Do You Live, Work, or Play in Central Knoxville? MPC Wants to Hear from You.

Pedestrian connections, safety, and historic preservation are among the top concerns of residents of Knoxville's Central City, according to a recent MPC survey. Citizens completed an online canvass and attended neighborhood meetings with MPC planners to discuss the future of the Central City Sector.

During this first round of public involvement, citizens identified issues that relate to the sector as a whole, MPC planners would now like to hear from residents and business owners about specific corridors and neighborhoods within the sector. A second round of public meetings has been scheduled for this effort.

Please plan to attend one of the following meetings:

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

6:00 p.m.

 

Cansler YMCA

 

616 Jessamine Street

 

Sector Plans help shape development by addressing future land use, park enhancements, transportation improvements, and specific regulations, such as historic zoning overlays that protect architectural heritage.

Other highlights from first-round resident surveys include concerns about crime, blighted and rundown properties, and speeding vehicles. Survey-takers were also asked about land use preferences, and most support a mix of uses along major streets. They also want to see better design of streets and adjacent development.

Survey responses noted concerns about schools and a desire for more community gardens in parks. More than 70 percent of respondents said they walk one to three times per week, and two-thirds say they feel comfortable walking or biking in their neighborhood.

The online surveyremains open and may still be submitted. To date, more than 400 surveys have been completed.

A closer look at preliminary survey findings will be presented at the upcoming second-round public meetings. Details are also available online, along with a Background Report that discusses existing conditions in the sector.

The current Central City Sector Plan (adopted in 2003) can be reviewed on MPC's website. For more information, contact MPC's Mike Reynolds at 215-2500 or mike.reynolds@knoxmpc.org.

Posted 07-02-2013. Written by Mike Carberry.