Downtown Dialogue: Overview
What would you like to see in downtown Greeneville in the next five years? 10 Years? The Main Street: Greeneville Board of Directors would like your input. On March 31, 7:00 pm, come to a community-wide open forum that we have named Downtown Dialogue!
Would you like to see a cleaner downtown? What types of businesses would you come downtown to shop in? Would you like to see underground electricity downtown? Is there a type of festival that you have been to before that you think might be successful in Greeneville?
Any questions you may have may be asked here and will be asked at the March 31 Downtown Dialogue, but we hope to see you there!
Note: If you’d like to ask a question or make a suggestion for a topic, hit the ‘comments’ link under this article. On that page you can leave a comment that will be addressed at the meeting or in future posts.
Best wishes on the Downtown Dialogue event and with this blog.
Comment by Deborah Cutshall — March 24, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
I have been interested in visiting different places in Downtown Greeneville, but the reason I haven’t is I do not have a place to park. There is a small parking area behind the library, but you can only leave your car there for 30 minutes. There is no way you can fit in all the wonderful places, Greeneville has to offer in a mere 30 minutes.
Another thing that needs to be addressed is the traffic in front of the library. As you know, a small child was hit there recently. This terrible accident could have been averted if only drivers were more consencious of what was going around them. Maybe some sort of traffic signal could be erected that pedestrians can push a button on when they are geting ready to get in their vehicles. I have used such trafic lights in rockford, Illinois. They have them at school crossings.
Which brings me to another point, the new crosswalks that have been added near Greeneville High and the NPAC. These, too, would benifit from said traffic lights.
I am just a concerned citizen wanting to protect family, friends, and community.
Thank You,
Mrs. Maria L. Moore
Comment by Maria Moore — March 25, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
I have lived in Greeneville for several years. There is a distinct difference about Greeneville that keeps bringing people back to this area. It would be nice to have more entertainment to offer our town’s residents and guests. I lived in Charlottesville, VA for a few years and they had an event in the spring and summer called “Friday’s after Five”. The entire downtown area would be closed to traffic. The city collected an entrance fee and gave out armbands. You then could purchase food and drinks from food vendors and beer from beer vendors. They always offered entertainment by having local and famous bands play for the crowds. They built an outdoor covered stage and allowed people to bring chairs/blankets to watch the events. It was always the place to be and provided a safe and fun environment for all ages.
Comment by Andrea Renner — March 27, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Absolutely offer free parking. I think it reprehensible to expect to ask people to pay to park their cars when they will spending money downtown. IF there is something to visit, mind you. Make it accessible, interesting, give everyone something else they don’t have to go elsewhere to find, and the money will be there.
Downtown Knoxville’s parking garages offer free parking at nights and on the weekends. Why are we nickel-and-diming visitors? It’s a big turnoff to want to go visit a shop, or eat, and have to worry about the meter maid giving you a $10 parking ticket because you didn’t put the extra quarter in the meter. Get real. Taxpayers pay for the streets and parking. Why are we charging visitors?
I have lived here for three years and have yet to have a reason to linger downtown, it’s too depressing, and I can see everything in about 10 minutes. But, I am hoping that the powers that be wake up and smell the coffee. Do something for the local economy. Give us a reason to come. Invite some aspiring bands to jam like they do in Market Square in Knoxville. 2 references in this post to Knoxville, 85 miles away, where I can get a REAL meal that actually tastes like something different, go hear music, free parking, shopping, you name it. I’d rather stay closer to home but for some reason Greeneville can’t offer anything comparable.
Music, GOOD FOOD, REAL FOOD, shopping, free parking. They will come, just not if we look like the rest of America.
Comment by audrey macri — March 27, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Sometimes the very smallest of changes can really make a difference. I have said for years that the one thing that really hurts downtown shopping is the No Turn rule at the intersection of Main and Depot streets. This rule is archaic and unnecessary. I believe the rule must have resulted from some influential person having a wreck there or something. The rule makes no sense whatsoever and really causes people to bypass shopping on Depot Street. My cousin had a shop on Depot Street and had to move because of low traffic. I tried to get her to petition the city and state to have the rule changed, but she never did. I believe her shop would still be on Depot Street if she had done that and had been successful in having the rule changed.
