June 5th Update - Traffic Changes start June 9

City of Knoxville - Media Advisory

CUMBERLAND AVENUE LANES TO CLOSE

AS NEXT STEP IN RECONSTRUCTION STARTS JUNE 9

For six weeks beginning Tuesday, June 9, all eastbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue between University Commons and West Volunteer Boulevard will be closed – the next step in a $17 million reconstruction.

During this period, one westbound lane of traffic will remain open (except for one complete weekend closure to rebuild the railroad crossing). There will be no westbound left turns onto Cumberland from West Volunteer Boulevard.

Crews will be installing a new 42-inch storm sewer pipe approximately 12 feet below the roadway, which will trigger the lane closures.

The Phase I reconstruction of the section of Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway to West Volunteer Boulevard will continue through late fall 2015, though two-way traffic will resume before the University of Tennessee resumes classes in August. (Throughout most of Phase I, contractors are keeping one lane open in each direction.)

Throughout the project, road closures and construction updates will be available on CumberlandConnect.com, along with the Cumberland Connection blog (cumberlandconnections.blogspot.com) and a Facebook page at facebook.com/CumberlandConnect.

“We know with this next phase closing two-way traffic, through mid-summer, it will take a little additional time for eastbound motorists to navigate the Cumberland Avenue Corridor,” said Anne Wallace, Project Manager for the City of Knoxville’s Office of Redevelopment.

Motorists wishing to access Cumberland Avenue from the south can do so by taking Neyland Drive to Joe Johnson Drive to Volunteer Boulevard. Those wishing to reach Cumberland Avenue from the north or coming off Interstate 40/75 can do so by taking 17^th Street onto Cumberland or Fort Sanders side streets.

Meanwhile, motorists who aren’t shopping or dining or trying to reach a Cumberland Avenue business can avoid the construction zone altogether by taking either Neyland Drive or 17^th Street to or from I-40/75.

“Merchants remain accessible, so we encourage shoppers and diners to please continue to patronize them,” Wallace said. “In fact, the Free Fare KAT bus is a great way to visit. Routes 10, 11 and 17 are all free from Gay Street to Cumberland.

“Once this reconstruction is completed, the result will be a Cumberland Avenue Corridor that looks better and works better for everybody.”

Free public parking on weekends and after 6 p.m. weekdays is available in the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center lot at 19^th Street and White Avenue and in the UT Federal Credit Union lot at 22^nd Street and White Avenue.

Once Phase I work is completed, full traffic access will be restored from 22^nd Street west.

Phase II work, moving eastward from 22^nd Street to 17^th Street, is scheduled to begin by Dec. 1, 2015. The full project is scheduled for completion by Aug. 31, 2017.

March 26th Update

City of Knoxville - Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Update and Press Release 

CUMBERLAND AVENUE CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
TOPIC OF APRIL 2 PUBLIC MEETING

           

With construction of the City of Knoxville's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project getting underway, utility-related construction will begin on April 6. A public meeting next week will provide an overview of the entire Cumberland Avenue Corridor construction schedule during the next two years.

The public meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at the University of Tennessee Visitors Center, 2712 Neyland Drive. City staff will be there, along with representatives from the contractors, KUB and engineering consultants Vaughn & Melton, to discuss the construction timeline and traffic control plans.

The Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project is a City of Knoxville initiative to redesign Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway east to 17^th street, changing the existing four-lane street to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections. Sidewalks will be widened and landscaped to create a more attractive, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

Throughout the project, road closures and construction updates will be available on a new website, CumberlandConnect.com, along with the Cumberland Connection blog (cumberlandconnections.blogspot.com/) and a Facebook page at facebook.com/CumberlandConnect.

Construction will proceed in two phases, with Phase I to be completed by the end of 2015 and Phase II scheduled for completion in August 2017. See the detailed timeline for Phase I below.

One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained during construction, with the exception of a single weekend closure at the railroad crossing and a six-week period when eastbound traffic will be blocked between University Commons and West Volunteer Boulevard. Turns onto side streets will be blocked on a rolling basis, and mid-block left turns will not be possible on blocks under construction. To avoid delays, drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes.

“We know this construction will be disruptive to traffic and local businesses and residents,” said Anne Wallace, Project Manager for the City of Knoxville’s Office of Redevelopment. “We promise to work diligently throughout the process to provide updated information, answer questions and mitigate the effects as much as possible. The result will be a Cumberland Avenue Corridor that looks better and works better for everybody.”

Signed detours will direct through traffic around the corridor during construction. Specific detours for local traffic will change as construction moves from west to east, but in general:

n  For access to the UT campus and other areas south of Cumberland Avenue, the best route will be to take Neyland Drive to Joe Johnson Drive and proceed east from there;

n  For access to the Fort Sanders neighborhood, including Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the best route will be Alcoa Highway north to I-40 and the 17^th Street exit.

PHASE I CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

n  April 6 - June 6, 2015: KUB utility work in westbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue and portions of side streets between West Volunteer Boulevard and 22^nd Street. Lane closures will run from West Volunteer Boulevard to 21^st Street to allow for a one-block tapering of traffic. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, shifted into the existing eastbound lanes.

June 8, 2015: Construction begins on section of Cumberland Avenue from Alcoa Highway to West Volunteer Boulevard. This includes the installation of a new 42-inch storm sewer pipe, which will require a six-week closure of eastbound lanes from University Commons to West Volunteer Boulevard. That closure will begin no earlier than June 8, with work completed no later than July 31. KUB will be moving to this location for utility upgrades while the City has this area closed. Utility work will continue heading eastward to 17^th Street, with street, sidewalk and median construction following behind it for the remainder of the project.

