer is Branch, LLC, the tower company; their customer is T-Mobil – and any other company to whom they might lease tower services. I’m sure there are cell phone users who have poor service, but I doubt that there are many T-Mobil customers in Lakemoor Hills.