Mechanicsville Homecoming

Published: 10/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

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.

Alvin Nance, Executive Director and CEO, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

Mechanicsville Homecoming

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.

I was particularly pleased to hear of the many positive comments homecoming guests had to say about the renovations that KCDC has made to the area - $46 million worth – made possible with funding through Hope VI and a variety of other funding sources.

People said things like, “The improvements made an incredible change in the community. They give residents a real sense of pride.”

“Mechanicsville has had its ups and downs, but this is definitely an ‘up’ period.”

“It’s very uplifting to see these changes. When I lived here, this was the housing projects.”

Earlier in the week, Mount Moriah FBH Church celebrated its 100th year of existence. All of those years have been in the Mechanicsville Community.

Mechanicsville is certainly a “transformation” worth celebrating. We look forward to visiting with folks at next year’s fourth annual homecoming celebration.

KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call (865) 403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.