Citizens Oak Ridge

LETTER TO THE EDITOR- THE OAK RIDGER   re CRESTPOINTE

Comments by Jerry Kuhaida

    I found the headline in the April 25 Oak Ridger to be somewhat misleading.  I do not think that and the word “civil” are appropriate regarding the Crestpointe issue.  These terms are more appropriate of a war. They do, however, succeed in creating animosity in the community rather than useful debate on an important community issue.

    Oak Ridger's are still fighting the Golf Course War and the Mall War. The Crestpointe War is entering its 2nd phase after the Battle of Referendum—the CORs vs. the FORs.

     I can guarantee you that war is hell and produces a divided community.

    Unfortunately, the City government has lost its credibility by pushing through a project and then trying to convince the citizens of it importance (sounds like Washington!). Tables full of numbers laden with numerous assumptions-- from both sides-- further contribute to the mess. COR has numerous questions that effect the future of Oak Ridge while FOR is for the project. I believe some good heated debate is needed that focuses on the proposed use of $10 million of the citizen/taxpayer/people monies to be used for a private developer for his project: a project that may or may not benefit the future of Oak Ridge.

    Revenues from retail businesses are badly needed in Oak Ridge.  However, they can be enhanced with the current developments that underway in the city.  As anybody really found out about the plans that Cone has as for their mall property? The City Center Plan resulted from a major citizen-participation and cost the City over $100,000. Remember what Lose & Associates said: “Oak Ridge is not dead. Things are happening here. So, we’re not trying to create something to bring people here---the market’s already here…”

    What about estimated retail tax revenues from the current business centers being developed near Home Depot and the Outback on S. Illinois Ave.?

    A major source of city revenues should be from the industrial sector. We have not been successful at industrial recruiting.  New companies appropriate for perhaps the majority of the Oak Ridge workforce would provide jobs that result in monies for spending in Oak Ridge. A good example of such “blue collar’ industries is Philotechnics, recently located in Horizon Center.  Many of these workers would reside in the existing neighborhoods, and the numerous proposed housing developments that are currently underway.  This can be done at little cost to the city rather than a $10 million subsidy to a questionable project.

    Recently, I was discussing this with a person who works at Turkey Creek. He suggested I contact Target. The response that I received from Target headquarters in Minneapolis: they know of no plans to locate a target in Oak Ridge. Why should they? There are two Target stores located within 10 miles of Oak Ridge that are easily accessible.  If I want to occasionally shop at Target, that's where I go.

    I did a search on the web via Zoom Info on GBT Realty. Type in the name of George Tomlin at look under “References”, then repeat for the names of Bill Ridenhour and Craig Cole in Georges’s Zoom Network checking under their “References”: You can form your own opinion. I found the articles in The Tennessean—“Judge sternly reinforces order to halt work near Target site” and “Spring Hill Planners show concern

    for dangerous intersection.”—the Birmingham Business Journal, “Waiting for a tenant; 53 acres in Hoover.”—the Carolina Morning News, “Traffic light issue at shopping center.” -- To be particularly interesting.

    Probably the most important concern that I have, is the process that the city has used to get Crestpointe underway.  The push to get the deal done quickly causes me concern especially when I read a remark by Aimee Sands, spokeswoman at Target Headquarters in Minneapolis—“an Opelika  (Alabama)  store is the only additional one that’s been announced in Alabama. As for the Hoover store Sands says “it’s possible, we’ve looked at the site but we look at 200-300 sites a year.” What’s the hurry with Crestpointe?

    This project involves the commitment of city funds to a private entity.  For years I have encouraged and assisted businesses and industries to locate in Oak Ridge.  I would have a difficult time supporting a quick deal involving, especially at the tune of $10 million of city money.

     I forget Oak Ridge was “born of war”. Maybe the words “opponents”, “both camps”, and the word “civil” are appropriate for Oak Ridge after all. It will be interesting to watch the run up leading for war the between COR and FOR. I hear it will occur in early June.