KNOXVILLE, Tenn — The McClung Warehouse burned down in 2007. Knoxville then bought the land that the warehouses once sat on. Most of it became public parking, but a part still is open for redevelopment.
The city is now turning to the public for ideas on how best to use the available land. Local business owners have some ideas.
"Something that will generate money for Knoxville directly, not some chain or big apartment complex," said Kaylee Dyer, a hairstylist who worked in Knoxville over the past decade.
She said that as the city grows in population, parking spaces have been harder to find. it's a problem that she hopes the new land can solve.
"I know it's an issue that the city has been looking into, since most of the downtown spots are already accounted for when it comes to finding a free spot. And as someone who works downtown every day, I can assure you that the lack of it adds real trouble to everyone's commute," said Dyer.
Gwen McKenzie, who represents the district where the old building once stood, said that this is "a great opportunity for the public to decide the future of a prime location in the growing old city."
Dyer hopes that the city uses this chance to better the community instead of benefiting a corporation.
"With more people, there comes more to prepare for. From parking, to where people are going to grocery shop. So whatever business or product the space is used for, determines where the money will flow into as well. So we hope they use it to benefit Knoxville rather than a big corporation or business," said Dyer.
On Thursday, there will be a public meeting where the city wants to hear from the public directly about their thoughts on the land. It will be from 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. at The Standard, located at 416 W. Jackson Ave.