Oak Ridge Today

City to apply for state grant to build roundabout at ‘Malfunction Junction’

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Malfunction Junction at North Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge

The Oak Ridge City Council on Monday agreed to apply for a state grant that could be used to help build a roundabout at the five-way intersection of North Tulane and Pennsylvania avenues, Providence Road, and East Pasadena Lane. Though city officials don’t like the name, the five-way intersection is sometimes referred to as “Malfunction Junction.”

 

The city of Oak Ridge plans to apply for a state grant to design and build a roundabout near Oak Ridge High School at a five-way intersection sometimes referred to as “Malfunction Junction.”

The Oak Ridge City Council unanimously approved the grant application on Monday. If approved, the Tennessee Department of Transportation grant would be used to build a roundabout at the intersection of Providence Road, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Pasadena Lane, and North Tulane Avenue.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $748,113. Tthe grant funding would come from the Transportation Alternative Program. TDOT funds 80 percent of those projects, excluding design, and a 20 percent local match is required.

The city’s cost would be about $150,000, and the city would pay for the design, officials said Monday. [Read more…]

Mosby seeks re-election to City Council

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David Mosby

David Mosby

David Mosby is seeking re-election to the Oak Ridge City Council in the November 4 municipal election.

“I am ready to continue my service to the citizens,” Mosby said in a press release.

Mosby was first elected to Council in 2001, and he said he remains committed to listening and acting to make Oak Ridge a great place to live, work, and visit.

“His Council record reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach to decision making based on his concern for people, fiscal responsibility, and support for new initiatives that enhance our quality of life,” the press release said. “He is active in the community and holds the belief that ‘We become better by working together!'” [Read more…]

Tea Party meeting this evening to feature Frank, Wells

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Terry Frank

Terry Frank

The Anderson County Tea Party meeting this evening will feature Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and Aaron Wells, a candidate for Oak Ridge Board of Education.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. today (Tuesday, October 14) at the Red Cross building on Oak Ridge Turnpike.


Aaron Wells

Aaron Wells

Other agenda items will include a presentation by the “Yes on 1” group, member reports from the latest Oak Ridge City Council meeting, and a book raffle of “Rules for Radicals” by Saul Alinski. The Red Cross building is located at 908 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge.

This meeting is open to the public and will last until approximately 8 p.m., a press release said.

Anderson committee to consider tax agreement for OR mall redevelopment

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Oak Ridge Village Area Rendering

 

It’s already been approved by the Oak Ridge City Council, and a 10-year extension of the $13 million tax agreement that could be used to help redevelop the former Oak Ridge Mall will next be considered by Anderson County officials.

The agreement will be considered by the Anderson County Operations Committee on Monday evening. It could then be considered by the full Anderson County Commission later this month.

Like Oak Ridge officials, Anderson County officials will consider extending the tax agreement for the 59-acre project by 10 years—from 20 years to 30.

Officials have described the proposed redevelopment, named Main Street Oak Ridge, as an $80 million project that could fill a “hole in the heart” of Oak Ridge, bring new retail life to the city’s downtown, and build a lasting legacy. [Read more…]

Contractor, businessman seeking seat on City Council

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Rick Chinn

Rick Chinn

Rick Chinn, a lifetime resident of Oak Ridge, is seeking a seat on the Oak Ridge City Council in the upcoming November 4 election.

Chinn, who is a licensed contractor and local businessman, serves on a number of nonprofit boards and has been active as a civic leader in working to improve the quality of life for all Oak Ridge families, a press release said.

Chinn explained his reasons for seeking to serve on City Council.

“A lot of people in Oak Ridge have invested their time and energy over the years to help me better understand and appreciate how rewarding it is to live and work in Oak Ridge,” he said in the press release. “I have worked hard to continue that tradition of excellence by volunteering my time and resources over the past 20 years. I want to ensure that my children have the same opportunities in the future that have been provided to me. I am ready to work hard for the future of Oak Ridge.” [Read more…]

DFET: Meet the candidates on Thursday

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A local organization is sponsoring a Meet the Candidates event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 9, in the Oak Ridge Civic Center Gymnasium. It’s been organized by Democracy for East Tennessee, and residents of Anderson and surrounding counties are invited, a press release said.

