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Publication Date: Tuesday, March 02, 2010
The Board of Directors of Townview Towers Affordable Housing Corporation (the "Board") will hold a specially called meeting on March 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., at Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, 901 N. Broadway, Knoxville, Tennessee. There will be considered at such meeting such business as may properly come before the Board including, but not limited to, giving approval to (a) the Bylaws of Townview Towers Affordable Housing Corporation; and (b) the election of officers of Townview Towers Affordable Housing Corporation. This Notice is published in compliance with Sections 8-44-101 to 8-44-106, inclusive, Tennessee Code Annotated.
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Publication Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Knoxville Landings, LLC, told the KCDC Board today that a new luxury apartment community located alongside the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville will begin construction in April. The project is the final phase of Volunteer Landing development.
KCDC previously approved the project and heard a final report today. KCDC provided design review and oversight through its development team staff and Executive Director and CEO Alvin Nance.
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Publication Date: Monday, December 21, 2009
I love sharing stories with family and friends over the holidays.
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Publication Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Knoxville is alive with holiday spirit. As I am out and about in the community, my spirits are lifted by the sights and sounds of the season.
Driving at night is a feast for the eyes thanks to the lighted Christmas trees that adorn the rooftops of buildings throughout the area. KCDC is proud to have trees on three of our high rise properties – Northgate Terrace, Isabella Towers and Cagle Terrace.
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Publication Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Lonsdale has a long and interesting history, dating back to 1890 when Will Ragsdale decided to turn his family's 240-acre farm into a community.
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Publication Date: Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I recently had the privilege of lending a hand to the 5th Annual Resident Appreciation Luncheon at Guy B. Love Towers.
Love Towers consists of two seven-story apartment buildings located in North Knoxville one block off of Broadway. One building is designated for seniors only, and the other is available for disabled, elderly and near-elderly individuals.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 23, 2009
On Feb. 13, 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 02, 2009
Many expectant parents spend countless hours poring over books with baby names to choose the perfect name for their child. I know my wife and I put a lot of thought into naming our children.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 19, 2009
It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since KCDC joined with civic and community leaders to work on revitalizing the Mechanicsville community.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 05, 2009
This year’s United Way campaign, already well underway, includes a lot of new opportunities to get involved and support the cause.
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Publication Date: Monday, September 28, 2009
With all the rain we’ve been having in Knoxville lately, it seems we all could use a bigger umbrella. The umbrella I’m talking about today, however, is with regard to public housing.
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Publication Date: Monday, September 21, 2009
Many East Knoxville residents remember fondly their years at Eastport Elementary School, a school that faithfully served the community for many years.
I am happy to report that KCDC has acquired the property, and we’ve budgeted more than $3 million to restore the facility and help it once again serve the community that holds it dear.
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Publication Date: Monday, September 07, 2009
Learn Now! is an initiative of Friends of Literacy, a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the delivery of free, high-quality literacy and related services to adults in Knox County who are inadequately prepared for the challenges of daily life.
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Publication Date: Monday, August 31, 2009
Having a new pair of shoes and new school supplies for the first day of school may not seem like a big deal to many of us. For far too many children, however, they are luxuries their families simply can’t afford.
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Publication Date: Monday, August 24, 2009
For 26 years now, communities have celebrated National Night Out, a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.
National Night Out is designed to:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
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Publication Date: Monday, August 17, 2009
KCDC has a long history with the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, going all the way back to 1982 when we partnered with them to open the first club in a KCDC neighborhood.
Today, four clubs are located in KCDC communities: Christenberry Heights, Western Heights, Montgomery Village and Walter P. Taylor Homes.
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Publication Date: Monday, August 10, 2009
Our residents are enthusiastically working together to build their community. Members of our Isabella Towers resident association – president Robert White, vice president Jackie Campbell, treasurer Sue French, secretary Hazel Hall and assistant secretary Brenda Cox – head up the efforts.
