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The Neighborly Notice
Vol. 17, No. 6 – Tuesday, February 13, 2024
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Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, we report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 865-215-3232. News deadline: 12 noon on Fridays.
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2024-02-13
1. SKNBC and SKA Host Candidate Meet and Greet Event
2. Neighborhood Advisory Council Meet Wednesday
3. NSGP Pre-Application Workshops – Register Now!
4. Improve Health Outcomes – Participate in the Healthy Knoxville Program!
5. Historic Zoning Commission Meets This Week
6. Board of Zoning Appeals Meets Next Tuesday
7. City Council Holds Workshop
8. Learn More About Tennessee Pipelines
9. League of Women Voters to Host Candidate Forum
10. Early Voting Begins Tomorrow
11. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday (First day of Lent)
12. Presidents’ Day is Feb. 19
13. BHM Knoxville Excellence: Bianca Belair
14. Knoxville
Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
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Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, we report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 865-215-3232. News deadline: 12 noon on Fridays.
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleNeighborhoods
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1. SKNBC and SKA Host Candidate Meet and Greet Event
The
South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition (SKNBC) and
South Knoxville Alliance (SKA) will be hosting a Candidate Meet and Greet on Monday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. in the community room of the South High Senior Living Center, 835 Tipton Ave. All are welcome to join this free event.
Knox County voters will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the candidates that will be on the ballot for the Knox County primary elections. Candidates for the following positions have been invited to meet constituents and share their ideas and
vision for Knox County:
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District 9 Commission
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Property Assessor
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Law Director
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District 6 Criminal Court Judge Division II
Early voting begins Wednesday, Feb. 14, and Election Day is Tuesday, March 5. For more information about this upcoming election, visit
KnoxVotes.org.
2. Neighborhood Advisory Council Meets Wednesday
The
Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 4:30 p.m. in the Large Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
The group will participate in fun activities to get to know one another better since there are new members serving on the council. All are welcome to attend. For more information or if you have questions, contact Debbie Sharp at 215-4382 or
dsh...@knoxvilletn.gov.
The NAC members are appointed by the Mayor to:
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Give advice and feedback on the programs and policies of the Office of Neighborhoods;
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Bring neighborhood issues and concerns to the attention of the Mayor and City Administration;
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Propose to the Administration responses and solutions to address these concerns; and
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Serve as a sounding board for City initiatives and proposals affecting neighborhoods.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access
to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov
or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at
sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
3. NSGP Pre-Application Workshops – Register Now!
The
Neighborhood Small Grants Program (NTSP) strengthens neighborhoods in the City of Knoxville by supporting a wide range of community-based initiatives through grants and technical assistance. Registration is now open for
the Mandatory Grant Workshops, which will take place:
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Pre-Application Workshop A – 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024 (Zoom)
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Pre-Application Workshop B – 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2024 (In person)
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Pre-Application Workshop C – 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 (Zoom)
To register, please contact Hayley Howard at
hho...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2113.
To be eligible to apply, your neighborhood group must send a representative to one of the mandatory grant workshops in order to qualify for a grant submission. This representative must be the primary contact for the application if the group chooses to apply
for the program.
The City of Knoxville has approximately $20,000 available under the NSGP to be awarded in early 2025 for projects carried out in calendar year 2025. Awards to support one-year projects can range from $500 to $5,000, or $6,500 if partnering with another neighborhood,
public school, umbrella neighborhood group, or non-profit. To be awarded $6,500, the applicant must have previously participated in the NSGP and turned in all required paperwork/documentation on time. Yes, the award amounts have increased this year!
Need some inspiration for a project? Check out the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment’s
Placemaking Guide.
4. Improve Health Outcomes – Participate in the Healthy Knoxville Program!
The
Healthy Knoxville Program (HKP) is designed to strengthen neighborhoods in the City of Knoxville by supporting a wide range of community-based initiatives focused on health and wellbeing.
