KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For the second time, the Knoxville City Council has postponed a vote to sell part of Chilhowee Park amid concerns about the proposal and the demands for greater transparency.
Councilmembers voted on Tuesday to delay the vote until Tuesday, September 30. A final vote was initially scheduled for August 19, but the council voted to delay it by two weeks.
Questions surround future of Tennessee Valley Fair at Chilhowee Park
Under the proposal, the city would sell land that is currently used as a parking lot. The proposed buyer, Emerald Youth Foundation, would construct a youth sports complex on the site, including multiuse turf fields, outdoor basketball courts, and a 37,000-square-foot indoor facility.
Community members have expressed opposition to the sale of publicly-owned parkland to a private entity and demanded greater public input on the proposal.
Community members voice opposition to proposed sale of land in Chilhowee Park
Councilmember Gwen McKenzie, whose district includes the park, held a public meeting last week to address public concerns last week. McKenzie made a motion to delay Tuesday’s vote by two weeks to allow for more public dialogue before the council ultimately decided on a four-week delay…