During this period, one westbound lane of traffic will be maintained (except for one complete weekend closure to rebuild the railroad crossing), but there will be no left turns onto Cumberland from West Volunteer Boulevard.

n  August-December 2015: Street and sidewalk construction continue between Alcoa Highway and 22^nd Street, starting with the westbound lanes and then shifting to the eastbound lanes. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, but the lanes will shift as needed to accommodate construction.

Once Phase I work is complete, full traffic access will be restored from 22^nd Street west. Phase II work, moving eastward from 22^nd Street to 17^th Street, is scheduled to begin by Dec. 1, 2015. The full project is scheduled for completion by Aug. 31, 2017.

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - REGULAR MEETING

Date: Wednesday, April 1

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

Location: Copper Cellar, 1807 Cumberland Avenue*

*Please note this is a new location for the meeting!

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 Copper Cellar. 

Traffic Control Permit Request (The Standard at White Ave and 17th Streets)
When: Monday, March 30 through Friday, May 1 from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
What: Closure of northbound lanes on 18th Street for crane construction. 

February 27th Update

City of Knoxville Update

The city of Knoxville has re-submitted a request for bids for the Cumberland Avenue corridor project. The announcement was published in the Knoxville News Sentinel on Sunday, February 15 and the Enlightener on Wednesday, February 18. The bids are due into the city's Purchasing Office by 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 17th. 

For more information, check out this News Sentinel article, here. 

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - REGULAR MEETING

Date: Wednesday, March 4
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. 

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) - SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

What: A discussion of the traffic control plans and commercial delivery plans during construction of Phase I and Phase II of the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Plan. 

Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: UT Federal Credit Union, 2100 White Ave. (Training Room)

Parking: Since this meeting will be during the Credit Union’s regular business hours, we kindly ask that you plan to utilize public parking or walk over from your business. 

Parking is available at the ETCH Central Parking garage located at 2100 Clinch Avenue and UTFCU is located across the street from the garage at 2100 White Avenue. Central Parking System, 2100 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 , (865) 525-8438. General Parking Information HOURLY RATES 1st Hour: < $5.00.

There is also some on street parking on White Avenue, but it is first come first serve. 

For questions about the meeting, please contact Anne Wallace at awallace@cityofknoxville.org 

December 16th Update

City of Knoxville Cumberland Avenue Corridor Update

Cumberland Avenue Construction to be Rebid; City Remains '100 Percent Committed' to Corridor Project

City of Knoxville officials will be rebidding the contract for construction of the comprehensive Cumberland Avenue street redesign project, which will push the start of construction back from early 2015 to summer 2015.

Only one company had submitted a bid to perform the work, and that bid came in higher than budgeted. City consultants had estimated the construction work at about $11 million, and the sole bid was for more than $25 million. So the project will go out for rebid early next year after several elements of the bid package have been reworked.

City officials remain committed to doing the major traffic-flow redesign and utility upgrade along Cumberland Avenue, even though it appears that the project will wind up being costlier than first anticipated. Additional funding sources will be identified during the rebid process as well.

"The Cumberland Avenue Corridor project is a very complicated urban road project, and we knew it would present a number of challenges," said Bob Whetsel, the City's Director of Redevelopment.

"But we are 100 percent committed to this project, which has already helped spur more than $200 million in investment by private redevelopers. We've pledged to partner with residents and merchants in the Corridor by doing our part and modernizing the infrastructure, and we intend to follow through with what's really a once-in-a-century major overhaul."

The Cumberland Avenue project still will be done in two phases.

Phase I of the Cumberland Avenue project will ease traffic clogs on the western end of the corridor, the stretch of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd Street and Alcoa Highway.

Phase I improvements - especially the smoother-flowing intersections at Volunteer Boulevard and at Alcoa Highway - will give motorists more options for avoiding the Phase II construction work, said Project Manager Anne Wallace with the City's Office of Redevelopment.

Phase II calls for a redesign of Cumberland Avenue from 22nd Street to 16th Street. Both phases of work include new underground utilities, new signals, new sidewalks, the addition of turn lanes and new medians, plus landscaping, benches and pedestrian-scaled lighting.

Work will include putting in new underground stormwater, water, sewer and gas lines to replace antiquated lines and to support new commercial and residential developments in the area. The project also will add and widen sidewalks, resurface the road and purchase new, higher-performing traffic signals.

"We realize there will be inconveniences, and business owners will want the upgrades to be done as quickly as possible," Whetsel said. "We want the same thing. But the fact is, much of the utility infrastructure in this area predates World War II. Just last month, a stormwater pipe beneath Cumberland collapsed. It is time for these critical improvements to be made.

"At the same time, we recognize the need to increase utility capacity to support the hundreds of new apartment units and retail outlets that are infusing new energy into the Cumberland Avenue Corridor.

"We'll be creative and responsive in working with the University of Tennessee, merchants and stakeholders once work gets under way."

March 11th Update - Notice to Proceed to Construction for Phase I

Cumberland Avenue Phase I - Out for Bid
The city of Knoxville issued the following press release on March 6th, also available here.
 