The HKP’s goals are to increase healthy outcomes for neighbors by planning activities in 3 of the following 4 categories:
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Physical Activities/Utilizing Outdoor Spaces
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Nutrition/Healthy Food Access
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Tobacco/Vaping Cessation
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Mental Health and Wellness
Your group sets your timeline based on what you want to achieve. At the end of the year, the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) will ask for your documentation by Jan. 31, 2025. Based on your accomplishments, you will be awarded a Bronze, Silver, Gold,
or Platinum score. These awards will be presented at the Neighborhood Awards Dinner in the spring of 2025. Each neighborhood will receive a sign that says Healthy Knoxville and the neighborhoods’ achieved level (of bronze, silver, gold, or platinum).
Neighborhood groups, which are recognized by the ONE, wishing to participate in this program should contact Hayley Howard at
hho...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2113 to get started.
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5. Historic Zoning Commission Meets This Week
The
Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) is meeting this Thursday, Feb. 15, at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
Several certificates of appropriateness are on the agenda to be considered during Thursday’s meeting. Those certificates of appropriateness are for the following properties:
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1728 Jefferson Ave.
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1302 Luttrell St.
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1726 Forest Ave.
Neighbors can learn more about each case by visiting the Knoxville Knox County Planning
website.
The HZC works with developers to encourage the preservation of historic sites and areas and to integrate historic facilities into other plans. The commission reviews applications for building permits for construction or demolition within a designated historic
zone. The commission also acts as an advocate for changes in various state, local and federal laws that affect historic sites.
6. Board of Zoning Appeals Meets Next Tuesday
The
Board of Zoning Appeals will meet next Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Conference Room 461, 4th Floor, of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
The Board will consider variance requests at the following addresses:
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2807 Washington Pike
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806 Scenic Dr.
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5628 Lyons View Pike
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1547 Clinch Ave.
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3115 Pacific St.
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6716 Sherwood Dr.
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1775/1763/1787 Virginia Ave., 1790/1814 Vermont Ave.
Please see the
agenda for more details.
The meeting is in person, however, if you would like to attend via Zoom, you can request a link from Jen Scobee at
jsc...@knoxvilentn.gov. You will need to make this request no later than 12 noon, the day of the meeting.
If you wish to speak on a property, please write your name on the sign-in sheet as you walk in. If you would like to be advised of appeals on an item, please be sure to fill out the Appeals sign-up sheet that will also be on the table.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary
aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at
least 72 hours before the meeting.
7. City Council Holds Workshop
Knoxville’s
City Council will hold a workshop on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
The workshop will provide an overview of the City of Knoxville’s progress on developing levers to address Knoxville’s burgeoning need for housing. Presentations will include updates from several City departments and partners in this work. The media and public
are welcome to attend.
To learn more about this workshop, check the City Council
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8. Learn More About Tennessee Pipelines
Pipelines move refined fuels like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel and jet fuel in pipelines under the ground to our local area. There are over 2.8 million miles of pipeline and these near-invisible transportation systems operate continuously. They are the most
efficient and cost-effective method for moving large quantities of fuel to maintain the nation’s energy needs.
Although pipeline incidents are rare, they can occur.
Follow these tips to make sure our community is “pipeline smart” in almost any situation:
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Locate the pipelines in your area: because the pipelines are underground, they should be marked by above ground posts.
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Recognize the warning signs of a leak: look for oily patch on ground, rainbow film on water, and spots of dead vegetation.
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Know how to respond: if you see signs of a leak, turn off any equipment, move upwind, and contact an emergency responder away from suspected area. That can be 911 or you can call KUB at 865-524-2911.
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Update your community plans: take preventive measures prior to pipeline incidents by working with our local emergency responders on potential evacuation routes and create a drill with your family and neighbors of scenarios that could happen in the event of
a leak.
