Redevelopment meeting caught on tape; panelists review ‘blight,’ eminent domain’

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 20, 2007 |

On Friday, December 14, the Urban Resource Center sponsored an informational program at the HOPE Center on Legion Street to address issues regarding the recent designation of downtown Clarksville as “blighted and a proposed Clarksville Redevelopment Plan.

A second meeting, sponsored by the Clarksville Property Rights Coalition, was held December 17 at the Train Station. That session drew nearly 300 area residents.

Approximately 50 residents, taxpayers, and homeowners attended that session, which featured the panelists: Nashville Atty. John Summers who currently chairs the Tennessee Historic Preservation Coalition, Dan Brown, Executive Director of the Tennessee Preservation Trust, Civil Rights activist and advocate Jimmie Garland Sr. (at right) who is currently serving as President of the Clarksville branch of the NAACP, and author and Human Relations Commissioner David Shelton. Ward 6 Councilor Marc Harris was scheduled to be on this panel but failed to appear. The panelists discussed the issue of eminent domain and the scope of the proposed redevelopment.

Mark Haynes videotaped the HOPE Center meeting in full, and we now present that tape in its entirety to our readers.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9109126291634962497

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Exit 1 growth explosion continues: Cheeseburgers, Ice Cream and O’Connor’s woo neighbors

By David W. Shelton | December 20, 2007 |

Residents who live near Exit 1 in Clarksville have seen a level of growth in the number of homes and businesses which begs the question, “how did THAT happen?” Congestion has given way to newly widened and repaved roads, along with the opening of Tiny Town Road’s improvements. A stop light has been added to the west bound exit of I-24, which is a breath of fresh air to motorists who have struggled with the intersection. If nothing else, these road improvements are a clear indicator of major developments in the area.

However, one doesn’t have to look very far to see this development. This month, Cheeseburger Charley’s and Cold Stone Creamery opened brand new locations with a grand opening that drew hundreds on a cold, wet Saturday. The stores are located in a strip mall in an outlot of the Great Escape Theatre at the corner of Tiny Town Road and Trenton Road. Construction has begun on what is rumored to be a new Walgreen’s store. O’Connor’s, a new Irish pub & grill, will open at the intersection of Tylertown Road and Trenton Road later this month. «Read the rest of this article»

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