Work could start as early as June 1 on Phase I of the Cumberland Avenue Corridor street redesign – an estimated $4 million six-month construction project that aims to ease traffic clogs on the western end of the corridor.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has given the City the Notice to Proceed to Construction on Phase I, the stretch of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd Street and Alcoa Highway. The City will advertise to begin seeking bids starting this weekend.

Work will include putting in new underground stormwater and gas lines to support new commercial and residential developments in the area. (Some of the utility infrastructure predates World War II.) The project also will add and widen sidewalks, resurface the road and purchase new, higher-performing traffic signals.

“But the really big key will be the improvements at Alcoa Highway,” said Project Manager Anne Wallace with the City’s Office of Redevelopment.

Currently, motorists trying to access northbound Alcoa Highway from Cumberland Avenue are frequently getting snarled in backups.

One problem is that there’s currently no dedicated turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway, just a lane that’s shared by exiting vehicles and through traffic. Another problem is an antiquated signal at Metron Way and Cumberland that doesn’t function well and doesn’t always allow vehicles turning west from Volunteer Boulevard onto Cumberland to clear the nearby intersection.

Another reason for traffic hassles on this stretch of road: It carries approximately 35,000 vehicles a day, the highest traffic volume along the Cumberland Avenue Corridor.

Among the planned traffic-flow fixes: Phase I will modernize the traffic signalization plus add a specified turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway.

Almost as soon as the Phase I work is completed, the larger Phase II project is anticipated to get under way. But the Phase I improvements – especially the smoother-flowing intersections at Volunteer and at Alcoa Highway - will give motorists more options for avoiding the Phase II construction work, Wallace said.

Phase II calls for a $13 million redesign of Cumberland Avenue from 22nd Street to 16th Street. The work includes new underground utilities, new signals, new sidewalks, the addition of turn lanes and new medians, plus landscaping, benches and pedestrian-scaled lighting.

City officials say the total $17 million investment in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor so far has already leveraged more than $100 million in investment from private developers.

“I’m very excited to get Phase I under construction and see the project come to fruition,” Wallace said.

"Phase I is intended to help improve traffic flow in one of the most congested areas along the corridor. This work sets the stage nicely for Phase II by improving some alternative routes for getting around the second round of construction."

For more coverage, visit:
Knox News Sentinel
WATE
WBIR
 
Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Update
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association was held on March 5th, at 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern. The meeting was attended by representatives of Goal Post Tavern, Graphic Creations, University Liquors, Walgreens, Gyrene Burger, Regions Bank, UTFCU, UTPD and City staff. City staff provided an update on the Streetscape project, sharing the notice to proceed, provided updates on private development projects on the corridor, and parking within the district. The merchants provided updates regarding business during the past month.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 2 at 3:00 pm in the Goal Poast Tavern; please feel free to attend.

Community Events
 

March 13, 2014

Knoxville Ice Bears vs Fayetteville FireAntz
Civic Coliseum
7pm
Purchase tickets by calling (865) 656-4444

March 15, 2014

Be Great Run 8K
Tyson Park
9am-12pm
8K run & 2 mile walk

March 15, 2014

Rockabye Butterfly Bash
Volunteer Landing
8:00am
Rockabye Butterfly is an organization raising funds and awareness for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. This event will donate 100% proceeds to ETCH

February 15th Update

AT&T Construction - 2/19- 2/21
Due to unforseen events, the replacement of the duct line for AT&T was delayed. This work is in preparation for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape project, and AT&T will place approximately 350 feet of new conduit within Cumberland Avenue in order to replace an outdated line. The scope of work is from 22nd Street to Metron Center Way and will impact one lane of traffic. The work is now anticipated to start Tuesday, February 19th; hours of construction will be from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am in order to reduce the impact to traffic. The construction should last 2-3 days and therefore be completed by the end of next week.

Please drive carefully around the work zone.

Cumberland Avenue Design Review (C-7) Board Meeting/BZA request Update

The C-7 Board meeting was held on January 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern, 1824 Cumberland Avenue. The meeting hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) was held to review a proposed development for 2010 Cumberland Avenue (corner of Mountcastle and Cumberland). The meeting was open to the public.

The proposed mixed use development project with 2 floors of parking, 1 floor of retail and a proposed 9 floors of residential was well received by the C-7 Board. The Board voted to recommend 6 variances to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and approved the project with the following conditions: 1) subject to BZA approval, 2) approval of alternate elevation plans, and 3) approval of future sign plans.

The next step in this proposal is for the applicant to present plans to the BZA on January 17th at 4:00 in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The BZA meeting for January 17th was cancelled due to inclement weather. Therfore, the agenda items including review of the 2010 Cumberland Avenue variance requests will be heard on Thursday, February 21 at 4:00 in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building. The meeting is open to the public.

Additionally, the C-7 Board met on February 6th at is regularly scheduled time of 9:00 am at the Panera Bread Cumberland location to review two applications: 1) Sign permit request from Krystal Corporation and 2) Architectural drawings for 2010 Cumberland Avenue. For more informaiton regarding these items, please contact Mike Brusseau (Knox MPC) at 865.215.2500.

CAMA Update


The monthly meeting of the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association was held on February 6th, at approximately 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern. The meeting was attended by representatives of Walgreens, University Liquors, UTPD, KPD, City of Knoxville, Goal Post Tavern, Regions Bank, and Councilman Saunders. The city staff provided an update on the Streetscape project, the proposed Form Based Code, the proposed project at 2010 Cumberland Avenue, the University Commons project, and parking within the district. The merchants provided updates regarding business during the past month.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 6th at 3:00 pm in the Goal Poast Tavern.

