Moving to Downtown JC

[Ripshin]

Whatever the case - I hope that JC REALLY doesn't believe that "park spaces" are the future of downtown. I welcome the demolition of that horrible warehouse this past week, but PRESERVE THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS. CREATE VIABLE LIVING SPACES. PREVENT DOWNTOWN FROM BEING ONE LARGE HOMELESS CENTER.

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by Ripshin

Whatever the case - I hope that JC REALLY doesn't believe that "park spaces" are the future of downtown. I welcome the demolition of that horrible warehouse this past week, but PRESERVE THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS. CREATE VIABLE LIVING SPACES. PREVENT DOWNTOWN FROM BEING ONE LARGE HOMELESS CENTER.

Amen, Ripshin!
I did an article several years ago for one of the downtown group's newsletters about the upswing in retirees moving to downtowns - and all the inherent benefits of living so close to everything, most especially as you get older. I remember citing cities that had encouraged and supported this kind of development because of its almost immediate, positive effects on older downtowns. It really is a perfect match-up; of older folks who usually have an appreciation for the aesthetics of historic buildings and then what they and their retirement dollars bring to struggling downtowns, i.e., supporting restaurants and shops. etc.
I used my mother as one example - retired teacher/writer who loved being close to the library and the transit systems and shopping. She was also actively involved with downtown for a while.
But to this day, I'm still not sure the article was ever printed!

As a one-time reporter I'd thought this was some valuable info for the city to have and work with. I'd also been on a County Exectutive's committee in Mtn City pursuing retirees for that area.. Lots of brochures ultimately printed and sent out all over the country - and this really produced results. BUT, because I (and others) was still considered an 'outsider' - despite the fact that we had a big investment in downtown - and *lived* there part-time, we were never able to make even a dent in the policies and attitudes toward downtown. There is a vital element missing there -- and this, I think, involves (non) acceptance of the contributions of those not from the area, who could make (could have made) a HUGE difference in the face of downtown. And, in this case I'm not just referring to myself and my family, many of whom initially loved downtown. There were many, many others, too, who have now fallen by the wayside.

And, of course, one of the MAJOR reasons more has not happened are the draconian building codes that did not allow the average person with maybe $100 to $200K to invest in renovations to make reasonable adjustments to their buildings so they could be occupied. Other cities (like Kingsport) recognized this early on and changed their codes so that progress could be enacted.

This is an important discussion to have and I wish the city would pay more attention and start valuing what they have!

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

Sarahsal, do you think maybe that comment was made because the former J.C. city manager John Campbell left J.C. to be Kingsports city manager and things started happening in Kingsport and not JC?
I am not saying it is one person, but from what I have seen it is the ability of those in "power" in any city work together, put differences aside (for the most part anyway) and address city issues, not personal issues that causes progress to happen. I think until JC can get over themselves and that issue, no ideas will ever get moved forward on.

Probably, Mouse, you're right about that! Although when John was there, I don't recall a huge interest (by him) in JC's downtown - maybe because there wasn't much interest at all by 'those in power'. BUT, then when he arrived in Kingsport there WAS interest, more than interest - a proactive, let's get it done approach - and by many in city gov! That may well be JC's problem -- no *collective* focus or burning desire to make things happen -- not until there's a HUGE push by others (of those in power). They've always pushed downtown off on the JCDA which has had very limited success because of their once-a-month meeting boards - and lack of connection with most downtowners.

[Ripshin]

My home for 20 years, San Antonio, has valued its downtown for quite a while now (the River Walk, etc.). Recently, however, the powers that be have launched a second wave of development, expanding the River Walk, creating an arts district and developing the old Pearl Brewery as shops, living and education space. The new progressiveness took some cajoling, but it's really starting to take off.

We had our office in an old warehouse near downtown, and it was a great living/working experience.

