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