Comment by Larry Hogan — March 28, 2009 @ 8:37 am
I agree on the Parking,,, I love to go down town to the Antique market… but the parking…I dont see Why with the New Court house.they havent built a parking garage. atleast 3 to 4 story… alot of parking space if we GO UP….charge a min fee of like $3; people would pay $3 to have a close place to park..convienous and would bring in Revenue for Greeneville….
another thing would be great for down town.. is some more. cozy restaraunts. more to choose from… like
a REAL NEW YORK SUB shop… Japanese, Italian, Greek etc.. bring in foods from all over.maybe a huge book store with second hand books….things to get people back down town…. how about opening a real broadway theatre in the old Capital building… bring in shows from NEW YORK etc…there needs to be more to do in GREENEVILLE… its to the point KIDS dont want to LIVE here anymore…. and where the kids go PARENTS go…hence LOST TAX payers…..
Comment by Thomas Davis — March 28, 2009 @ 9:41 am
I really miss the bluegrass performances at the Capitol. Not only did it bring a lot of individuals to the heart of Greeneville, it represented a key part of the heritage in this area. I believe that downtown could benefit exponentially from bringing something like that back. Hosting the bands outside during the summer months in a sort of “heritage festival” would be wonderful!
Comment by Kristina St. Laurent — March 28, 2009 @ 10:05 am
I’m all for improving downtown, if it can be done without raising taxes, and without using State or Federal funds. If we are to preserve our history, let us also preserve the means in which such improvements were made, that is through donations, volunteer fund raising, and fees charged to those who use the downtown. We don’t need more socialism or government involvement.
Comment by Neil S. Smith — March 28, 2009 @ 11:52 am
I remember when I was growing up we could go to town on Friday and Saturday nights and shop or just talk to friends. It would be nice to have stores on Depot St. again so we do not have to go to the by-pass.
There was 2 movie theaters in town. Now days the teen agers do not have anything to do that does not cost a lot of money.
Bring something to Depot Street that would help the Teenagers and young people they are the future of our town if they have something to keep them here.
Comment by Ann Fillers — March 28, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Hi..As a retailer on Main St. I think the Blog is a wonderful idea and wish the greatest of success..I love the downtown area and am very excited about any restoration/revitalization. The problem with parking is of the upmost concern for my customers as well as visitors..Ideas here will be most beneficial. Activities downtown after business hours and entertainment is wonderful idea and I am sure business owners would be happy to assist in any way needed, whether it is volunteering help or financially donating. The Rediscover Greeneville plan is very much needed and hopefully everything can get back underway soon. The bank building looks so much better and what a great plan if city could purchase the Capital Bldg to bring people downtown.. After traveling/touring in our business we are so fortunate to have so much history here and yet let it go unappreciated or unused. Word of mouth is the best advertising and unless we create ideas for visitors we won’t hear from them. We have business associates from Florida, Nashville, Texas and other areas visit here and they always just “Love the quaint small town feeling”.. Keep up good work and much success with blog..Thanks for all your efforts and ideas.
Comment by Sheila Ooten — March 28, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
I agree with everything that everyone says in this. & i would like to see local entertainment including me and i think that we should have something foreveryone because if we work together we will have alot of people coming down, cause i remember when i was growing up here downtown was crowded and you could go to tiptons and get hot cocca while whatching the parade or going shopping, or going to see movies and getting to meet my hero lash larue the (cowboy)in 1988 @ the capitol theatre when the fall fest was downtown so lets work together and get this done cause the future is here thanks Greeneville,TN you Rule
God bless
pickin & Grinnin
Comment by Tenn.Hillbilly Joe Aldridge — March 28, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
First, I think Greeneville should tear down all the old buildings that are in ruins. When I was a kid in 1955 there were some old buildings near the train underpass on Summer Street that were trashy looking back then. They are still here. Can’t somebody get rid of all the ugly parts of Greeneville that show that people just don’t care what kind of rat’s nest they live in?
Second, I’m glad that some of the fires have happened because that old building next to the Andrew Johnson Home has been an eyesore and a stinky foul place for at least 50 years. I used to go to Jr. High across from that building and I would gag every morning as I passed the underground creek running under that building. It was a sewer.
So if you want constructive ideas about how to help downtown Greeneville, first open your eyes to all the eyesores around there and get rid of them. Then stop complaining about parking. I used to walk around Greeneville’s downtown area and I could cover the entire area in 15 minutes. I still can. Get some exercise.
As far as the Capitol Theater goes, I remeber when Mr. Bitner used to make the black people in Greeneville sit upstairs in the balcony, not downstairs with the white folks. I remember him unlocking the outside door so the negros wouldn’t be bothering the white people. That theater may be of historical value to some, but it represents a reprehensible chapter in Greeneville’s history and you goody two shoes people promoting the city should own up to it.
That’s enough for today. Clean up downtown instead of trying to promote an eyesore.
