Johnson City Downtown (Kingsport, Bristol, Jonesborough: city hall, buying, university)

[rccrain]

I like this proposal to solve the flooding issues. The article is also positive with regard to the future of the downtown if the flooding is solved. What say yall?

"One fix floated by AMEC, a worldwide engineering, project management and consulting company, has City Commissioner Marcy Walker excited about potential investment downtown following a real solution to the floods that seem to plague the area every few years. It would involve a radical change in how King Creek makes its way from Watauga Avenue and King Street southeastward to its confluence with Brush Creek, currently near the intersection of South Roan Street and Downtown Loop.

That plan — which City Manager Pete Peterson said is one of several possible options — envisions green space and exposed water along a stretch of King Creek that is now underground, with the creek emptying into a detention pond surrounded by newly beautified areas that Walker believes could attract significant development. From that pond, a pipe would carry King Creek past Good Samaritan Ministries and along Water Street, before it empties into Brush Creek several hundred yards downstream of the current confluence."
:: Johnson City Press - News ::

[SarahSal]

It's a terrific plan that could change the entire face (and perception) of downtown JC.. If done in stages and financed partly with grant money (as Jonesborough wisely did) the poor beleaguered owners on the west side of Buffalo Street might finally get some relief. Some of them, when buying more than a decade ago, were told a new 'Cultural District' would soon be implemented downtown (anyone remember that fiasco?), which would resolve many of the then existing problems. Needless to say, that didn't happen (along with many other promises made and unfulfilled) and the city left many owners high and no - not dry, just the opposite. Benign neglect.

Marcie Walker has been a wonderful, new advocate for downtown. We're all pleased with her efforts, but unless the city comes together on this and believes in all the wonderful possibilties and benefits (including an expanded tax base) that a revived downtown JC can offer, downtown JC will remain the tri-cites forgotten little city.

Kingsport's expansive spoken and financial support of *its* downtown is the 'proof of the puddin' so to speak. Revitalization can work when the city is an active partner!

[SarahSal]

Oh my gosh, this thread was from over a year ago and still we have nothing concrete - or even in the pipeline..
Our hopes have soared so often about downtown and then they've been dashed - usually by inaction on the part of the city (as well as lack of any representation for those downtown who are suffering). Surely it is time something gets done about the flooding problem. It was considered the number one priority to resolve, starting almost 14 years ago (perhaps even earlier) - and continued as number one in survey after survey!

I just bumped into a downtown businessman and property owner today who's been a mainstay of the downtown retail market for a decade or more.. He is one of the few remaining retailers who's stuck it out.. But he's beyond disillusioned now --- he's angry that Main Street is empty of cars (because of the bricks). He says he's lost 40% of his business since the road's been closed and that noone seems to care a hoot about him - and his long-standing presence downtown. That, he said, is one of the biggest problems -- that noone listens to downtown folks. He said he knows he's 'out of favor' with those holding the purse strings and the ability to make things happen because he's contacted the city on several occasions to either complain or suggest what might be done to improve things. He felt that those with the big projects are the only ones in favor now -- and worthy of listening to. He said he's been afraid to join any downtown groups because of getting involved in conflicts between groups. He's now hoping to sell his building and move away from downtown.

A sad commentary on what might have been had there been better leadership and cooperation.

Really sorry to be a 'downer' but as much as I loved downtown once upon a time, it is hard to even go to my building and see the vacant stores and offices, which a decade ago had people in them. Downtown might not have been 'pretty' back then but at least it was occupied!

[williboy]

Maybe in another 25 years. Things tend to move a bit slow around these parts.

[jabogitlu]

Not really. Jonesborough, Kingsport, and Bristol all have redeveloped, active, vibrant downtowns. Johnson City's government is pure and simple ignorance embodied. One only has to read the newspaper to figure that out, or drive along any of JC's roads and see how they have (mis)guided development in the city.

I'm not sure why. Sometimes I think that being the biggest city in Northeast TN, with a large, successful hospital system and a vibrant, growing university has made the city government itself very lazy. They've never had to work to make many things successful, and as a consequence have a very tenuous grasp on the realities of urban growth and the fostering of development.

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Not really. Jonesborough, Kingsport, and Bristol all have redeveloped, active, vibrant downtowns. Johnson City's government is pure and simple ignorance embodied. One only has to read the newspaper to figure that out, or drive along any of JC's roads and see how they have (mis)guided development in the city.

I'm not sure why. Sometimes I think that being the biggest city in Northeast TN, with a large, successful hospital system and a vibrant, growing university has made the city government itself very lazy. They've never had to work to make many things successful, and as a consequence have a very tenuous grasp on the realities of urban growth and the fostering of development.

Amen to that, Jab! Excellent analysis that makes perfect sense... Plus, because much of the implementation of downtown JC's redevelopment has been delegated to the JCDA (with its separate budget), I sometimes think *they* (the city) think they have the issue covered and don't have to get more involved unless someone starts loudly protesting.. Through the years there've been some caring folks on the JCDA board but more often than not, they don't have enough leverage, committment (or time) to handle the issues that downtown folks (business and property owners) have repeatedly suggested they'd like to see accomplished.

[anidez28]

Johnson city downtown could be turned around very easily. We have the right kind of environment in this city for this to happen but instead we keep growing only in terms of strip malls and retail chains in the north part of the town. I am not sure why this is happening but its really sad and ugly.

[jabogitlu]

JohnsonCityPress.com - Local News - Johnson City, TN

Another article. Well, I hope Marcy Walker and the new task force keep on top of this flooding issue. Most of this stuff should've been fixed in the early 80s. Jesus, yes, it's time.

[SarahSal]

Am so glad that downtown folks are speaking out loudly and clearly! One of the main people in this article *is* on the task force..
YES, it is about time... No more excuses - fix the problem!! Until the perception of downtown is changed, there will be little new investment. Some people we know who also know downtown even believe it's ALL of downtown that is suffering from the flooding issue. How crazy is that? The city has done little to try to change this perception unlike other communities that have really focused their attention on their downtowns. Maybe it's time for a protest at city hall..

Thanks, Jab (once again) for posting this!

[benrranch]

Downtown could definitely be brought back to a beautiful place for existing businesses as well as bringing in new business. Down town has alot of character, I just hope the city realizes this before it's completely to late!

Where are the common sense people???