Economic Develoment Subcommitte
Meeting 3: Tuesday, May 18 (6:30-8:30 pm)


Summary of Discussion

Renee Davis shared with subcommittee members several examples of visioning the future during a power point presentation, including a local example -- the Bearden Village Opportunity Plan. The successful revitalization of Southend in Charlotte, NC was discussed, as well as a visioning and planning process in Arlington, VA.   Several examples of new development trends were shown, including town centers, power centers and lifestyle centers.  The hierarchy of regional, community/village and neighborhood serving retail centers was also discussed

After the presentations, the group discussed how to go about the massive project of planning for Chapman and deciding what Chapman corridor should be like in the future. Renee also briefly outlined the components and steps of the overall planning process, especially visioning.  When visioning, you can begin by identifying issues and opportunities, positives as well as weakness that need to be overcome.

Chair Ron Emery suggested breaking it down into components and determining what it takes to get to where we want to be. Dave Hill suggested having some broader objectives that include the entire corridor area.

It was noted that the ‘village’ part of the Bearden vision  became a brand that businesses used to market the district. What can be the ‘brand’ for Chapman Highway?  Discuss also took place regarding—What is south Knoxville geographically and this is the heart of south Knoxville. A regional perspective to the Vision was discussed and needed. The downtown-south concept with mixed use shopping and residential areas along with a revitalized Fort Dickerson Park and Riverfront was discussed. The rail bridge across the river is viewed as an opportunity.

The vision of Bearden was reviewed again—Sense of Place, Pedestrian friendly, shopping/village atmosphere, successful merchants group, enhanced, unique urban character, and architectural harmony. One subcommittee member suggested doing small things first—immediate beautification opportunities are available. For example, the city can keep the grass mowed. Short, mid and long range planning efforts are underway. 

Creating a ‘Template’—defining character areas/design guidelines for commercial services along Chapman, depending on the type—regional, community/village, neighborhood, in-fill sites, new and existing construction was suggested.

Maps will be provided for the group to use when defining segments/character areas.

Other general visioning included -

  • Need for pedestrian access—Chapman deserves sidewalks. Improve the connectivity problems 
  • Appropriate land use based on topography
  • Bike Trail and ‘south Knoxville City Hall’ facility with police presence, etc
  • Safe and walkable, accommodating to residents of Seymour
  • Need to slow people down and make it (Chapman) more business friendly—(NOTE: reducing speed will reduce capacity-are you willing to look at what you need in terms of capacity elsewhere?)
  • We want a safer road
  • Economic development—more tax $ and a better business climate
  • Old Maryville business district was also discussed

 Chris Woodhull noted that it would be good to create guiding principles for what they want and suggested:

  • Maintain a sense of place
  • Grow tax base and jobs
  • Architectural harmony
  • Identify and protect market

It was noted that the businesses have a problem trying to get people to come here to shop and they are worried about the Henley bridge improvements—one response is to attract and create destination businesses to bring people to south Knoxville.

Q – what do the different extension options do to the economy?

Q- What do we get from Seymour residents – what do they add to the economy – what are we sacrificing?

Q – where are the cars going? Downtown may not be the major destination

The group will meet again on Tuesday, June 15th at 6:30. The meeting will be in the South Doyle Middle School Library.

The next task force meeting is Thursday, June 3 – due to a special city council session scheduled for that afternoon, the task force meeting will not begin until 6 PM.

Meeting summary prepared by Renee Davis, 4-20-04