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Neighborhood Revitalization
Strong, safe, and pleasant neighborhoods don't just happen. Neighborhood associations and other community groups play an integral role. They use Neighborhood Watch and Traffic Calming Plans to discourage crime and speeding vehicles on neighborhood streets. They use historic or infill overlays to protect the character of older neighborhoods. They keep an eye out for building code violations, especially by absentee owners or landlords.
I have spent the past year and a half visiting neighborhood groups from Fountain City to Fourth & Gill, and it is evident to me that all neighborhoods are concerned about the same problems, and are at different places along the path to solutions. As commissioner, I would like to form a Second District Neighborhood Council, made up of neighborhood leaders. This would be a place where these leaders could support each other, learn from each other, and communicate with their elected officials with one strong voice.
Where developers see infill housing, I see a mix of infill, parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. While we need to increase our tax base and contain sprawl, we also should understand the need for open green areas and safe places for our kids to run and play. As Commissioner, I will encourage neighborhoods to explore the use of historic and infill overlays, and the development of community areas that contribute to a good quality of life.
Neglected and abandoned properties need to be renovated and restored if possible. As someone who has worked on these types of projects, I can tell you it is not a quick or easy process - but it is well worth the effort. The return is a more attractive, safer community, higher property values for homeowners, and additional tax revenue for the city and county. As commissioner, I will support incentives for renovation and restoration projects, and will look for ways to support community partnerships that further the revitalization of our neighborhoods.
We must do something to stop the slow decay of our old historic school buildings. (link) Brownlow School has been a problem for Fourth & Gill and Old North Knoxville for years. Oakwood School is moldering away in Oakwood-Lincoln Park. It is irresponsible for our County Commission to sit by and let this happen. These are beautiful historic structures, and if we don't act quickly they will be lost to us. As commissioner, I will encourage a partnership between neighborhood organizations, business leaders and government to find a solution that will save these structures, enhance our communities, and provide opportunities for investment and return.
I have been excited and encouraged by the redevelopment I have seen in the Second District, and I am proud of the role my business has had in restoring many of our historic structures. I am also pleased to be part of a committee that is working towards the implementation of the I-275 Corridor Redevelopment Project. This project will give us a big push towards realizing the potential that we have glimpsed for North Knoxville.
As commissioner, I will also push for implementation of the Broadway-Central-Emory Place Small Area Plan, (link) and expansion of the Facade Improvement Program for Early Commercial Districts, (link) both of which will have a positive impact on the Second District.
Often the spending and zoning choices of our County Commissioners actually encourage the urban sprawl that drains resources from Knoxville's urban core, extends commutes, and adds to motor vehicle pollution of our air. As commissioner, I will work hard to ensure that your tax dollars are spent in a responsible and equitable manner on projects that enhance all of Knox County.
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PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF AMY BROYLES
Patrick Christian, Treasurer, 316 East Scott Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 |
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