An ambitious plan to build a science museum and new headquarters for Knoxville's public safety departments features prominently in Mayor Madeline Rogero's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019.
In a lunchtime speech at the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum, Rogero announced a plan to build a new $40 million headquarters and training facility for Knoxville's police and fire departments. The current building, off Hill Avenue, opened in 1969. Rogero said it's inadequate to serve the police department's current needs. The budget plan calls for the new facility to be located in Mechanicsville, on property now owned by Knoxville College.
A memorandum of understanding will allow the city to assume responsibility for some of Knoxville College's property. The city would demolish the vacant buildings on that land and build the new police/fire headquarters. Room would be left over for development or other uses, Rogero said. Knoxville College will keep the core of its current campus and some historic buildings as it works to re-open to students.
As for the current police headquarters area, Rogero said the property should continue to serve the community. She said businessman Jim Clayton agreed to fund the construction of a $150 million science and discovery center on the hill now occupied by KPD. The announcement drew a standing ovation from the elected officials, community leaders and guests at the budget luncheon.
Both prongs of the plan will require review and approval from the Knoxville City Council.
The city budget plan announced today totals $377 million, a 6.5 percent increase from FY 2018. It includes no property tax increase for city residents. Funding is aligned along four broad priority areas, according to a summary: safety, environmental concern, economic development and job creation and retention.
The budget also moves forward on plans for South Knoxville's "urban wilderness," located at the truncated end of the James White Parkway. Rogero pledged work on the parkway will not resume. The land there will instead serve as a gateway to the wilderness area, with bike paths, trails and other amenities. Plans are being drawn up for the access park, and a public meeting is scheduled for June 2.
Rogero proposed increasing the city money going into a fund to entice developers to build affordable housing units in the city. Contributions last year led to 206 such units, Rogero said. Knoxville Area Transit will see a funding boost aimed at extending service later in the day, and offering more service along certain routes. A million dollars will be aimed at sidewalk repairs. $300,000 will go into the public art fund. $200,000 will be spent on a master plan for Chilhowee Park.
Rogero also wants continued funding for the five-year-old Save Our Sons program, aimed at reducing crime and building opportunity, primarily in neighborhoods of East Knoxville.
The FY 2019 budget will make its city council debut on May 8. Review and adjustment will follow in subsequent council meetings through May 22. The fiscal year begins July 1.