Downtown Gumption

Reading Jesse Fox Mayshark's article on downtown's demise or revitalization ["Downtown in a Different Light," Vol. 8, No. 36], one word comes to my mind...arrogance. I don't understand the thinking behind such a report without talking to a few more people than were talked to. I don't understand how a few people that work and, yes live there, were not even approached. You had enough gumption to discuss it with an "affable retiree," as you put it. This is a man who says there is nothing the downtown has to offer him, nothing but a bunch of "bums and night clubs for queers." Well, some will definitely differ with that statement. Granted, I don't frequent the Old City, or the downtown either, unless I am looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary as a gift for a friend or something for me. But as far as the "night clubs for queers," I feel that it was totally inappropriate of your staff to allow that statement. As any person that even might get out of the house on occasion knows, that isn't true. (I am sure the New City Cafe will be thankful for the publicity.)

But as far as the rest of the story goes, why didn't you exercise your legs and not your car and ask people that work downtown why they leave after work? What would it take to keep them there for a few hours after work—shopping, eating, shows? The shows at the Tennessee Theatre are great and are one way to bring a little life there. What about those who live downtown—what keeps them there or what drew them to it? Surely it wasn't the convenience of having a grocery store just around the corner. Where might the closest one be, Chapman Highway, Magnolia, Bearden?

It seems to me that if someone were to put something downtown that the general public would want, then people are going to go there to get it. Instead, they tear up a golf course and put in yet another strip mall, as if Kingston Pike couldn't live without another one. If they were to put half the shops they put in the Center at Deane Hill someplace downtown, then one would have to go to there to get their Old Navy shirt or their books from Borders. That in turn would create more opportunity for other business to venture downtown. And for that to happen, the city might have to get off its duff and spend a little money on lighting, parking, and police. At least until the area gets cleaned up.

It seems that in the not too distant past that Bearden was considered West Knoxville, then not long after, West Town Mall was considered west...what is next, Watt Road?

Scott Anderson
Knoxville

Straight to Dollywood

Apparently most suburbanites feel differently, but from our point of view downtown—specifically the Old City—is by far the most interesting area of Knoxville. Transplants from out West (think: bad air, blonde hair), we're frequently faced with showing visiting hometown friends and relatives "what's to see" in this fair burg. Ten times out of 10 the tour starts with a trip to the Old City, which, despite its size (or maybe because of it?) never fails to captivate even our most jaded urbanite tourists. Between the funky stores (like that barber shop-cum-junk store), the good food (like Blue Moon), the smell of roasting coffee, and the downright friendly vibe, the Old City always comes through when the "what are you doing living out here?" question needs answering. Our problem is, though, what's next? West Town Mall? Typically, they've seen malls. UT and environs? Pleasant, but not really distinctive. Bearden? Halls? Kingston Pike chain restaurants? Maybe we're missing something, and perhaps what's charming to a visitor fails to move a full-time (or life-long) resident. But for us, lacking the Old City/downtown, I'm afraid we'd just herd 'em straight to Dollywood.

Geoff and Heidi Knight
Farragut