Comment by Sherrill Smith — March 28, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
In making use of Greeneville and Greene County’s natural beauty (a source of many comments from vistors), I always believed that a great idea would be to essentially copy what Abingdon, VA to Whitetop, NC has done regarding the Virginia Creeper Trail (Approximately a 34 mile long trail, which is unpaved that connects Virginia and North Carolina….very beautiful). Since Greene County borders North Carolina and since Hot Springs, NC and Asheville, NC appear to be growing and/or “hot” places to visit and/or live for the outdoor types, Greeneville and Greene County could make an effort to partner up with our North Carolina neighbors and develop a Greeneville to Hot Springs, NC and possibly even Asheville, NC type of Creeper Trail (possibly even call it the Tennessee Creeper Trail) that winds through the country side and by the rivers and through the mountains connecting all the towns. Such an unpaved trail would allow people to hike, run, bike, or horse ride. Ultimately, such a trail may even play host to marathon, 10K runs, 5K runs, etc. Economically, Greeneville and Greene County would be impacted in a positive way regarding businesses that could develope that play host to the trail and the visitors that come from all over to make use of the trail.
Comment by Duncan Cave — March 28, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
ADDITIONAL IDEA. I’ve always heard that area businesses in the vicinity of the Bristol Nascar Race pull in enough revenue from that week or two to last the entire year. Similarly, I viewed a program on television in relation to Sturgis, South Dakota and bike/motorcycle week and how the community is positively impacted economically from just that one week; of which, and by the way, was very well policed. Of course, the rhetorical question I had to ask myself at the end of the program was what else does Sturgis, SD (small town) have to offer other than that one bike/motorcycle week? The obvious answer was nothing. Of course, when people from all over the country hear somebdoy say Sturgis, SD, then people automatically think bike/motorcycle rally. Not that I’m a motorcycle enthusiast, but I’ve certainly seen enough on the road around Tennessee and the South to know that many people are fans of motorcycle riding. Regardless, the crux of the idea would be that Greeneville could potentially play host to being the new Sturgis, SD of the South. Bottom line is that sin sells. For one week out of the year, Greeneville could become the sin city of the South or a pseudo Mardis Gras type of atmosphere; hosting a motorcycle rally or similar type of event. Sure, many area residents might decide to take a vacation that week and the police, jails, and court system might get over worked (with inreased revenue from fines coming in), but even amongst the motorcycle burnouts, heavy boozing, races, arrests, and half-naked people, the local economy booms. Afterall, these people would need somewhere to eat and sleep. Afterwards, Greeneville goes back to being the peaceful town as we know it.
Comment by Duncan Cave — March 28, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
1. Get the Capitol Theater back in business. For those weekends where no concerts or dramas are available, show “Dollar” movies if that capability still exists in the theater.
2. Make the downtown region WiFi friendly.
3. Develop a Fridays after Five plan during the warm months. Benchmark a town such as Hendersonville, N.C.
4. Evaluate revitalize McKee Street area adjacent to downtown. Old buildings need removed and recovery of the area needs to start.
5. Evaluate downtown Main Street area to sustain unique sidewalk cafe’s, one-of-kind retail stores,etc. Current sidewalks may be too narrow.
6. If enough historic areas exist to warrant horse and carriage tours, team up with local vendor to offer that service on weekends. Benchmark Lexington, Va.
7. Study any ideas that can be economically implemented that will draw people to downtown. Tie in Tusculum College offerings (singing, drama, etc.)
Comment by Shannon Lovelace — March 29, 2009 @ 8:27 am
I would like to see Greeneville have a permanent structure for our Farmers Market. Somewhere downtown, with more to do there than just buy locally grown food, produce, meat, and crafts etc. Something like Knoxville has! It would would help bring people downtown.
In response to the comment about Sturgis, S.D.—I have been there, both when the motorcycle event happens and when it was not there. It is at the base of the Black Hills. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, there is a lot to do. Hiking. Fishing. etc. There is also a lot of Native American History in that area. One of the most sacred places for the Sioux Indians is located there.
Comment by Mary Goldman — March 29, 2009 @ 10:15 am
Helloooo,
What brings in revenue? Souvenir shops, Great food, and anything to do with music,books even a dimestore would be great. Maybe even a craft store and fabric store or a mini mall. All those things would sure make me go downtown. But for now I guess I will go to to JC,Knoxville or somewhere who can offer these things.And do You even know how much money the State of Tennessee is losing to VA,NC for Bingo. Our state needs to get with it its legal to buy lottery but not play bingo.Just think of all the non profit business could benefit from proceeds from Bingo.Not only are they money makers they are entertainment for people of all ages.Can’t someone change things?Hopefully with this forum someone will know what the people want.