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Call 811 before you dig: one-third of major pipeline accidents are caused by excavation damage. Tennessee state law requires anyone that digs to call 811. For more information, visit
Tennessee 811 website.
Following these tips will help our community stay informed and recognize when there is a need for help.
For more information on our state’s pipelines, visit
Tennessee Pipeline Awareness.
9. League of Women Voters to Host Candidate Forum
The
League of Women Voters of Knoxville and Knox County is sponsoring a candidate forum with its partners on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6:30–8 p.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike.
Candidates have been invited for Knox County Commission Districts 4, 5, and 9.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
For more information, please contact Kathryn King at 865-621-9179.
10. Early Voting Begins Tomorrow
Presidential Preference and Knox County Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 5, but residents can vote early starting tomorrow, Feb. 14, through Tuesday, Feb. 27. During early voting, you may go to any of the polling sites.
All information about voting in Knox County, including polling locations, voting hours, and candidate lists can be found at the
Knox County Election Commission website.
Those who would like to request an absentee mail-in ballot need to do so at the above website by Tuesday, Feb. 27.
The Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) is held on the first Tuesday in March every four years (2024, 2028, etc.) The Knox County Primary election in these years is held in conjunction with the PPP.
Offices on the ballot:
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Republican Nominee, President
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Republican Delegates at-Large
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Delegates, 2nd Congressional District
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Democratic Nominee, President
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Criminal Court Judge Division II District 6
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County Commission, District 1
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County Commission, District 2
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County Commission, District 4
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County Commission, District 5
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County Commission, District 6
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County Commission, District 8
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County Commission, District 9
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Assessor of Property
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County Law Director
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Board of Education District 2
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Board of Education District 3
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Board of Education District 5
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Board of Education District 8
See you at the polls!
11. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday (First day of Lent)
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. For the following 40 days, there will be a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for many Western Christian denominations.
Some denominations that observe this holiday are Catholics, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, Methodists, Nazarenes, as well as some churches in the Reformed tradition including some Congregationalists, Presbyterians, etc.
For these religions, Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God. Ashes are ceremonially placed on the head, either by being sprinkled over the head or by being marked on their foreheads with a visible cross.
It marks the first day of Lent, which is the six weeks of penitence before Easter.
Lent is a time of fasting and abstinence, also known as the Lenten sacrifice. During this time, folks may give up watching television, eating sugar, etc. Do you plan to give anything up for Lent?
Wishing everyone a Happy Ash Wednesday.
12. Presidents’ Day is Feb. 19
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February each year in honor of all those who served as president of the United States. The holiday falls between the birthdays of George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12).
Presidents’ Day first became a federal holiday in 1879. It has been a tradition for the United States Senate to read Washington’s Farewell address on Presidents’ Day.
Federal and County offices will close in observance with Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 19. The City of Knoxville, including the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, will remain open.
13. BHM Knoxville Excellence: Bianca Belair
For Black History Month, we highlight one of Knoxville’s own,
Bianca Belair, born Bianca Blair, who is an American professional wrestler and fitness and figure competitor. She is a native of Knoxville that attended Austin-East Magnet High School, where she succeeded in many sports
such as track and field.
Blair then had a collegiate track career that saw her excel at three universities. She attended the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M University before coming back home to Knoxville to complete her college career at the University of Tennessee, where
she became All-SEC and All-American.
Blair is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the SmackDown. She calls herself the “EST of WWE”, the strongest, fastest, quickest and toughest in the ring. She is one of two women to win at a WrestleMania main event,
which is the equivalent to the Super Bowl of wrestling and has a 420-day reign as Raw Women's Champion.
She is also starring in a new reality show with her husband Montez Ford on Hulu. “Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez” is a funny and exciting peek into the personal lives of one of WWE’s most prominent married couples.
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14. Knoxville
Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
Call 865-215-3232 to include your neighborhood event or meeting in
this Google calendar.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary
aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov
or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at
sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
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Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website
here. |
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