August 29th Update

KCDC Public Hearing on Cumberland Avenue Redevelopment Plan

What: A public hearing on a Cumberland Avenue redevelopment area plan

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4

Where: UT Federal Credit Union, 2100 White Ave.

Who: Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. (KCDC), acting on behalf of the City of Knoxville and City Council, is seeking public input on a proposal to establish a redevelopment area around Cumberland Avenue as a step toward financing public infrastructure.

City officials are exploring with KCDC the option of creating a redevelopment area – generally bounded by White Avenue, 17th Street, Lake Avenue and West Volunteer Boulevard – that would benefit from the new tax increment generated by projects in the area.

In this plan, revenue would not go toward private project financing; rather, as the area redevelops and property taxes rise, the increase in revenue would go toward infrastructure improvements in the area.

One need that’s been identified by both planners and City officials: public parking.

Currently, about 25 percent of the redevelopment area is used for parking. But, according to a draft of a proposal for the redevelopment area, parking around Cumberland Avenue “will need to evolve beyond single-purpose reserved parking that is uncoordinated and fragmented.” City officials have said a public garage is needed to support commercial and residential growth along the Cumberland Avenue Corridor.

Here’s a draft of the proposal: http://www.kcdc.org/Libraries/Redevelopment_Plans/Draft_Cumberland_Avenue_Redevelopment_Plan.sflb.ashx

Anyone needing a disability accommodation in order to attend the meeting should contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook in advance of the meeting at 865-215-2034, or email her at scook@cityofknoxville.org.

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Meeting

Date: Wednesday, September 3

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: Goal Post Tavern, 1824 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.

Parking: Available parking is located at Graphic Creations, 1809 Lake Avenue.

Community Events

August 30, 2014
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
11th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.   www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org

Boomsday
Neyland Drive
4pm-10pm
Annual fireworks festival with food vendors and activities. Fireworks are at 9:00pm

August 31, 2014
University of Tennessee vs. Utah State
7:00 pm at Neyland Stadium

As always, thanks for your interest in everything to do with Cumberland Avenue. Have a safe, fun-filled weekend and Go Vols!