Thanks Greeneville
Change IS what makes the difference
Comment by Tina Ledford — March 29, 2009 @ 11:51 am
Of great benefit to Greeneville and Greene County would be revitalization of the train station in conjuction with the advent of passenger rail service through here. Some of the stimulus money designated for train service could provide the financing as the rails are already in place being used daily by freight. It would bring far more tourists; rail is more fuel efficient and is better for the environment than cars and trucks; it would cut down on traffic on the interstates–the benefits are many.
Comment by Lillian wade — March 30, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
I see the potential for some great Festivals here. I worked as an Area Coordinator at the Summer Lights Festival in Nashville 1993&1994. I’ve been to Lollapalooza in 2006 in Chicago as well. Last year I went to the Brewers Jam in Knoxville and the Rock by the Tracks in Kingsport.
Considering that the Racks by the Tracks was held in the Kingsport Chamber parking lot it could definitely be adapted and improve the Chillin and Grillin Festival coming up this year.
Having all local Craft brewers from the Tri-Cities area should be the goal for this festival to promote Craft brewers and give the smaller brewers a leg up to help their business. The large conglomerate brewers have sports arenas for their brew.
I will gladly take a stand to bring some things to make Greeneville a great place to have great Festivals and bring people outside Greene county to spend their hard earned money with in Greene county. And give them something to look forward to happening the following year.
By doing this (Bringing Craft brewing) into the festival will give the funds necessary to provide quality entertainment for the people instead of mediocre bands and vendors. Which in turn will just keep it small and will not grow nor bring people into Greene county to spend money.
Comment by Jon Brooks — March 30, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
Many thanks to the Greeneville Sun for opening up this forum on the downtown! As a member of Main Street and a downtown property owner I often hear suggestions or comments about what needs to be done downtown. This forum (and the public forum tomorrow night) will hopefully encourage many more people to get involved in their downtown and submit their ideas. It may also help people to realize that nothing is ever as easy as it seems. For those who lobby for the chain restaurants and stores, please know that they require a large population within a certain number of minutes from the locations (and that is MINUTES). I think the key is convincing people that the downtown is important and worth the effort. A large number of people and businesses look to an area’s downtown when considering relocation. For many it is thought to be the “barometer” of the community - and yes, believe it or not, many who relocate here will site the “charming, historic downtown” that we have. As a property owner of a historic home we often have tourist taking pictures of our home and many others on Main Street. We need to follow the lead of other successful small towns and utilize what we already have (the history, the architecture, and the beautiful mountains, rivers and places where one can “get away” from the stress of everyday life). There have been many good comments so far on this site - the music, festivals, etc. are all ways to promote our area. We just need to find the right “niche” and we will be off and running. Your ideas and support can make this happen!
Comment by Chris Thorpe — March 30, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
I am new to Greeneville, but love this town and the area. As a former economic developer, I know that the economy is tough right now, and businesses are closing down every day. It seems to me that a way to grow Greeneville is more tourism dollars. One way to keep those dollars coming through Greeneville is more franchised resturants and retail shops for tourists once they are here. This may be only a surface fix, but first impressions are the most important.
Also, I think that the tourism for this area needs to be revamped. Maybe some festivals that are interesting for a younger crowd. I’m willing to discuss any ideas.
I would love to be at the forum tonight, but due to a stomach bug, I am not able to make it. I would like to say that I am appreciative for Main Street: Greeneville. They seem to be in the public eye and show what is happening in Greeneville.
Comment by Jo Anne Smith — March 31, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
I have reviewed the projected changes to downtown Greeneville and read all the information on this site. As a small business owner (Archer Books) one of the things that I have not heard addressed is rent and potential incentive packages that would attract business owners, like me, to move to the downtown area. We are in tough economic times (I know we all get tired of hearing about it.) The reality of any business venture is that it is a RISK, even in the best of times. We can discuss parking - absolutely valid - we can talk special events that would attract people to downtown. But, unless the developers are prepared to work with business owners on rent and/or build-out to offset start-up costs - this project will be a slow go.
OUR reality is that… this is Greeneville. We are not in Ashville, Knoxville, etc. Having a Chain Restaurant downtown is just not feasible. Even if you can get around the chain’s criteria, the cost is outrageous. The same thing goes for having a new large chain book store. We have to look at what can work here - the local neighborhood Pub, a larger used book store and killer coffee shop, funky clothing stores, more antiques, revitalizing and expanding the library (AND KEEPING IT OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!), and keeping the Capitol Theatre alive. The question is how to attract these small businesses and help them thrive. Another huge question is how do we market to the people who live in Greene County NOW. How do we encourage the people that live here to spend their money HERE.
