Categories: Breaking NewsElizabethton, TNGovernment NewsNews

Elizabethton City Council Advances Downtown Revitalization

A conceptual view of the planned revitalization for downtown Elizabethton, highlighting community-friendly streets and pedestrian access.

News Summary

The Elizabethton City Council has unanimously voted to pursue a $6 million federal grant for downtown revitalization as part of the RAISE program. Proposed improvements include enhanced streets, on-street parking, bike lanes, and ADA-compliant sidewalks, aiming to modernize the downtown experience. The council also plans safety upgrades around Elizabethton High School and has raised building height limits to foster economic development. Other initiatives include a new Flood Plain Ordinance and support for community grants, showcasing a strong commitment to the city’s future.

Elizabethton City Council Takes Big Steps Towards Downtown Revitalization!

Exciting news for residents of Elizabethton! The City Council has made a unanimous decision to pursue a whopping $6 million federal grant aimed at enhancing downtown properties. This initiative falls under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, which is all about strengthening communities like ours.

What’s in Store for Downtown?

The envisioned improvements are extensive and aim to reshape the downtown experience. Proposed changes include bi-directional adjustments to streets like East Elk Avenue and East E Street. These upgrades will introduce on-street parking, dedicated bike lanes, upgraded utility systems, and improved signage. Best of all? Sidewalks will be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring everyone can enjoy our lovely downtown area.

Additionally, major streets such as Lynn Avenue and Sycamore Street will see advanced traffic signal coordination and necessary repairs to be ADA-compliant. These changes are all based on the 2023 Downtown Mobility Plan which focused on modernizing our city’s transit systems.

A Step Back and a Leap Forward

It’s worth noting that the city had previously applied for a $4.8 million RAISE grant in 2024 but was turned down. However, valuable feedback from that application inspired important adjustments in this new proposal. Excitingly, because Elizabethton is located in an area classified as having “Persistent Poverty” and being a “Historically Disadvantaged Community,” the city can seek 100% funding for this project!

Pedestrian Safety also in Focus

$196,000 federal grant proposal focused on the Elizabethton High School Pedestrian Safety Project. The goal here is clear: enhance pedestrian safety across four streets that lead to the school. Plans include creating ADA-compliant sidewalks complete with ramps and crosswalks, along with the purchase of four portable dynamic message board signs to keep our streets safer.

Changes to the Business District

B2 Arterial Business District from three stories/35 feet to a maximum of six stories/75 feet. This change opens up possibilities for future developments that can enhance our city’s skyline and economic prospects.

New Flood Plain Ordinance and Community Relief

Flood Plain Ordinance has been approved in light of recent FEMA updates that occur every decade. Moreover, the Council approved an ordinance that allows occupied trailer coaches to stay in certain areas for up to 180 days, giving families more flexibility compared to the previous limit of just 30 days.

Financial Moves and Enhancements

Tennessee Arts Commission and Tourism Enhancement Grants. Furthermore, an agreement was approved for the Elizabethton Police Department to actively participate in the Drug-Related Death Task Force, showcasing a strong commitment to community safety. $46,706.53 for an upgraded audio system for downtown events, partially funded by a state grant. Renovations for our beloved Bonnie Kate Theater are also taking shape, with a change order increasing restoration efforts to a total of $593,963 to ensure that the theater continues to be a vibrant part of our community.

City officials also greenlit a substantial $530,000 capital outlay note to procure equipment for the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course, hinting that more recreational opportunities are on the way!

Mark Your Calendars!

6 p.m. on February 13, 2025, at City Hall. If you’re interested in the future of Elizabethton, be sure to attend and stay informed about all these thrilling updates!