Kingsport Development (Johnson City, Bristol: amusement park, credit, theatre)

[BadJuju]

Major strides have been made in development and attracting businesses and other large entities to Kingsport. It seems like Kingsport might be on the verge of a mini-renaissance. Numerous new businesses have popped up, colleges have flocked here, and now we are even adding a small amusement park. The population has surged by 10%.

Anyone else feel this way?

[TN.RidgerunninGal]

Kingsport is definitely on the map - and alot of credit has to go to the City Manager. He is doing for Kingsport what he did for Johnson City when J.C. emerged as the "Go To" town for shopping and dining. Kingsport, IMO, is going to out do both Johnson City and Bristol as a retail hub and will have all the ammenities anyone can want. If Kpt. can pull off getting COSCO, then the sky's the limit. Some may not like Mr. Campbell, but I saw what he did for Johnson City and how J.C. grew under his leadership. He is a visionary and can put his money where his mouth is. I thnk Kingsport is ready to explode and will leave the others eating dust.

[utvols21]

I think Kingsport is definitly on the right track far from Jc at the moment though and I think Mr Campbell has done a great job . Just curious what the small amusement park is your speaking of ? The aquatic center will be great and if they can pull off the IMAX theatre at the mall that was in the paper it will be a major destination for other cities and they will eat and shop while they are here . Keep it up Kingsport

[jabogitlu]

Kingsport has a lot going for it, but all 3 cities are very unique. Bristol is growing and booming as a cultural hub (as evidenced by Mumford & Sons playing there, Rhythm and Roots, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, etc.). Kingsport has a fun downtown and is emerging as a retail hub and family friendly, All-American City. Johnson City is the medical and education hub for the entire Upstate area, and they have a lot of young, alternative-scene kinda people (Backdoor Records, Acoustic Coffeehouse, et al).

It's really not fair to compare one to another. That having been said, I agree with ya'll about Mr. Campbell. I wish we had him back in JC. Kingsport is fairing very well under his guidance, and they seem to have a very engaged political culture and citizenry - they beat Johnson City in the Tupelo Honey Facebook poll!

[TN.RidgerunninGal]

I totally agree with you that the Tricities are different and in a good way. That is what makes this area so great and attractive to so many people. Johnson City lost alot when Mr. Campbell left. Kingsport is far better because of him. I do hope they get the IMAX and the aquatic center will be great. Keep moving on up KPT.