Comment by Lora Sluder-Kimble — March 31, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
People it’s like this. I have been downtown Greeneville for the last 9 1/2 yrs. and parking is always the blame. All it takes is people willing to walk. Some of the employees are there worst nitemares when parking on the street. Street parking should be for customers. And then there is the courthouse which is always busy but again all you need to do is walk a little and things would be so much better. In reference to functions, parties etc. there are no parking rules after 6pm and on weekends so we can’t blame parking. I have never heard anyone getting a ticket during the iris festival or chili cook off. There needs to be a draw downtown of some kind. It would be nice to come in the evenings to walk and be able to get a coffee or desert but not enough people support downtown. I moved from a big city and parking was an issue there also, but you just PAY and go on. Garages and private lots charged dearly all hours. At least here it’s free most of the time and be real 2 hours is plenty of time to shop or remember to WALK it does the heart good.
Comment by michael knapp — April 1, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
Abolish the chain stores, dollar stores, chain restaurants. Look what 11E looks like..the rest of Roadside America. One detour off the interstate and a short ride down 11E to a stranger, and perhaps the thought is, “I got off the interstate and all I see is what I can get at home…Dollar This and Wal-Mart, and Mickey D’s…why on earth would I want to stay here? Why would I spend money here, what is different about this place except the zip code and the fact that I traveled X amount of miles to come here to see what I can see at home…I won’t be back.”
Get off the main street in downtown and there is nothing but depressing-looking buildings. Clean up those beautiful old buildings and do something productive with them.
If you want something that people will get off the interstate and take a detour to go check out (or give a reason for us locals to spend a day in Greeneville and not somewhere else), make it interesting, eclectic, delicious, musical and fun. And, of course, give them all a place to park so they can spend all day without worrying about the meter maid. So what if they have to walk a few minutes, still, at least, give them somewhere to park! It doesn’t have to be right in front of a store, but I am sure there has to be an empty building somewhere that has parking available, sans meter maid. People WILL walk, I think that’s one of the reasons people go to eclectic places like Black Mountain, Knoxville, Asheville, NYC, etc, so they can GET OUT AND WALK AND LINGER AND SPEND MONEY.
Bookstores (no chains, please), restaurants (no chains, please), boutiques, gift shoppes, antique shoppes (no Wal-marts, please, we already have one). Unique and eclectic. Something different, and something you’d want to come back again to.
What a great opportunity to turn a dead town into something thriving. Look at what Asheville’s done, downtown Knoxville, why can’t we have that here?
Comment by audrey — April 1, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
If Greeneville and Greene County attracts a large corporation, then the probability of the town growing as a consequence is very high (same as Eastman in relation to Kingsport. . . wihout Eastman, Kingsport essentially wouldn’t exist). Greeneville and Greene County’s biggest selling point is the ability to sell a large corporation on the idea of saving costs in producing its own power via the abandoned Nolichuckey Dam that has recently been a subject of discussion with the TVA. In essence, a combined financial effort by Greeneville and Greene County, government grants, and the large corporation itself to restore the Nolichuckey Dam to its maximum output potential could lead to more jobs in our community. Perhaps the Dam itself could even be sold to the corporation…if possible? If Greeneville and Greene County could bring in an Eastman size corporation, then a larger class of engineers, scientists, CEOs, etc. would come to the community who would be more than willing to spend money and revitalize the community for recruitment purposes.
Comment by Duncan Cave — April 1, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
Give me a reason to come down-town. Last time I was on Depot Street was to see where the recent fire was. The rest of the street didn’t look any cleaner than the burned out buildings. Without the yellow tape, it would have been hard to know which buildings had burned.
Unless I need an attorney or to go to the courthouse, Main Street is a means of getting elsewhere. Why should I stop since there is NOTHING to see, do, or draw me downtown. I do ENJOY occasional meals at the Brumley. The atmosphere is nice, the food is good, and the price is right! Many times my family enjoyed dinner at the Brumley before attending a performance at the Capitol. Save the Capitol!
Give me a reason to come! Little shops I can find something special for family/friends, craft places my children can try new interests, a bookstore to sit and relax while getting started on the new book just purchased, family oriented restaurants with reasonable prices (pizza, old fashioned ice cream parlor, deli, etc.) To bring new businesses downtown, rent must to be reasonable so the new business can get up and started and in the black.
Give me a reason to come! Iris festivals, music festivals, car shows, talent shows (the more-the better - we have a LOT of talented people in Greene County - give them a place to perform).
