Chattanooga hopes to create a $2.2 million Alton Park greenway connection from a stretch of abandoned CSX rail line.
The project would link the Southside Community Park with the Tennessee Riverwalk, and calls for the donation of nearly 9 acres of rail corridor space by the Trust for Public Land. The planned 1.1 mile multi-use paved path runs from Central Avenue toward the intersection of West 33rd Street and St. Elmo Avenue.
"Because of the hard work of City and neighborhood leaders, the vision to turn a long-vacant and blighted site into a space that brings people together is becoming a realty in Alton Park," Mayor Andy Berke said in an email Friday. "The future trail between this new Southside Community Park and the Riverwalk is a next step in reviving this historic neighborhood and connecting amenities for the community to use and enjoy."
If the Chattanooga City Council approves the donation, it will cost the city $35,000 in closing costs. The item is listed on Tuesday's voting agenda but city spokeswoman Marissa Bell said the vote may be postponed a week to complete paperwork related to the transfer.
Councilman Erskine Oglesby, who represents Alton Park, said Friday he believes the greenway connector is a good project.
"It extends the vibrancy going on all over Chattanooga and brings it to the Alton Park community," Oglesby said.
He said he sees a greenway trail as an investment that will draw people and help economic development in the community.
Not everyone is a fan of the connector plan, though.
Council Vice Chairman Ken Smith has indicated he will continue to oppose the project. In June 2016, Smith voted against allowing the city seek a grant to pay for all but $440,000 of the cost. The council voted 6-3 to apply for the grant but Bell said the city didn't receive it.
A year ago, Smith said the city instead should make other investments within the Alton Park community.
"So, if we are going to invest this kind of money in the Alton Park area, I would prefer to invest it in the people directly that live there - through workforce development, job readiness, jobs - so that we can actually start addressing the poverty and crime that those citizens are dealing with every day," Smith said.
He said he took issue with using tax dollars on bike lanes when Chattanooga faces so much violent crime.
"I haven't changed my position on this project and will likely not support additional funding," Smith said in a recent email.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@ timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_tfp.