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Publication Date: Thursday, August 06, 2009
The National Night Out community celebration held at Christenberry Heights, a KCDC premier property in North Knoxville, featured refreshments; games; music; representatives from the Knoxville Police Department and Knoxville Fire Department; and booths from area organizations, including KCDC, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Lost Sheep Ministry, Amachi Knoxville, Christenberry Elementary School and Shoney’s KidCare. Additional festivities planned were called off due to rain.
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Publication Date: Monday, August 03, 2009
Quality education changes lives; educated citizens change communities. As head of KCDC, I’m very aware that strong educational systems build strong communities.
For some members of our community, attending college seems like an unreachable goal – something for “other folks but not for me.”
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Publication Date: Monday, July 27, 2009
The Manor, located on the second and third floors at Northgate Terrace, 4301 Whittle Spring Road, is an independent living center operated by KCDC. It provides a private apartment setting for individuals 60 years or older experiencing problems associated with the aging process.
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Publication Date: Monday, July 20, 2009
KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency.
By approving tax-increment financing (TIF) for Dewhirst Properties’ renovation of the Daylight Building, we are meeting that mission.
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Publication Date: Monday, July 13, 2009
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years in management, it’s that good employees are vital to the success of any organization.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of presenting service pins to some of KCDC’s longtime employees. It was a real boost to my spirits to honor these employees and to see that KCDC is doing a good job of retaining some top-notch people.
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Publication Date: Monday, July 06, 2009
Having just celebrated the Fourth of July holiday, we are officially entering the “dog days of summer.”
Speaking of dogs, our friends at Young-Williams Animal Center report that they’re bursting at the seams with dogs - and cats and other pets - waiting for adoption. The center can hold about 450 animals, and right now it’s at full capacity.
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Publication Date: Monday, June 15, 2009
KCDC is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, all appointed by the mayor of the city of Knoxville. Our Board does a fantastic job, and I appreciate their leadership.
We held officer elections at our most recent board meeting; and, as always, we have some topnotch people at the helm.
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Publication Date: Friday, June 12, 2009
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) recently named Angie Grossenbacher as senior accountant in the Finance and Administration Department.
Before joining KCDC, Grossenbacher served as an accountant and business manager for the last four years of her 10-year career at Purdue University. She graduated from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, in 1996.
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Publication Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) recently named Robert Coggins as controller in the Finance and Administration Department.
Before joining KCDC, Coggins served for seven years as the assistant director of the Goldsboro Housing Authority in Goldsboro, N.C. He received a degree in accounting from Mississippi State University in 1975 and is a licensed general contractor
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Publication Date: Monday, June 08, 2009
Often, pursuing artistic endeavors is considered a path only open to the more affluent in our society. Today, I’d like to salute the Community School of the Arts for helping break that barrier.
The school offers instruction by professional, part-time faculty who work individually with students in piano, violin, wind instruments, and voice, and hold group classes in the visual arts and dance.
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Publication Date: Friday, June 05, 2009
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) at its annual board meeting in May announced the appointment of new board officers.
Juanita Cannon, a retired educator and principal with more than 40 years experience with Knox County Schools, was elected chairman of KCDC’s board of commissioners. Cannon most recently held the vice chairman position. She replaces Craig Griffith, public relations manager for Mercy Health Partners and board member since 2003. Griffith will continue to serve on the board.
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Publication Date: Monday, June 01, 2009
KCDC has been very involved in the redevelopment of Market Square, and I am quite pleased to see how it has been transformed into a vibrant, enjoyable gathering place for the Knoxville community.
With the opening of 4 Market Square, Knoxville’s downtown has even more to offer. The 4 Market Square Café is a casual coffeehouse restaurant with excellent fare, and its adjacent Square Room is a 300-seat acoustically designed auditorium that hosts live music, lectures and Sunday church services.
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Publication Date: Monday, May 25, 2009
At KCDC, we have some amazing employees with the kind of volunteer spirit that makes a boss proud.
One of those employees is Eric Bellamy, a Halls resident and member of Black Oak Heights Baptist Church. This summer, Eric, his wife and teenage daughter will be joining a team of more than 30 people on a medical mission trip to Managua, Nicaragua.
