Fwd: Opportunity to reclaim historic African American Heritage site, "Chestnut View Park"

Good afternoon,

I'm writing to share what I see as an opportunity to reclaim a historic African American heritage site in East Knoxville.

I'd like to ask if Legacy Parks could be convinced to secure a hilltop parcel up for sale to develop as part of a 2016 version of 1919's "Chestnut View Park," an important community gathering spot for the African American community in segregated early 20th century segregated Knoxville:
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Chestnut View Park was the segregated alternative to Chilhowee Park and was made available by the generosity of East Knoxville leader Charles Stafford (pictured below). His decedents still own property on Chestnut Ridge.

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Chestnut Ridge was a key site in Knoxville's Black History and moreover, the site falls within the MPC hilltop protection plan designed to protect scenic vistas in Knoxville.

Besides historical significance, the parcel offers exemplary  views of the smokies and Park City a mere 2 miles from downtown (see photo below):

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City of Knoxville already owns one 100' x 120' parcel on the ridge;

Here's the privately owned parcel for sale:

There's a 100'  x 65' vacant wooded lot for sale on Chestnut Ridge for sale listed at $13,900:

parcelid=082JA021
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I am wondering, what might it take for Legacy Parks to acquire the parcel to secure as part of a 2016 vision for a revived Chestnut View Park?

This would preserve the hilltop, secure the exemplary view for the public's enjoyment, and honor local black history. It seems to me to be a win-win-win.

It also works toward a personal vision I hold: a possible greenway path from 1st Creek Greenway at the 6th Avenue mural site to Zoo Knoxville using undeveloped alleyways, TDOT land, and unused trails on Zoo Knoxville property for a lovely wooded trail from downtown to the Zoo and Chilhowee Park (please see rough concept attached for more).

Please let me know what it might take for Legacy Parks to pursue development of a Chestnut View Park for 2016.

Thanks,

Tanner

Re: First Creek Greenway Route Along Willow Avenue Not Desired Path

Joe, Brian, Chris, and Dawn:

Last summer I sent an e-mail illustrating what I think most East Knox residents' want for Lower First Creek Greenway to the Old City: "First Creek Greenway Route Along Willow Avenue Not Desired Path." 

The contractor is calling this path Corridor E (see image below):

I'm grateful to see the contractor's latest proposal for Corridor I (Lower First Creek Greenway Extension) follows the abandoned Southern RR grade along First Creek.

However, at Willow Avenue, where corridor "I" (Lower First Creek Greenway) joins "E" (Old City Greenway) the contractor's plans indicate the true creekside route is an "alternate route."

Did the contractor offer a rationale for ranking the creekside route as an "alternate" behind the Willow Avenue route?

I understand a creekside routing is more complicated than the Willow Avenue routing - however I think developing plans Willow Avenue sidewalk as a greenway over the true creekside route shortchanges East Knoxville taxpayers. 

I also want to point out a recent development that has bearing on Corridor E and the "alternate" route:

You may have seen in the news that Randy Boyd purchased a set of properties that would make a creekside route on the south side of First Creek less complicated, if Boyd were to support an easement across one of the parcels he just acquired - see below:

In the image above from WATE news/KGIS, please note the parcel in the lower left hand corner at the intersection of Willow Avenue and Patton St. The parcel has most recently been used to park tractor trailers. It abuts with the parcel immediately to the right owned by Knox Housing Authority for the Austin Homes development - a parcel that stretches along the South side of the creek towards the Willow Avenue bridge over First Creek. 

The parcel changing hands to a new owner invested in the Old City's success seems to open up the possibility for a genuine "creekside" greenway following the south side of First Creek.

I'd like to suggest the city office of redevelopment and the greenways commission look in to Boyd's receptivity to a greenway easement across the parcel at Willow and Patton. If the new owner is receptive to a greenway easement on that parcel, it'd be a good opportunity to add a new waterfront park (such as it is) right in the Old City.  The creekside route is also flatter - a plus for bike commuters from East Knoxville to downtown.

I'd also like to see the city pursue Corridor E routing on the south side of First Creek as the "primary" route, rather than the "alternate" route. 

As a runner, dog walker, and biker, I feel strongly that keeping greenways away from roads wherever possible should be a priority for the city - even in the inner city.

Thanks,

Tanner