4 Comments to 'Big change for Knoxville’s Mission District'
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Big change for Knoxville’s Mission District
Posted By katie allison granju
According to Bob Whetsel, Knox Area Rescue Ministries Director Burt Rosen today posted this message on the 5th & Broadway Yahoo group:
Burt Rosen August 4, 2008
Dear 5th and Broadway Neighbors,
Having listened to your concerns and feedback with regard to the
number of people on Broadway in front of KARM and the Salvation Army,
we have been looking for a way to address the issue and help
alleviate the problem.
Toward that end, KARM will be making a change that we believe offers
a short-term solution while those of us working on the 10 Year Plan
to End Chronic Homelessness continue to work on the longer term
issues.
Beginning sometime in September the parking lot on the south side of
our building-closest to the interstate-will be slightly reconfigured
to create an outdoor sitting area, giving people an option other than
the street. There will also be some limited indoor space with
restrooms.
The space will be located at the far rear of the lot (closest to Gay
Street) and is at ground level to Broadway, and well below level at
Gay Street. This will not take away any of our existing parking and
will not impact off-street parking for deliveries, etc.
The intent here is to:
* create an alternative to sitting on the sidewalks.
* reduce the number of people on Broadway.
* offer law enforcement a choice to folks on the street other
than “move along”, citations, etc.
* create an environment that we can control while intentionally and
purposefully engaging people so we move them on a path out of their
situation.
While the primary purpose of this note is to let you know that we
hear you and are taking action, I also want to invite your comments
and suggestions. But please don’t stop there. Let me know how it’s
working.
Sincerely,
Burt Rosen
KARM
673.6561
brosen@karm.org
This seems like an obvious and very good idea for all parties: the homeless folks who have no place to sit down in the shade or use a restroom, law enforcement, and the neighborhood residents who own homes and businesses nearby.
Your thoughts?
Aug 5th, 2008
I think (hope) this will be an improvement.
I, too, hope this will be an improvement as the current sidewalk useage is not only unsightly but a depressing entrance/exit from our North Knoxville neighborhoods. Now, if we could just get people to use the crosswalks instead of darting into traffic or milling around the center of Broadway….and somehow create an emergency only lane for the police and other first responders so one lane is not always blocked…
Great idea two more… I know funds are tight maybe a grant or some kind citizen security camerasat the location would help in cutting down on people who prey on the homeless , and instead of a croswalk a flyover to get across the street….. maybe work with the city concil on this issue
Spanky
Yes…this is a step in the right direction and a welcome one.