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Publication Date: Monday, May 18, 2009
Over the past three years, KCDC has talked with residents of Walter P. Taylor Homes and members of the Five Points community about our commitment to revitalize the area. We’ve also shared our plans with elected officials.
I am happy to report that Mayor Bill Haslam recently announced that the city of Knoxville has included $800,000 in next year’s budget to begin the process of seeking federal HOPE VI funds to go forward on this exciting project.
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Publication Date: Monday, May 11, 2009
KCDC’s mission is to provide quality, affordable housing for families in the Knoxville community.
That’s why April 27 was a special day for us. On that day, Debbie Crowder of SunTrust Bank presented to KCDC a $400,000 Affordable Housing Program grant awarded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, of which SunTrust Bank is a member.
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Publication Date: Monday, May 04, 2009
Today marks the kick-off of Teacher Appreciation Week, and I hope that you will join me in thanking our teachers for their service to our community.
Professionally, I am acutely aware of the integral tie between strong economic development and a strong educational system. On a personal level, I truly appreciate the many teachers who helped get me where I am today and those who helped my son, A.J., reach his full potential.
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Publication Date: Monday, April 27, 2009
As vice chairman of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important information to anyone struggling to make mortgage payments or already facing a potential foreclosure.
First, prompt action is vital. As soon as you see a problem, contact the company that made the mortgage with you. They may be able to provide options to make your mortgage more affordable. It’s better to contact them before you miss any payments.
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Publication Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
It’s hard to believe that this year’s Dogwood Arts Festival is already coming to a close. I hope you have enjoyed the trails, gardens, art exhibits and festivities.
The evening of April 24 offers a chance for the community to visit downtown Knoxville and bid a fond farewell to another successful festival.
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Publication Date: Monday, April 13, 2009
Spring is here, and all across town people are digging in – into their gardens, that is. This year more people than ever are planning to grow their own produce in an effort to save money.
With support of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC), many low income people in our area are getting much needed help with their gardens. The CAC Green Thumb Program provides free seed and fertilizer, a gift that can reap an estimated $300 to $600 worth of produce.
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Publication Date: Monday, March 30, 2009
Spring in Knoxville brings the dogwood blossoms and the annual Dogwood Arts Festival. Maureen Bosch and I are co-chairs of the festival this year, and we are seeing first hand that wonderful volunteer spirit we are so well known for in Knoxville.
The Dogwood Arts Festival operates mostly with volunteers. And it takes plenty. For each of the past 48 years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed to the success of this celebration that showcases the cultural and natural beauty of our community. In previous years the festival was a two-week event. This year’s festival has been extended through the entire month of April, so the need for volunteers has increased.
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Publication Date: Monday, March 23, 2009
Mobile Meals is an excellent program operated through the CAC Office on Aging. It provides lunch meals, five days a week and holidays, to Knoxville and Knox County citizens who are at least 60 years old, cannot cook for themselves and have no one to prepare meals for them.
Mobile Meals serves nearly 1,000 seniors a day. Many of those seniors live in KCDC housing, and I truly appreciate what this program does for our residents.
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Publication Date: Monday, March 16, 2009
Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, a day when green takes center stage. Today I’d like to talk about a different kind of green, the green that refers to helping the environment.
Nearly a year ago, KCDC installed energy-conservation measures in all KCDC public housing developments and in our offices. Changes included things like energy-efficient upgrades to refrigerators, lighting, toilets, HVAC systems, temperature controls, washers and windows.
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Publication Date: Monday, March 09, 2009
News about income tax is rarely upbeat. Today I’m happy to share some good news about tax dollars finding their way home to Knoxville.
In late December I encouraged folks to take advantage of the IRS earned income tax credit, a refundable credit for low-income taxpayers who work. I’m pleased to report that many people are heeding my good advice.
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Publication Date: Monday, February 23, 2009
As businesses and individuals struggle in this tough economy, MEDIC Regional Blood Center is struggling to find blood donors.
About 40 percent of MEDIC’s blood supply is collected on-site at company blood drives, which have been reduced due to local companies going out of business. And layoffs have reduced the number of donors.