Weekend Events

February 16, 2013


Ice Bears vs Fayetteville Fireantz
Civic Coliseum
7:30p.m.
Pink in the Rink Night with the Ice Bears. Stick around after the game for a Jersey Auction!
The Ice Bears are teaming up with the Lady Vols in the fight against breast cancer. Bring your ticket stub to the box office for the March 17 Live Pink, Bleed Orange game and receive a $2 discount on your Ice Bears ticket.

As always, thanks for your interest in Cumberland Avenue and surrounding areas. Have a safe and fun-filled weekend.

February 1st Update

AT&T Construction

In preparation for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape project, AT&T has requested a permit from City Engineering to place approximately 350 feet of new conduit within Cumberland Avenue in order to replace an outdated line. The scope of work is from 22nd Street to Metron Center Way and will impact one lane of traffic. The work is anticipated to start Monday, February 11; hours of construction will be from 9 am to 3 pm.

Cumberland Avenue Design Review (C-7) Board Meeting

Date: February 6, 2013
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Panera Bread, 2000 Cumberland Avenue

What: The C-7 Cumberland Avenue Design Review Board will meet to review elevation plans for a proposed project at the corner of Mount Castle and Cumberland Avenue (2010 Cumberland Ave.). This meeting is open to the public. For more information about this meeting contact Mike Brusseau with the Knoxvillle/Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission at 865.215.2500.

Parking: Limited parking is available at Panera Bread, additional parking is available on Mountcastle St. or Lake Ave.


Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Meeting Reminder

Date: February 6, 2013
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.

Weekend Events

February 1
First Friday

First Friday Knoxville is located in and around downtown Knoxville. Browse open stores, art galleries, exhibits, take in shows, and dine while exploring all that downtown has to offer. Events around town begin at 6pm and go into the late evening hours. http://knoxvillefirstfriday.com/

February 2
Ice Bears vs Huntsville Havoc
Civic Coliseum
7:30 p.m.
Star Wars Night/Scout Night. For discounted Scout tickets, please contact the front office at 865-525-7825! Scouts will also have a sleepover on the ice! Please contact the front office to reserve your spots.

October 24th Update

KUB Update
KUB Community Relations (Contact: 865-594-7988)
Traffic Advisory – Lane Closure for Utility Work

Cumberland Avenue Lane Closure [October 25] – KUB will close the westbound curbside lane on a short section of Cumberland Avenue between Eleventh Street and Thirteenth Street from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, as work is completed on the natural gas distribution system in this area. One westbound lane, center turn lane, and both eastbound lanes will remain open on this section of Kingston Cumberland Avenue while work is completed.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in these areas.

Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Update
The city of Knoxville hosted a Right of Way (ROW) public meeting on September 25th at the University of Tennessee's Visitors' Center. The meeting was attended by approximately 100 members of the community including representatives of local businesses, the hospitals, the university, the city, and others; thank you to all who attended the meeting! The presentation that was given at the meeting along with updated images from our consultants are available in the Links section of this page or by visiting the city's webpage: www.cityofknoxville.org/cumberland.  

For local media coverage of the meeting, please visit the following:
KNS
WBIR
WATE  

If you have any questions or comments about this information please feel free to contact me at awallace@cityofknoxville.org.

CAMA Update 
The Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association held its monthly meeting on October 3rd at 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern. Representatives were on hand from the City of Knoxville, Copper Cellar, Goal Post Tavern, Regions, Walgreens, and Redeeming Hope Ministries. The merchants discussed issues pertaining to panhandling and loitering along the corridor and talked about educating the student population about the "No panhandling ordinance". The City of Knoxville presented an update on the Streetscape project and the Form Code. The businesses provided updates and noted a good fall so far. 

The next CAMA meeting is scheduled for November 7th at 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern.  

Weekend Events October 27, 2012
Happy Hollerpalooza Street Fair
Central Street between Baxter & Scott St.
10am-6pm
Local businesses gather in a closed section of North Central St. to offer services to the local community. For more information call (865)524-3803.

Race for the Cure
World’s Fair Park
8:30am
The Race for the Cure is a 5K & 1 mile run/walk to benefit Komen Knoxville - a breast cancer organization. For more information visit http://www.komenknoxville.org/.

October 28, 2012

Pilot Cross Knox 10 Mile run 4 Mile walk
Knoxville Greenways
8:30am
Point to point race showcasing Knoxville's Greenways. The event also includes a 4 mile walk that is not timed. For more information visit: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/crossknox.asp.

As always, thanks for your interest in Cumberland Avenue; have a safe and wonderful week.

Public Meeting Reminder

Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project Public Meeting for Right Of Way

Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: UT's Visitors' Center (former Faculty Club)

Address: 2704 Kingston Pike (corner of Kingston Pike and Neyland Drive)

This meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. City of Knoxville Staff and Project Consultants will give a brief presentation updating the public on the design of the Streetscape project and then be available for questions and to accept comments.

If you have any questions, please contact feel free to contact me at awallace@cityofknoxville.org. I hope to see you next week on the 25th!

September 7th Update - ROW Public Meeting

PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD ON CUMBERLAND PROJECT RIGHT-OF-WAY



The City of Knoxville and consultants for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Project will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25th, at the University Visitors’ Center (former Faculty Club) at 2704 Kingston Pike.

