OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Oak Ridge is putting the public planning process regarding the potential development of 336 acres of federally-owned land on hold following discussions with the U.S. Department of Energy.
The city government had been evaluating potential uses for the ED-6 parcel, a 336-acre tract owned by the Department of Energy. Oak Ridge requested that the parcel be donated to the City in 2004 and again 2023 but said in a statement last month that it is suspending the planning process “until the parcel is made available and there is a better understanding of what, if any, stipulations could accompany a potential transfer from DOE.”
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As a result, this item will not appear on the Oak Ridge Planning Commission’s March 12 work session agenda.
The ED-6 parcel is located next to the 3000-acre Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement and Lambert’s Quarry, both of which are owned by the Department of Energy. The Oak Ridge statement added that it will reassess the situation and work with all parties to ensure the public continues to have access to trails and natural areas once more information about the property is known.
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According to the city, their initial request for the ED-6 property in 2004 was received favorably by the Department of Energy but was ultimately not transferred due to the 2008 financial crisis…