A city's downtown is its heart and soul. To ignore it, is deadly for the community. You can get a Wal-mart, mall, strip center, State of Franklin anywhere. Downtown JC is UNIQUE - just look at that vista view! I know JC has plans for creeks and parks downtown, BUT DEVELOP THE BUILDINGS. There are too many decaying SIGNIFICANT structures, waiting to be developed. Festivals aren't the answer...parks aren't the answer...a multifaceted, active community must be developed.

Granted, Bristol and K-port have more structures to work with - Bristol, in particular, has some REALLY great buildings. But JC has a more desirable location.

I hope things change - soon.

[jabogitlu]

I agree that Bristol and Kingsport have better raw material to work with. I'm not sure if Johnson City lost some buildings to urban renewal or what...

However, if they would widen the downtown redev footprint to include west downtown all the way to Carver, and north to the posh neighborhoods just south of Liberty Bell Blvd. intersection, and in the future south through the beginnings of the Tree Streets / the Shamrock Tobacco Shop and Walnut St., then downtown would be MUCH larger than what exists now, ie the nucleus around Main/Market/Roan and then Tipton St.

[Ripshin]

I think the immediate downtown is most essential, right now. Perhaps the Roan Street corridor north, and obviously beyond I-26. They can't create what isn't there, and JC has the smallest downtown, in regards to structures.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I agree that Bristol and Kingsport have better raw material to work with. I'm not sure if Johnson City lost some buildings to urban renewal or what...

However, if they would widen the downtown redev footprint to include west downtown all the way to Carver, and north to the posh neighborhoods just south of Liberty Bell Blvd. intersection, and in the future south through the beginnings of the Tree Streets / the Shamrock Tobacco Shop and Walnut St., then downtown would be MUCH larger than what exists now, ie the nucleus around Main/Market/Roan and then Tipton St.

I agree with you. However, I believe you just noted all the locations that are "cut off" from downtown due to the working rail road tracks correct? If so, they would have to re-route the train tracks for that to happen. A downtown core historically needs to be "walkable" and crossing railroad tracks for the elderly, mothers with strollers and so forth avoid doing so. I think it would be a really up hill battle to expand past those tracks.

[GilesRibshacker]

Well, it appears as though we've gotten off the subject of your situation at hand! I currently live in NC but will be moving to Piney Flats to be closer to family. My advice: BUY! If you can afford $1,000 a month to simply hand over to a landlord, why not buy a home? With the interest rate the way it is, you ought to be able to buy a great house and maintain a mortgage around $1,000. My Father operates about 8 rentals throughout Johnson City, PF and Bristol and has taught me a lot. Please, spend some time with a mortgage specialist and see what you can afford. As a student, you are in a great situation to set yourself up with a nice little nest-egg.

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

I agree with you. However, I believe you just noted all the locations that are "cut off" from downtown due to the working rail road tracks correct? If so, they would have to re-route the train tracks for that to happen. A downtown core historically needs to be "walkable" and crossing railroad tracks for the elderly, mothers with strollers and so forth avoid doing so. I think it would be a really up hill battle to expand past those tracks.

I'm one of those people who LOVES trains so don't see them as a major deterrent. In fact, JC's real development began with the railroads - it's part of downtown's history. We walk across the tracks all the time to the lot where my husband parks. I think money could be better spent elsewhere. I think making better, more logical connections to the Tree Streets, ETSU and then up to the library and beyond would be a great place to start. Years ago some of us had proposed a major tree planting program and better sidewalks as one way to connect these areas. Perhaps some of this IS happening - sort of.. But the RESIDENT approach is really the way to go..POPULATE downtown and the rest will come - as almost happened about five to six years ago. No more bars but maybe one little grocery store would be nice!

[Ripshin]

Just stop tearing down the SIGNIFICANT Mid-Century buildings, JC!!!! I was appalled when several architecturally wonderful doctor's offices were leveled around the old hospital. That great aqua/blue empty office below the library is probably going to go - what a shame and loss.

Trains run through most major cities - I've never seen that as a problem.