The purpose is to discuss the Right-of-way Plans and the City of Knoxville’s property acquisition process as well as address any questions regarding the project. Property owners and others with interest in the project are encouraged to attend the public meeting, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 11th.

The City is acquiring property interest necessary to improve Cumberland Avenue. In order to complete this project, the City proposes to acquire some interest in the property for Temporary Construction Easement and/or Utility Easement. Currently in the right-of-way phase, this project aims to:

 Narrow Cumberland Avenue from four lanes to three lanes with a ribbon median (one eastbound lane, one westbound lane and a left turn lane at side street intersections)

 Increase the sidewalk area on each side of Cumberland Avenue; and

 Modify vehicular access to businesses in this location.

The project begins on the west at Third Creek and continues eastward to east of Seventeenth Street. There will be brief presentation and an opportunity for questions and comments.

If you have any questions or would like additional informaiton, please contact Anne Wallace at awallace@cityofknoxville.org. Hope to see everyone at the public meeting.

Weekend Events

September 7-16, 2012

Tennessee Valley Fair
Jacob Building Chilhowee Park
Visit http://www.tnvalleyfair.org/ for more information

September 8, 2012
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square; Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
9th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods and crafts.
www.knoxvillemarketsquare.com

Volunteer Football
Georgia State at Tennessee
Neyland Stadium
Kick off time 4:00pm

September 9, 2012
9-11 Remembrance Ceremony & Ride
World’s Fair Park
2:00pm
9th annual 9-11 Memorial and Ceremony

Thanks for your interest in the Cumberland Avenue Corridor. Have a great and safe weekend. Go Vols!

January 27th Update

Greetings and Happy 2012!

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Meeting Reminder

Date: February 1, 2011
Time: 3:00 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. For more information please visit http://www.cumberlandknoxville.com/.

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

New Information for February: Elizabeth Davis from the TN Alumnus magazine will be in attendance at the meeting to explain how Merchants can advertise to the alumni and contributors. Also Kevin Pack from Metro Pulse will be attending this meeting to talk about their restaurant guide. This is shaping up to be a great opportunity to learn more about marketing businesses on Cumberland Avenue! Come out and bring a friend or co-worker!

Cumberland Avenue Streetscapes Update

The city is continuing to work on the right of way (ROW) process in the TDOT contract for the streetcape project. On Tuesday, January 24, after a competitive bid process, City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Tennessee Valley Title Insurance Company for title examination, review, evaluation and closing services. This is the foundational work that needs to be done in order to send notifications to the appropriate owners and lease holders regarding the proposed project and the need for temporary construction easements and in some cases utility easements. For more information about this contract, see the article in the Knoxville News Sentinel, by Gerald Witt, here.

Additional steps in the ROW process will be forthcoming this spring. We will keep you posted through the blog, the merchants meetings, and other venues. As always, thanks for your interest in all things related to Cumberland Avenue and if you have any questions feel free to drop me a line at awallace@cityofknoxville.org.

December 9th Update

KUB Update

From: KUB Community Relations (Contact No. 594-7988)

Re: Traffic Advisory – Alternating lane closures for utility construction (weather permitting)

Dale Avenue Alternating Lane Closures [December 12, 2011 - April, 2012] - Beginning Monday, December 12, and lasting intermittently through April 2012, KUB and its contractors will close alternating lanes on a section of Dale Avenue between address 621 Dale Avenue and the N. Seventeenth Street intersection daily from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. as part of construction activities at the new KUB electric substation located at 410 Dale Avenue.

Access to N. Seventeenth Street will not be affected as the contractor will keep one of the three affected lanes on Dale Avenue open at all times during this period. All lanes on this section of Dale Avenue will be reopened to traffic overnight during this period. The new substation at this location will serve as a source of electricity for the growing University of Tennessee campus and improve service and reliability to hospitals, businesses, and residences in the Fort Sanders area. The overall project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2012, weather permitting.

Neyland Drive Lane Shifts [December 14, 2011 – August 2012] – Beginning on Wednesday, December 14, and lasting through August 2012, KUB and its contractor will close the eastbound curbside lane of traffic on a section of Neyland Drive between Leinard Lane and Lake Loudoun Boulevard as part of ongoing wastewater system upgrades in this area.

Two eastbound lanes will be maintained on this section of Neyland Drive during this period, as the inside lane will remain open and the second eastbound lane will be shifted to the center turn lane through the work zone. Additionally, traffic travelling eastbound on Neyland Drive will not be able to make a lefthand turn into the KUB Kuwahee Wasetwater Treatment Plant on Neyland Drive. The eastbound lane shifts will be in effect continuously until work is completed. Both westbound lanes of Neyland Drive will remain open at all times during this period. Pavement markings, barricades, and signs will be in place to alert and direct traffic through this zone.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in these areas.

CAMA Update

The Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 7th in the Goal Post Tavern at 3:00pm. There were representatives from KPD, UTPD, Regions Bank, Graphic Creations, Copper Cellar Restaurant, the News Sentinel and City of Knoxville.

The meeting started with an update from KPD and noted that crimes of opportunity, especially related to vehicles, were up last month. Please remember to lock car doors and keep all valuables out of sight (especially GPS units and laptops). The merchants noted that cadets have been actively patrolling the area for on street parking violations and increasing turn over. UTPD gave an update that included their out reach to students in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, encouraging students to prepare for safe holidays (i.e. don't leave valuables in sight, lock doors, leave a light on while away, etc.). Additionally, a good tip for everyone was provided by the representative from Regions bank, don't leave "tell-tale" boxes at the curb for trash pick ups; this alerts would be thieves to items that may be in the home (especially true for t.v. or computer boxes).

