Much of this material was also placed on the Blab. I think the KnoxViews readership shares much concern with the evolution of Downtown so I would ask for your indulgence.

As many know, the 200 block of Gay St. is now blocked as the first phase of the 100 Block Construction project. This is a major project to fix failed infrastructure, especially the bridge holding up the sidewalks in front of the buildings. Rick Emmett has been assigned as the contact person and laison among the city, the contractor, and the residents, building owners, and retail business operators. We have set a web page that provides a lot of information about this project.

(link...) and a blog so we can keep folks appraised of situations as they occur. (link...)

Unfortunately, the problem with almost century-old infrastructure is that one never knows what one will find when digging commences. We have had numerous meetings with all stakeholders in re: design and know that we will have a great block when we get done, but the omelette / egg-breaking relationship unfortunately holds and we have some businesses that we simply must support through this. In addition we want to make sure the Arts Alliance space and the residents are not inconvenienced any more than necessary. We are meeting regularly with each of them, including a great lunch some us enjoyed at Little Havana, recently opened just south of Nama, a great downtown landmark that merits your continued support as well.