New sidewalks and streetlights are coming to another section of the Old City in the coming months.
Knoxville City Council tonight (Dec. 9, 2025) also authorized Mayor Indya Kincannon to proceed with more affordable housing and amended the current City budget to increase construction funding for Sam E. Hill Park and Burlington Streetscapes.
Tonight also marked the final meeting for five term-limited Council members who are concluding eight years of service: Tommy Smith, 1st District; Andrew Roberto, 2nd District; Seema Singh, 3rd District; Lauren Rider, 4th District; and Gwen McKenzie, 6th District.
Old City Streetscapes
Upgrades to the Old City public infrastructure have been done methodically over the past decade. That commitment is continuing.
In 2016, the City invested heavily in the Jackson Avenue public infrastructure on the western end of the Old City. Narrow, broken sidewalks were replaced. Snarled overhead utility lines were relocated. Trees were planted. New streetlights were installed.
In the last few years, streetscape upgrades were made along Central Street and Willow Avenue. Wide tree-lined sidewalks and new streetlights were welcomed by families attending events at the new Covenant Health Park.
Now, similar upgrades – curbs, sidewalks, drainage improvements, and new streetlights – are coming to East Jackson Avenue, between Morgan Street and Stadium Way. This stretch of Jackson includes the area beneath Hall of Fame Drive and James White Parkway, heavily-used due to the large parking lots there.
City Council authorized Mayor Kincannon to execute a $621,633 contract with Whaley Construction, the lowest and most responsive of four companies that bid to do the construction work.
Lonsdale park, Burlington corridor
Council on second reading amended the total Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, increasing it by $6.6 million. The additional funds are coming from the City’s reserves.
The two largest projects that will be funded are $4.2 million more for an overhaul of the Burlington commercial corridor and $1.25 million to move into Phase 2 of the Sam E. Hill Park Project, which includes construction of a pavilion and restrooms at the Lonsdale park.
Affordable housing
Tonight, City Council authorized the Mayor to execute documents to award $1.5 million from the Affordable Rental Development Fund for development of 30 rental apartments at Golden Age II designated to house extremely low-income residents.
The overall Golden Age II project at 1213 Beaman Lake Road will consist of 86 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments for elderly residents.
In this budget year, the City has allocated $4 million to support creation of new affordable permanent supportive housing and workforce rental housing.