The city provided an update on the streetscape project, which noted that consultants had been selected for right of way services and contracts were being negotiated. Additionally, internal work on the form base code was continuing. Conversations were on-going with the hospital in regards to parking. Fort Sanders neighborhood has not requested any stakeholder meetings at this time. UTPD asked city staff to check on the potential signal timing grant and weather or not it included the light at 17th/Melrose and Cumberland Avenue.

Weekend Events

A number of holiday events are occurring this weekend, for a list of fun, family oriented events, please visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/events/events.pdf.

Once again congratulations to all the UT graduates and students for completing this semester! Have a safe and fun weekend. Thanks for your interest in Cumberland Avenue.

October 7th Update

CAMA Update

The Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 5th in the Goal Post Tavern at 3:00pm. There were representatives from the Goal Post, KPD, UTPD, Regions Bank, UT Federal Credit Union, University Liquors, Walgreens, Copper Cellar Restaurant and City of Knoxville.

The meeting started with an update from KPD and the officer noted the increase in focus on the area and Fort Sanders neighborhood especially nights and weekends. Additionally, based on the merchants' request, cadets have been actively patroling the area for on street parking violations and increasing turn over. Some traffic concerns were noted with the new restaurant at 22nd Street and it was noted that City Engineering would be looking at the situation.

Also, some merchants noted concern with panhandling at their business. The city is working to update an informational brochure that can be given to patrons regarding the city's panhandling policy. It was noted that Redeeming Hope Ministries on 17th Street is a great resource for individuals seeking assistance. City staff provided an update on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor project which noted that staff is still reviewing the form base code draft and that an request for qualifications had been published for assistance with the Right of Way process for the Streetscape Project.

Weekend Events

Friday, October 7
First Friday
Downtown Knoxville
6:00-10:00pm
For more information visit http://knoxvillefirstfriday.com/.

Movies on the Square
Market Square
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The furry fun will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the movies begin at dusk. This week’s movie is Clue.

Saturday, October 8
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square and Market Street
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.

Volunteer Football
Neyland Staduim
Kick Off 7:00pm
Tennessee Volunteers take on the Georgia Bulldogs.

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

August 5th Update

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Trolley Update

As a reminder, the trolley routes will be changing on Monday, August 15, 2011. The new Vol Line will travel from downtown to 17th Street. Effective with this change, there will be no trolley service on Cumberland west of 17th Street. However, trolley service will begin operation on Saturdays, as well as on Friday and Saturday evenings until 10:00 p.m. For information on the new routes, visit KAT's website here.

CAMA Update

The regular monthly meeting for the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association was held at Goal Post Tavern at 3:00 pm on Wendesday August 3. There was a bit of confusion about the start time of the meeting and it was discussed that future meetings would start at 3:00 pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

The merchants welcomed a new KPD liaison, Officer Frank Ramsey, who is a 20 year plus veteran of the police force. Officer Ramsey provided an update on the district over the last month and mentioned that KPD is starting a new online service with www.raidsonline.com which will allow public access to crime maps for the city. A request was made for KPD to increase patrol on metered parking during the day as a new school year is about to start and it would be a helpful reminder to students and visitors using the district's on street parking.

Corporal Cedric Roach with UTPD was provided an update to the merchants on UTPD's efforts to encourage students to "See Something. Say Something." This campaign will kick off with an outreach to students in the Fort Sanders Neighborhood on Tuesday, August 9th. Volunteers and UTPD staff will provide resource information to students in the form of a handbill and magnet, as well as online resources. The event starts at 10 am and is scheduled to last 2-3 hours. If interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Lt. Emily Simerly 865.974.0163.

City staff provided an update on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor project. A draft of the form code has just been received from Code Studio and will be the subject of a public meeting after staff review. The streetscape project continues to progress through the TDOT right of way process, and as the details of this process have evolved, the city recognizes that it is very doubtful that the project will be ready for construction in 2012. An update was also given to the merchants regarding the KAT Trolley changes taking place on August 15.

Additionally, staff from the Metro Pulse were on hand to discuss marketing opportunities for the district and individual businesses. If anyone is interested in this opportunity, please contact Tiffany Higgins, Account Executive, at higginst@metropulse.com.

For more information about CAMA visit here.

Weekend Events - there are a lot of great events all over town this weekend!

Friday, August 5
Shakespeare On the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square presents "The Comedy of Errors"

Lonsdale Homecoming
Sam Hill School
6:00PM
3 day event with vendors, parade, city and county officials, old timers dinner and gospel program on Sunday evening.

Saturday, August 6
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square and Market Street
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.
Saturday, August 6

Shakespeare On the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square presents "Othello"

1st Annual Everything Wheels Expo
Chilhowee Park Grounds (Park Side)
Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sun: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Tour de Fleur Wildflower Walks
Ten Mile Creek Greenway / Will Skelton Greenway
Time Varies
Walk the greenways with a nature guide discussing the wildflowers that have been identified with markers. Event is free and open to the public. The highlight of this walking series will be the sunflower fields at Will Skelton Greenway.

Opening of the Bethel Cemetery Civil War Museum
Bethel Cemetery - 1917 Bethel Ave
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Opening of a Civil War Museum at the site of the Bethel Cemetery.