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Publication Date: Monday, February 16, 2009
Today is Feb. 16, President’s Day. It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly four weeks since our new president was inaugurated into office.
Juanita Cannon, a KCDC board member, was one of several Knoxville residents fortunate enough to attend President Obama’s inauguration in person. She joined a crowd estimated at more than a million people, people who joined together in the frigid cold to share in the historic moment when Barack Obama became the 44th president and the first African-American elected to the post.
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Publication Date: Monday, February 09, 2009
As head of KCDC, I hear from a lot of folks who are concerned about surviving these trying economic times. I believe we will all do well to remember that it isn’t so much about employing groundbreaking new strategies, but practicing tried and true principles, like these:
Repair instead of replace. Keep those leather shoes that lost their luster out of the landfill and on your feet by taking them by a local shoe repair shop. This same strategy can be applied to big ticket items like cars and electronics. It not only saves money but also helps the environment.
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Publication Date: Monday, February 02, 2009
Today is Groundhog Day, the day that Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow to predict the weather for the rest of the winter. If you’re like me, you’ve got your fingers crossed that he predicts an early spring.
We’ve sure had a tough winter so far, and I’m afraid that despite what Phil predicts, we’re probably in for quite a few more frigid days and nights.
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Publication Date: Monday, January 26, 2009
With help from Habitat for Humanity, sponsors and about 1,000 community volunteers, seven families will soon experience the thrill of homeownership for the first time.
On Saturday, April 18, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity will launch its seven-houses-in-seven-days blitz build. During the week, volunteers will build seven homes from the ground up in the Mechanicsville Commons (HOPE VI) neighborhood.
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Publication Date: Monday, January 19, 2009
The holidays usually include many family get-togethers and an opportunity for us to visit with older relatives and friends we may not see as often as we’d like.
You may have spent time with an aging relative, neighbor or friend from church who doesn’t seem quite on top of things like they used to be. Perhaps their house is a little rundown, they have a few bumps and bruises, or they just don’t seem as alert as usual. Whatever the case, you find yourself concerned about their wellbeing.
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Publication Date: Monday, January 12, 2009
This week I would like to take time to bid a fond farewell to Tobertha Jackson, a fine lady who has been an important part of KCDC for the past 20 years.
Tobertha retired as customer relations coordinator, a post she held since 1999. Prior to that, she held various positions at most of our properties and remembers fondly her times at all of them.
Tobertha – who came to KCDC from New York City - says that Western Heights is where she learned to love pinto beans, fried green tomatoes and corn bread. Glad we were able to teach her a thing or two about true southern cuisine!
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Publication Date: Monday, January 05, 2009
At KCDC, we recognize the value of a household pet – a dog or cat can sure bring some fine companionship. That’s why families in KCDC’s affordable housing are allowed to have one approved inside pet.
While we allow our residents to have a pet, we also require that they have their pet spayed or neutered, which can be expensive. That’s why I’m excited to announce a partnership between KCDC and Young-Williams Animal Center - funded by the Aslan Foundation and the Lucille S. Thompson Family Foundation - that provides free spaying and neutering for pets owned by KCDC residents. The program also provides free rabies vaccines and microchips. What a deal!
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Publication Date: Monday, December 22, 2008
The ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County is part of a national movement to end long-term or chronic homelessness. The plan offers a long-range, comprehensive approach to help homeless people gain stability in permanent, supportive housing.
As a member of the ten-year plan task force, I have the privilege of seeing a lot of positive results from this initiative. As head of KCDC, I can report firsthand on one change that is making a big difference.
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Publication Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Yes, I know. It’s only the 29th of December, and you’d probably rather not think about taxes just yet.
I’m going to talk about taxes anyway, because I want to reach people as early as possible with information that can put money in their pockets and back into our local economy.
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Publication Date: Monday, December 15, 2008
At KCDC, we’re working to have a work environment that includes being active and healthy. Studies have shown that company health plans reduce absenteeism due to sickness and increase productivity.
Our employees have embraced that mission, and the results are starting to show. They’re trimming down and have a new bounce to their step. They’re even keeping track of those steps.
