Johnson City Press, City Public Works Director Comments on Future of JC (Franklin: university)

[jabogitlu]

In a presentation that looked back a quarter century and forward about 30 years, Pindzola laid out a vision for the city’s growth into its recently established “urban growth boundary,” which extends west toward Jonesborough and north just about to Interstate 81.

Topics ranged from the importance of roadbuilding and infrastructure to provision of amenities such as public art, more green space and cultural attractions. The most successful growth, Pindzola said, also will involve both outward expansion and “vertical growth,” including a strong focus on the central city.

:: Johnson City Press - News :: (http://johnsoncitypress.com/Detail.php?Cat=LOCALNEWS&ID=61608 - broken link)

[SarahSal]

Just came across the above Press article on the forum, something I'd never read! *IF* this is the city's attitude then we do have something progressive to look forward to.. (Thanks Jabogitlu) for posting it!) Parts of the article follow:

......."But without a revitalization downtown, Pindzola said, innovative growth in outlying areas won’t achieve its full potential.
“Downtown is an image-maker for this community,” he said, adding that the central city has about a million square feet under roof.
“That’s equivalent to the big development you’re all hearing about in Boones Creek.
“You know, every mall they build today looks like a downtown. If they’re building it, why can’t we do that downtown?”
Again, Pindzola said, innovative partnerships will make downtown flourish. For instance, he said, the city is on the verge of introducing a linear park from East Tennessee State University to downtown along State of Franklin Road, and simultaneously discussing the introduction of public art. “We’re looking at places to create kind of a park look that may actually introduce public art into those spaces. I’ll bet you money that the community will jump up and down (positively) at that notion.”