Sunday, August 7
Shakespeare On the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square presents "The Comedy of Errors"

Sports Car Club of America
Chilhowee Grounds - Zoo parking lot
11:00AM - 3:00PM

Thanks for your continued interest in all things related to Cumberland Avenue. Have a safe and fun weekend!

July 29th Update

University of Tennessee Update

Its hard to believe, but 2011-12 classes start at UTK in less than a month on Wednesday, August 17th. The University of TN Police Department is coordinating a Welcome to UT Safety Campaign targeting students living in the Fort Sanders area.

On August 9, 2011, UTPD and UT Community Partners will participate in a door to door information sharing event targeting UT students. The focus of the year’s campaign will be ‘See Something. Say Something.’ During this brief educational interaction, we will provide resource information in the form of a handbill and magnet. Further information will be available to students via the internet. This one on one event is an excellent opportunity for UT Stakeholders to interact with students in a positive environment. This program lets UT students living in Fort Sanders know that the University cares about them having a safe, successful year and opens the door for communications.

The event starts at 10 am and is scheduled to last 2-3 hours. If interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Lt. Emily Simerly 865.974.0163 .

CAMA Update

Reminder that the next monthly meeting of the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) is scheduled for Wednesday August 3 at 3:00 pm at the Goal Post Tavern. For more information about CAMA visit here.

Additionally, the City of Knoxville has received word that McDonald's restaurant on Cumberland Avenue has closed earlier this week for major renovations. A date for reopening has not been set yet, but we look forward to the new and improved aesthetics for this location.

Cumberland Ave. Corridor Plan Update

Work continues on the detailed plans for the streetscape project. New information from KUB has been provided to our consultants regarding the electrical systems based on the new substation that is being constructed on Dale Avenue. This substation will be providing power to the University, Ft. Sanders Neighborhood, the hospitals and the corridor. This information will be incorporated into the Right of Way plans that are being prepared for submission to TDOT.

Weekend Events

Friday, July 29
Shakespeare on the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square performing "Othello"

Saturday, July 30
Market Square Farmers Market
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.

City Wide Block Party
2400 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
5:00PM - 9:00PM
block party hosted by Eternal Life Harvest Center in Five Points this weekend.

Shakespeare on the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square performing "The Comedy of Errors"

Victorious Living Ministries 1st Annual Street Dreams Bike Festival
2945 Wilson Ave, Claude Walker Ball Field
10:45AM
To use motorcycles as a way in promoting good citizenship inspire others to overcome their problems with advice and resources of people who understand and may have gone through the same things, but most of all to have a good time and show the great benefits of living in East TN. Contact Elroy Wilson at 865-522-2391 for more information.

Sunday, July 31
Shakespeare on the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Shakespeare on the Square performing "Othello"

Thanks for your interest in everything associated with Cumberland Ave. Have a safe and fun weekend.

July 1st Update

Greetings! Happy Independence Day Weekend!
Work continues to progress on the right-of-way plans (ROW) for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape project with our partners in the Engineering Department, Law Department, and our team of consultants. We anticipate having a public meeting to review the ROW plans towards the end of summer and will notify property owners and the public when a date is set for that meeting. Additionally, the urban design plan and streetscape plan were highlighted in an article on WBIR this week in conjunction with the McDonald's renovation project that will be starting soon, that information is available here.

CAMA Update

Reminder that the next monthly meeting of the Cumberland Merchants Association is scheduled for Wednesday July 6 at 3:00pm at the Goal Post Tavern. For more information about CAMA visit here.

Weekend Events

Saturday, July 2
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square and Market Street
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.

Saturday July 2 - 4
Salute to Service Members
Knoxville Zoo
9:30AM - 4:30PM
Knoxville Zoo honors service men and women on independence day by honoring them with free admission during the salute to service weekend on Saturday, July 2 - July 4th.

Monday, July 4
Festival on the Fourth
World's Fair Park
2:00PM - 10:00PM
The Festival on the Fourth promises once again to deliver a wide variety of family fun including entertainment, activities and treats at the City of Knoxville's Fourth of July celebration. For more information visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/events/4th/default.asp

Tuesday, July 5
Jazz on the Square
Market Square
7:00PM
Jazz Quintet performance each Tuesday evening.

As always, thanks for your continued interest in all things involving Cumberland Avenue - have a safe and fun filled weekend.

April 8th Update

Greetings! I hope everyone is enjoying the spring time weather. This has been another busy week.

CAMA Meeting Update

The April CAMA meeting was well attended at the new location of OCI (1820 Cumberland Avenue) and thanks to Mike Clark for hosting and providing snacks after a busy weekend moving. There were a number of regular attendees and some folks who were back after a hiatus, we were glad to see the General Managers of the Half Barrel, Buffalo Wild Wings and Tin Roof especially!

City Engineering provided an update on their traffic study regarding the Alcoa Highway interchange and the Metron Center Way intersection and it looks like additional study will need to be done prior to making changes. Policy and Communications offered updates on the Streetscape project which is proceeding with detail design and the Urban Design plan or form based code which is being reviewed independently. KPD also provided an update that showed a number of thefts from motor vehicles. These are typcially crimes of opportunity and we would encourage students, employees, guests and residents to make sure to remove valuables from sight and to lock your vehicles.

Additionally, if your business has promotions or information to share please be sure to visit the Merchants Association Blog over at http://cumberlandcorridor.blogspot.com/. Ana Richters, CAMA intern, is doing a great job, but can always use new information.