Comment by JD Roberts — April 2, 2009 @ 11:59 am
We are in definate need of a sports bar/pub/live entertainment in the down town. Some place where you can go have a couple of drinks and not worry about getting pulled over and cked because you came out of an establishment like that.
I hope that soon someone can step up to the plate and open such a place. Live bands, good food and sports. All sounds good to me.
Comment by steve — April 2, 2009 @ 10:34 pm
My sister and I purchased the Greeneville Antique Market located on West Depot Street in May, 2008. Since that time we have done extensive cleaning and renovation. We are so proud of our store, and we offer a variety of affordable antiques and collectibles. To say that downtown buildings are old is accurate, but that is part of the charm of being in a historic town. To generalize that all the buildings are dirty is incorrect. Some buildings are dirty and empty, but our store and many others are very nice and clean.
Contrary to the many comments which we read and hear, there are businesses downtown, but we can only continue if we have the support of our neighbors in the community. It’s discouraging that many people have nothing but negative remarks and say that there is “nothing” downtown. On West Depot Street alone, there are two jewelry stores, an accounting firm, a real estate office, a beauty salon, A Gathering of Friends craft store, Kiker’s store, a used furniture store, our antique shop, and a real local treasure, Tipton’s Cafe. There have been other businesses which have closed- perhaps due to lack of community support.
The fire on March 11 was devastating and terrifying, and a wonderful restaurant was lost. We appreciate that Mr. Kiker rented his building and created another business downtown, and we miss our friends who operated the restaurant. We are a small group of business people and friends. We long to see each other succeed, and we are hanging on to the hope that someday downtown Greeneville will be revitalized. In the meantime, we who are here welcome you, and we need you. If you want businesses to locate downtown, you must support them.
A comment was made by one presenter at the “Downtown Dialogue” meeting that after 2:00, there is no place downtown to get a cup of coffee or a cold drink. On the contrary, at our antique shop, we offer complimentary coffee, and we have a Pepsi vending machine upstairs! We are open seven days a week, and our employees and vendors would be happy to have you come by. We absolutely love being a part of downtown Greeneville, and we’d love to have the pleasure of your business. If you are looking for a place to locate your business, please give consideration to downtown Greeneville. It’s a great place to be!
Comment by Vickie Gregory — April 3, 2009 @ 2:40 am
To Ms. Gregory (Greeneville Antique Market) and the other businesses located downtown. Now that I know YOU are there, my family will be coming by to show our support. Accept my sincerest apology in not recognizing you are downtown. May your businesses thrive and your families be blessed.
Comment by JD Roberts — April 3, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
Thank you, Mr. Roberts,no apology is necessary, but we would be thrilled to have you come in to the antique shop. You voiced what many others think, and I just wanted to let everyone know that we are here, and we’d love to have our neighbors and friends from Greeneville and Greene County stop by. I think you will enjoy your visit. Thank you for your courteous response. We look forward to meeting you!
Comment by Vickie Gregory — April 3, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
One of the issues this forum is trying to address is, ‘How do we get people coming back into Downtown Greeneville?” I have read and heard of the numerous comments addressing ideas for a Veteran’s Memorial. Greeneville has shown it’s tremendous pride for it’s country and love of it’s soldiers for many generation and I agree that we should find a way to display that pride in Downtown Greeneville. The most wonderful way for a community to gather together to honor our country and it’s Veterans yearly is the 4th of July! Where has our Pomp and Circumstance gone?
Moving the Fireworks display back to the Greeneville High School area (as it had been done for many years in the golden years of downtown) is the perfect finale for a weekend of RED, WHITE, and BLUE festivities in the downtown area. Why not a parade to go with it? Greeneville loves parades and so do visitors looking for the quaint traditions that towns like ours hold.
This would be an opportunity to not only broadly honor our veterans and our special Presidental history, but to also bring pedestrians into the downtown area to eat and shop as they wait for the parade, watch concerts, perhaps visit the Nathaniel Greene museum and Andrew Johnsons Homestead, or simply wait for the fireworks and just vist with one another. Did I mention the many hills such as the Highland Area or Town Square shopping center that offer picturesque viewing as the mountain back drop fades into the display’s dark curtain? Phil Gentry will certainly have some poster quality pictures to display!
I have sat in the dreary abandoned parking lot of the old Wal-Mart and Ingles with the hundreds of others as we fight for space in one of the only vistas to see the current display location. And I have heard so many in Greeneville mention they don’t even go simply, ‘because they don’t want to fight the crowd in that tiny parking lot’. A Fireworks display in Downtown Greeneville solves an over crowding problem by offering more space and veiwing areas while also solving problems of bring events back to downtown Greeneville.
