Are you asking about the south waterfront position, or a possible downtown position?

Regarding the question, "What is happening with the South Waterfront", I can reply:

Just like every other development sector in Knoxville and Knox County, the economic downturn has slowed or even stopped redevelopment and investment interest in new privately funded projects. This doesn't mean, however, that we are prevented from continuing to make progress. A common problem encountered in most waterfront redevelopment efforts nationwide is the environmental condition of shoreline properties, necessitating assessments and remediation plans that take a long time to sort out with state and federal agencies. In addition, multi-jurisdictional permits have to be obtained, and we have dealt with TVA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, TDEC, TDOT, FHWA, the Coast Guard and others, which again requires more time for review and approval of projects than would be encountered elsewhere in the city.

So while we wait for market demand to renew investment interest and for financial institutions to reexamine their willingness to lend and take risk, the South Waterfront effort could be characterized as being in a "preparation mode." An EPA grant project is about to begin that will conduct a South Waterfront-wide environnmental assessment process that will identify likely problem properties and develop remediation plans for owners who voluntarily participate in the program. A Brownfield Agreement has just been completed with the help of TDEC for the riverfront park just south of Langford Avenue, and will be presented to City Council in the coming weeks for approval. This agreement will limit the City's liability for environmental concerns provided we follow a pre-determined course of action for park construction and public use. We also expect to start the consultant selection process in the near future for the design and engineering of the pedestrian / bicycle bridge connecting the Scottish Pile area to the University of TN campus. This project is expected to take 2-3 years just to complete the environmental review process and obtain necessary permits.

One project not in "preparation mode" is the Cityview condo project. While Denark Construction sorks to complete the residential units, reconstruction of Blount Avenue will soon start (and will cause some detour inconveniences), and Merit Construction was recently awarded the contract to complete the riverwalk and side streets surrounding the Cityview property.

Sooner or later, private development interest will reemerge on the South Waterfront. We will continue to aggressively pursue projects that will help to eliminate future delays. We continue to try to make periodic progress reports, and any reports or agreements reached will be posted on the South Waterfront website at www.cityofknoxville.org/southwaterfront.

Dave Hill