Weekend Events
Saturday, April 9

Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair
Gay Street 11:00AM - 10:00PM Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair. Entertainment, arts & crafts, food and beverage.

Bikes 'N Blooms
Ijams Nature Center - Island Home 10:00AM Experience the Dogwood Trails the lean green way - on a bicycle by-way of an organized or self-guided ride. Starting at Ijams Nature Center, we will use the greenways to get to Island Home, tour the neighborhood and return to Ijams. The route is less than 5 miles long and biking through Island Home Neighborhood. www.dogwoodarts.com

International Dance Challenge
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
9:00AM
Contact 215-8999

I hope you have a safe and fun weekend!

April 1st Update

Happy first day of April and while you may find yourself in the middle of practical jokes this April Fool's Day, its no joke that there are a lot of fun and exciting things happening around Knoxville this week and weekend!

East Tennessee Quality Growth Conference (ETQG) Update

I had the opportunity to attend a number of the sessions at the ETQG "Plain talk on quality growth: tools for action" Conference March 30 and 31. It was exciting to see a number of elected officials (including City Mayor Brown and County Mayor Burchett), municipal staff, special interest groups, general citizens and national experts come together to discuss growth in our 16 county region. One of the main conference highlights was the launch of a new website that will provide a Toolbox of approaches and ideas that can be used to create, foster and maintain quality growth in our region.

I was also able to attend a number of sessions that dealt with land use and transportation issues. Several of the topics discussed, support the goals and ideas of the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Plan including the benefits of density in urban areas and the idea that some traffic congestion can be compared to 'good cholesterol' because it can mean that people want to be at that unique location. Its great to keep these ideas in mind as work progresses on detailed plans for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Project.

If you're interested in ETQG, the Conference, or toolbox, please visit their site, here.

For an additional perspective on the Conference, Knoxville News Sentinel Reporter, Josh Flory did a series of posts to his Property Scope blog, here and here.

CAMA Update

The next meeting for the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association will be next Wednesday, April 6 at 3:00 pm at the new location of the Old College Inn at 1820 Cumberland Ave (just east of 1st Tennessee Bank) and parking will be available just behind OCI's at Graphic Creations, 1809 Lake Avenue . For more information about OCI's move and merchant related information please visit the CAMA Blog, here. CAMA intern, Ana Richters, is doing a great job posting information about CAMA, the merchants and other items of interest!

Weekend Events

Tonight, First FridayDowntown Knoxville, for more information visit: http://knoxvillefirstfriday.com/wp/

Friday, April 1 - 30 Dogwood Arts Festival
City wide Showcasing the region's best performing and visual artists in a "blue jean to black tie" festival that has something for everyone! An exciting mix of fine art, dance, theater, crafts, historic tours, and Americana music at its best. http://www.dogwoodarts.com/

Friday, April 1 - 3 Rhythm 'N Blooms
Various locations throughout Knoxville including Market Square, visit the website for more info. Experience East Tennessee's historical & present role in Americana music with performances by local, regional, and nationally renown musicians. http://www.rhythmnbloomsfest.com/

Saturday, April 2 Covenant Kids Run
World's Fair Park 6:00pm

Sunday, April 3 7th Annual Knoxville Covenant Marathon, Half-Marathon & Marathon Relay
Clinch Ave. Viaduct 7:30am

As always, thanks for your interest in everything connecting to Cumberland Avenue. I hope you have a safe and fun-filled weekend!

February 11th Update

Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project
We are pleased to announce that the city of Knoxville received notice today that the preliminary plans submitted to TDOT for the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape project have been approved! We greatly appreciate TDOT's timely review and response to this request. The next step in the project will involve certifying right-of-way and finalizing details for the design before construction documents are created. Additionally, we will be hosting public meetings this spring or summer to discuss project details and construction sequencing before the project is let for bid.

Fort Sanders Stakeholders Meeting
The minutes from the Fort Sanders Stakeholder Meeting on February 3rd are now available in the Links section of the Blog or you can access them by clicking here.
If you see any additions or corrections, please contact me at awallace@cityofknoxville.org.
Thanks again to all those who participated; it has been great to keep the dialogue going!

Weekend Events
Friday February 11-13, 2011
House & Garden Show
Dogwood Arts Festival
Knoxville Convention Center
Fri & Sat: 10 am to 8 pm
Sun: 11 am to 5 pm
Provides home owners, do it yourselfers and gardening enthusiasts a unique market place to shop, compare and save on a total selection of home and garden related products and services. http://www.dogwoodarts.com/

Saturday February 12, 2011
UT Sing All
Knoxville Auditorium
7:00 p.m.

Saturday February 12, 2011
Ice Bears vs. Augusta
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
7:30 p.m.

Saturday February 12, 2011
Job Fair at Knoxville Zoo
Knoxville Zoo
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Knoxville Zoo is looking for a friendly and energetic people at their annual job fair.
For more information please visit http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/.

Have a safe and great weekend. Thanks for your continued interest in all things that relate to Cumberland Ave and Happy Valentines Day!

January 25th Update

Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Project

The City of Knoxville is pleased to announce that based on public comment, budget numbers and preliminary plans we will be able to put overhead electrical transmission lines underground, rather than moving them into the alleys bordering Cumberland, when construction beings on the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.

For more information please view the City's press release here. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at awallace@cityofknoxville.org.