I ask that Greeneville Leaders please bring the Fireworks display back to downtown this year of 2009! And I know you will see a community start to come back together! God Bless America and God Bless Greeneville!!!
Comment by A Proud Greeneville Veteran — April 4, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
I agree the dialogue is good, but I keep seeing posts that Greeneville needs to add “this” or we need to renovate “that,” but everyone is leaving out the absolutely largest considerations of who is going to finance it? and who is going to spend money at the venue?, or are we going to just get another typical Greeneville business that is “hot” for six month before it ultimatley goes under? Bottom line is that before focus and financial resources go into the type of projects people are talking about, Greeneville and Greene County need to focus on the basics. We should be sick and tired of being the town that is “near Johnson City” or “east of Knoxville.” We need modern day identity. Yes, it’s fantastic that Andrew Johnson and Davy Crockett were either born or resided in Greeneville and Greene County and that John Hunt Morgan got shot in an alley in Greeneville, but we should not just be satisfied with historic identity. So, what constitutes modern day identity? Answer: large companies and businesses. Examples: Eastman to Kingsport, GM to Detroit, Phillip Morris to Richmond, Wal Mart to Benton, etc. The revenues and businesses that flow and prosper in these towns, I’m sure, far exceed Greeneville’s and Greene County’s. In essence, 110% effort needs to be made to attract similar extremely large companies (Foreign auto manufacturers, etc.) to Greeneviile and Greene County to give us modern day identity. As a consequence, we’d see more people flowing into the communtity that work for these companies who have the money to spend and who can support the venues previously talked about. Additionally, we’d see more restaurants and entertainment venues coming in to support the people that work at these companies. This may mean that the focus for Greeneville and Greene County should be on infrastructure (huge airport, highways, railways, power sources, etc.) that would be attractive for an extremely large company seeking to relocate or develop instead of the temporary band aids everyone is talking about. Outside of this type of effort or willingness to change, we will just end up with more of the same in the long run.
Comment by Duncan Cave — April 5, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
There are some antiquated laws that are on our books here in Greene County of which many people may not be aware. In order to attract nightlife to downtown these laws have to be addressed.
1 - Currently, within the city limits, it is illegal to have a pool table in a room where any form of alcohol is served or is present. That is why we do not have a “Bailey’s” or something similar where professional people can gather, have a beer and shoot a game of pool.
2 - Currently, it is illegal - within the city limits - to have a dance floor in an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages.
3 - Currently, it is illegal - within the city limits - to serve/possess alcohol outside on the sidewalks, unless it with within a contained area that cannot be seen by passersby. That means that having a glass of wine at a wonderful outside cafe in downtown Greeneville is illegal.
These are only three laws, I guarantee there are many more laws on our books that deal with alcohol that would severly restrict nightlife downtown.
Comment by Lora Sluder-Kimble — April 7, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Hi I also read recently that they are thinking of moving the Jail…? That would be GREAT. that would open up the Building For a PROPER Andrew Johnson Library and Museum. its in the Right Location . its big enough to house all of his things. plus tell more of his story…. FOR example the Lincoln Musuem in Springfield….Could be room for exhibits, a theatre room,wax figures of him and his family. the possibilities are endless…..
maybe a plaque of Greenevillians born on his birthday…and let them particapate in everything to do with Andrew Johnson…that the town puts on..
thanks
Comment by Thomas Davis — April 7, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
If we move the jail it would also make a great parking garage!!! That would solve downtown’s parking problem.
Comment by Parking Solutions for Greeneville — April 7, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
http://brscenic.com/
http://www.bsfsry.com/
http://www.techscribes.com/sarm/srm_scs.htm
Please check out these links and see what other East Tennessee Towns are doing with the rundown depots! They are boasting over 17,000 passengers a year! I myself have riden the Blue Scenic Railway and enjoyed tremendously! Maybe we could even find a way to create passages from here to Knoxville for “Weekend Getaways” to allow those city slickers a break from the fast lane.
An additional thought to add to the train depot…
I realize that Greeneville needs industry or big business (other than Wal-Mart) to bring cash flow back into this town to fund the projects that we desire. My Husband and myself, drive over 50 minutes a day to Johnson City to have a decent paying job. Knoxville and other local towns have that cash flow and the jobs that Greeneville needs. Why not give our Greeneville natives a way to live in Greeneville, work in larger cities, and bring back that cash flow by creating a faster and easier commute to Knoxville, Ashville, or even Chattanooga via a train system? Towns and cities in states such as New Jersey, Pennsylivina, Vermont, and New York have perfected this system and are able to have their quaint villages and incomes too!
