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After
viewing the presentation, subcommittee members responded with the following
general questions and comments regarding information needs, next steps
and the group’s potential contributions the study. Some of the group’s
personal thoughts and ideas were also included. For the benefit of those
not attending the meeting, I have tried to differentiate the general
discussion points and comments from the questions. If we are unable
to answer a specific question, we will search for the answer and provide
the additional information.
Questions
from participants –
- Can
we get a copy of the environmental constraints map – (staff will bring
to next meeting)
- What
is the history of this project? How long was the South Knoxville bridge
on the ‘drawing board’
- Has
TDOT reassessed the need for the JWP extension?
- If
is it completed., will it be on a least-cost basis?
- Is
it mandated to be completed? If so, is it mandated as a four-lane
road?
- The
‘increased access’ (like Middlebrook Pike: at-grade intersections
with signals, driveways, etc) alternative for JWP – where did that
come from? (This was a TPO executive board request during the tenure
of Mayor Ashe)
- Asked
if we had population forecasts/projections for south Knoxville (we
currently do not have recent forecasts, other than for Knox County
as a whole. We will be breaking these estimates down to smaller sectors
at some point but the smaller the area, the less accurate the forecast.
- Question
about traffic counts (all are listed on MPC/TPO web site link)
Process
Related Questions, raised by Ron Emery, Subcommittee Chair
Need
to figure out what the product is and what the expectations are – how
do we approach the assignment? From an Economic Development Standpoint,
what are the Pro’s and Con’s of each transportation alternative. Are
we all on the same page? What are the appropriate topics to discuss?
Things
to examine -
- How
will traffic patterns change
- How
will roadway design impact businesses
- What
is the economic impact of the proposed extension – some businesses
are drive-by dependant vs. some that are more independent destinations
- Can
we determine through-traffic (regional bypass traffic) vs. local traffic
on Chapman Highway
- What
markets may open up as a result of each alternative
Brainstorming,
Issue identification and Comments –
- Best
use of land (zoning, etc) depends on location - sub-areas of Chapman
Highway.
- Discussed
recent plans that have economic development component – Bearden Village
Opportunity Plan (MPC, TPO and City of Knoxville worked with local
businesses to create vision for pedestrian friendly retail and mixed
use village).
- Want
more Chapman Highway decisions to be in the best interest of the community
- Want
to improve the business opportunities on Chapman – S. Knoxville is
considered to be a difficult place to have a business, because of
the isolated area and stigma – want to change this perception. Slowing
cleaning up the image.
- Participant
shares a vision to see JWP finished and connected to Chapman, taking
through traffic away, letting Chapman be more walkable and pedestrian
friendly. JWP has a parkway style approach toward mountains with limited
commercial growth and no billboards.
- Do
the businesses need that through traffic to survive? Or is another
alternative route needed?
- Complaints
that ‘Seymour residents are flying through’ - design speeds and their
impact on public safety will effect Chapman Highway.
- Participant
notes that Magnolia Avenue is near the interstate but is not a thriving
business area. James White Parkway extension wouldn’t be as close
as I-40 is to Magnolia.
- Participant
thinks change in the character and appearance of the Chapman Corridor
is needed.
- Sidewalks
are needed according to some, but another participant questioned why
sidewalks were needed in some areas – asked where do pedestrians come
from and go?
- By-pass/through
traffic – put it somewhere else to enhance Chapman as the business
environment. Use JWP as a way to get from downtown out. Have Chapman
designed for slower speed, sidewalks and the community
- Lack
of turn lane in some areas was mentioned (like what they are doing
in Bearden), need for divided median is suggested.
- Some
businesses like all the traffic passing by their stores.
- What
is the absorption capacity of South Knoxville? Dave Hill noted that
we probably can’t afford to have a market study done as part of this
process. May be able to check with retailers who have courtesy cards
to find out more about the market area. Census of retail trade data
may be helpful
- Should
nice, quiet neighborhoods have to bear the burden of providing mobility
for people who don’t pay taxes here, contributing to urban sprawl?
- Some
are interested in seeing if Chapman Highway can be made safer without
taking traffic away.
Next
Steps -
- Advertise
a general meeting for businesses - plan something such as a survey
to find out how businesses feel.
- Look
at arterial roads in other cities - See what options can fit within
the existing ROW constraints of Chapman.
Other
Comments -
- Participant
suggested that part of making the Chapman Highway area more attractive
is better schools, another complimented the fine elementary schools.
- Unpleasant
view of south Knoxville from downtown was mentioned, but S. Knoxville
has a unique atmosphere – can be turned into something more positive.
Fort Dickerson Park and the need to improve the park
- Closing
Henley St bridge - identify alternatives to total closure. Any change
in decision – what is the current proposal? Do they want to add another
lane? Tear sides down?
- This
will be a serious impact to businesses. Suggested reversing lanes
based on peak flow direction.
Meeting
summary prepared by Renee Davis, 4-22-04
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