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Publication Date: Monday, December 01, 2008
The KCDC Community Involvement Committee is an employee-run volunteer committee that represents KCDC through activities that favorably impact KCDC housing residents and surrounding neighborhoods.
The committee is an active group. They, along with other KCDC employee volunteers, do a lot of positive things for our residents and the community.
Most recently, the committee assembled eight bountiful Thanksgiving baskets, one for each of our eight properties. They stocked the baskets with food items donated by KCDC employees.
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Publication Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation's executive staff, management at Love Towers and KCDC employees hosted and served lunch to residents of Guy B. Love Towers at the fifth annual Love Towers Resident Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 21.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 24, 2008
Art Cate, our chief operating officer, recently traveled to Denver for an annual conference of housing authority agencies from cities throughout the country. At the conference, Emphasys Software presented its first-ever Pioneer Award to Art and KCDC.
Emphasys Software is the largest full-service software provider to the public housing, housing finance and redevelopment marketplace. It serves hundreds of agencies throughout North America.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 17, 2008
Temperatures have really tumbled lately, and I’ve sure been glad to have a warm coat while braving the elements.
But, as we bundle up to watch a football game, take a stroll downtown or just to run from the car to the house, we need to stop and remember those who can’t afford a warm coat this season.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 10, 2008
This year, KCDC Resident Services and Project GRAD Knoxville began working together on the Neighboring Project, a new and innovative program involving public housing residents.
Participants of the program earn community service hours -- a requirement for many public housing residents -- while preparing to become volunteers in their children’s schools. They attend weekly workshops focused on becoming more involved in their children’s education and their community.
During the sessions, presenters inspire and challenge the participants to define their family dreams and goals and to identify ways to achieve them. One of the main themes of the sessions has been that working together as a community helps build strong families.
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Publication Date: Monday, November 03, 2008
As chair of the Chehote District of the Boy Scouts of America, Great Smoky Mountain Council, I am honored to be involved in work that is helping build future leaders.
Just last week I had the privilege of attending a “Boys to Bobcat Graduation Ceremony” for the Chehote Champions. It was a special night that included a room full of fine young boys and proud parents.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 27, 2008
More than 35 KCDC employees recently took part in training that may save a life someday. These individuals obtained or renewed their American Red Cross first aid and CPR certifications.
During the training, our offices looked more like an emergency room than a housing and redevelopment agency. Watching this kind of training in our own offices made it really hit home how important it is for our people to have this knowledge.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 20, 2008
If you’re like me, you find yourself traveling I-640 a lot more often now that the Department of Transportation’s “SmartFix” project is underway.
The next time you’re traveling the stretch of I-640 between I-75 and Broadway, take a look at the major renovations taking place in the Christenberry Heights neighborhood. We think you’ll like what you see.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 13, 2008
Putting together this column each week has given me a newfound appreciation for the written word. With that in mind, I’d like to congratulate Kristie Toby, occupancy manager at Cagle Terrace, for her award-winning work on the “Talk on the Terrace” newsletter.
Each quarter, Kristie puts together a newsletter for Cagle Terrace residents. The newsletter recently won first place in a statewide contest among 16 public housing agencies. Kristie devotes much time and attention to the newsletter, and she certainly deserves the honor.
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Publication Date: Monday, October 06, 2008
This week, I’d like to share a little bit about the Mechanicsville community.
Mechanicsville held its third annual homecoming celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Danny Mayfield Park. The park was overflowing with current and former Mechanicsville residents, and the mood was upbeat as everyone enjoyed delicious food, special programs (the talent show was a real crowd-pleaser) and socializing with friends and neighbors.
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Publication Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
Are you enjoying the hint of fall in the air as much as I am? I’ll bet spring seems a long way off. But, spring 2009 – and with it the 49th annual Dogwood Arts Festival – will be here before we know it.
I am honored to be co-chairing the 2009 Dogwood Arts Festival with Maureen Bosch. Maureen and I, along with the entire Dogwood Arts team, are already hard at work planning the festival.
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