It’s just a thought. I personally, am tired of all the red lights that keep popping up on the “by-pass” and am thinking of moving to Johnson City simply to cut down on the driving and stop and go traffic. I love Greeneville and don’t want to leave, but the planning and zoning commissions are really giving me and other commuters no choice.
Comment by Bring Back the Train Depot — April 8, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Michael “The Meter Fairy” Knapp seems to think that parking isn’t a problem in downtown Greeneville. But think about it people…if we add additional parking he will have to work more and spread his meter fair cheer!
Comment by Michael Knapp is a Meter Fairy — April 15, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Thank you Greeneville Sun for providing this public discourse.
After reading the comments I agree that Greeneville has great potential. Our community is full of talent and nuances hard to find in the United States today. Certainly, an urban renewal is paramount to reviving our downtown commercial activity. Such an endeavour would enable more people to experience the shops and history that is Greeneville.
I feel that the comments proposing festivals are a viable option to showcase Greeneville and its people. It would be easy and inexpensive to have a “Music on Main” event weekly that would enable local talent to present their art to an appreciative audience. If the idea is to bring more volume to the downtown business why not enable more festivals to occur downtown. Expand the culinary contests to include food and wine or food and crafted beer pairings such as the Kingsport Fun Fest does. Since 2006, FunFest has sold out it’s limited tickets (150) to the Lagers, Ales and Food event held at the Meadowview Convention Center. Last year it sold out in just over 2 hours. At about $40.00 a ticket that’s quite a hot ticket. We can do similar things, the interest is out there.
America is starved for a return to the security of hospitality and Greeneville certainly has that.
Comment by John Flanagan — April 20, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
In reference to the unknown named person refering to the “meter fairy” why not be human enough to identify yourself that’s a problem in todays society lets own up to what we have to say whether it be good or bad. Don’t hide behind unknown anonymous letters and comments. It has been looked at years ago about a garage but the cost factor is in the millions and I here all the time no more taxes, so who is going to pay that bill. We all need to look for positive solutions not pointing fingers hiding behind anonymous comments.
Comment by michael knapp — April 27, 2009 @ 9:31 am
Thank you.
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Downtown Greeneville, and Greeneville itself will become a ghost town if there is a bypass around the bypass! Has anyone been to Tucumcari New Mexico for example? Once they put the interstate around it, it’s like the twilight zone. Everything is shut down. Say NO to the proposed 321 bypass!!!
Comment by B.G. — June 2, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
GREENEVILLE NEEDS A NICE LITTLE COFFEE SHOP. SOMEWHERE ONE CAN GO TO HAVE COFFEE AND READ OR ACCESS THE INTERNET.
Comment by racheal — July 31, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
A NICE COFFEE SHOP
Comment by racheal — July 31, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
WHEN IS THE COMMUNITY YARD SALE DOWN THE WARRENSBURG RD?
Comment by racheal — July 31, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
What a wonderful downtown to welcome home one of Greeneville’s Heroes!!! Welcome home, SPC Anderson!!! We’re glad to have you back in Greeneville! You are in our prayers.
Comment by Stephanie Bowers — September 3, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
In 2006 my husband & I built a house in the Houston Valley area and we love it there! We are currently living in Miami, Florida and plan to retire in Greeneville. My family is from Knoxville and I lived there when I was a child. Tennessee has always been my home and in my blood.
I have read many comments about how to encourage folks to return to the Downtown area. Some of the comments from the local folks are good ones. Adding cafe shops, craft shows & food fests would be a good start. Main Street could use some signs showing local places of interest like, “Tipton’s” Antique Market, Craft Store etc. I happen to love Downtown and the town of Greeneville. Greeneville has that “Andy & Mayberry” feel and these types of towns are diminishing. The “Greeneville Antique Market” is my favorite antique store. The new owners Becky & Vicki have done a wonderful job running it and beautifying the place. It would be good to see the vacant stores on Main Street become cafe’s or stores of some kind to shop.
I have lived in the big city for many years and I am tired of the rudeness, fast pace treadmill, English language becoming extinct, massive traffic and I could go on & on. The folks of Greeneville have a good thing going and maybe some do not realize how good they do have it. I wouldn’t change it too much. If you do, Greeneville won’t be listed in the top small towns to live in.
Visit Miami for a few days and you’ll be screaming to go back to Greeneville, to the “Good Life”
Comment by Vicki Gibson — January 26, 2010 @ 11:15 am