Candidates for the following offices have been invited: Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Board of Education, Tennessee House of Representatives 33rd District, State Senate 5th District, 3rd U.S. Congressional District, and U.S. Senate.

The election is November 4. The October 9 event will offer residents a chance to become better informed and acquainted with candidates by meeting with them on an individual basis at a single event, a press release said. [Read more…]

Engineering design contractor running for City Council

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Gary Love

Gary Love

Gary Love, an engineering design contractor, is running for Oak Ridge City Council in the November 4 municipal election.

“I am a proud native of Oak Ridge—and I am ready to roll up my sleeves to work with the people to make this community an even better place to live in the 21st century,” Love said in a press release.

Love said he grew up in the Woodland Community and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1974. After graduating from East Tennessee State University in 1979 with a degree in biology, he went to work for the city of Chattanooga.

Later, he extended his education with a two-year degree in computer engineering and joined the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, where he spent 18 years as a power design engineer, the press release said.

“I’m glad to be back in Oak Ridge, where I live with my wife, Toni,” Love said. “We have three grown children, including my son, who now works with me at Tennessee Valley Authority, where I work as a contractor in engineering design. We also have a teenage granddaughter.” [Read more…]

Developer, businessman running for City Council

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Eric Tobler

Eric Tobler

Local developer and businessman Eric Tobler is running for Oak Ridge City Council in the November 4 election.

“I love Oak Ridge,” Tobler said. “I have committed myself to do all I can, to help Oak Ridge reach its full potential. I’m all in, personally and financially.”

Tobler is probably most well-known for the Crossroads at Wolf Creek subdivision, which if located off Illinois Avenue. It provides Oak Ridge with a big part of the new housing inventory for the area, a press release said.

Tobler graduated from Oak Ridge high school in 1983. He is also a graduate of Roane State, with two degrees, one in contemporary management and the other in technology. He has also received a bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College in business administration.

Professionally, he is the chief executive officer of Tobler Enterprises and the managing partner for the CRWC partnership. He is a licensed general contractor and a licensed real estate agent, with Linda Brown Realty. [Read more…]

Letter: Chinn a hard worker with proven track record of dedication

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Mike Marsh

Mike Marsh

To the Editor:

Our city deserves a lot more attention from you and me than it usually gets. The mayor and City Council have substantial influence on our everyday lives, more than you would thank. The political decisions they make effect our neighborhoods and our private homes. Oak Ridge government has a responsibility to provide public safety and essential infrastructure along with fire, police protection along with many core services.

Now you might ask who’s best qualified to lead our city, a businessman or a politician. Norma Damashek wrote: “At its best, local government provides a stable, lawful, structured environment for the business sector. Commerce can thrive where government provides good infrastructure, education, health, transportation, and stability.

“And at its best, business provides the public sector with strong economic engines and technologic advances. Local governments can thrive when economic opportunities, options, and benefits are enhanced for city residents and workers.

“It’s called symbiosis—Wholesome cooperation between government and business. It’s not only desirable, it’s necessary since neither one does well in the absence of the other.” [Read more…]

Applications available for city boards, commissions

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The City of Oak Ridge is gearing up to begin the end-of-year recruitment for board and commission members. The recruitment process began October 1, a press release said.

This year’s process is similar to previous years in that interested residents must complete a Boards and Commissions application available on the City Clerk’s departmental website or by visiting www.oakridgetn.gov/online/cityclerk/bcelections.

Applicants may also attach additional documents that includes cover letters, references, and resumes. The application allows residents to choose and rank their top three board choices for membership consideration. [Read more…]

Reception for Garcia Garland, running for re-election

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There will be a reception for Oak Ridge City Council member Anne Garcia Garland on Sunday at the Comfort Inn on Rutgers Avenue. Garcia Garland is running for re-election in the November 4 municipal election.

The reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 5.

“Citizens are invited to have a bit of punch or wine and small finger foods and talk with the candidate,” a press release said. “Those interested will be able to pick up a campaign sign and even volunteer to canvas a few houses or blocks.”