As part of the South Knoxville Natural Gas Gate Station and Main Relocation Project, KUB contractor crews will close a section of Tipton Station Road to through traffic through 6 p.m. Friday, March 16. Access to driveways will be maintained.
KUB is installing approximately 5,000 feet of natural-gas main from Chapman Highway to Tipton Station. This will be the first of four road closures for pipeline crossings in the area. Details of upcoming closures will be announced as the project progresses.
For this week’s closure, alternate routes around the work zone include Henry Haynes Road, Pickens Gap Road, Chapman Highway and West Hendron Chapel Road.
Neighborhood Conference
Knoxvillians have only a week left to register online for the 2018 Neighborhood Conference at knoxvilletn.gov. The deadline is noon Tuesday, March 20.
Those without internet access may register by calling 865-215-2113.
The Neighborhood Conference takes place Saturday, March 24, at the Marriott Hotel, 501 E. Hill Ave. (a move from its usual setting at the Knoxville Convention Center).
The free conference is designed to help residents build community in their neighborhoods. There will be workshops on Recode Knoxville, neighborhood improvement projects, and what citizens can do in response to the opioid epidemic and gun-violence crises.
Attendees will be able to network with neighborhood leaders, city and county department heads and elected officials. More than 80 booths will provide information from city and county agencies and a variety of nonprofit organizations.
The conference also offers a free box lunch and the presentation of neighborhood awards by Mayor Madeline Rogero.
Recode Knoxville sets SoKno meeting
South Knoxvillians can find out what the city’s new zoning ordinance, dubbed Recode Knoxville, has in store for SoKno at a community meeting in April. Metropolitan Planning Commission and Office of Neighborhoods representatives will meet with SoKno residents at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike.
A draft of the proposed zoning ordinance, created with community feedback, will be available Wednesday, March 21; the current ordinance hasn’t been updated in about 50 years. MPC also has April meetings set for East (April 2), Northwest (April 19) and West (April 26).
The presentations are geared toward residents and promise to limit technical jargon often used in land use and planning meetings. Most neighborhoods in the city should see some change in their zoning designations.
Open Streets returns
Open Streets Knoxville is returning to SoKno 2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 20.
Though sponsor Bike Walk Knoxville aims to hold its twice-yearly events in alternating parts of town, Open Streets wants to give South Knoxville a second chance. Last autumn’s event was beset by unseasonably cold temperatures and wind.
Sevier Avenue will be closed to vehicles from the bottom of Council Place, winding around to Suttree Landing Park. People of all ages and abilities will be able to walk, ride bikes, hula hoop and much more in a safe and fun setting.
BWK is looking for event sponsors. Registration is open for activity providers and food trucks. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to get involved. Info: openstreetsknoxville.com.