WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 14, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The following is Mayor Madeline Rogero’s statement on legislation proposed by State Sen. Stacey Campfield requiring the sale of state property at the former Lakeshore Mental Health Institute. (The bill can be read at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/108/Bill/SB1243.pdf.)
Mayor Rogero: “I strongly disagree with Senator Campfield’s proposal to sell off state land at Lakeshore. The City of Knoxville has a longstanding agreement with the state about the transfer of Lakeshore to the City, which will protect the land as a public asset for generations to come. This transfer has been underway for a number of years and the city has already invested substantially in Lakeshore Park. Senator Campfield has had no conversations with the City administration about his proposal, and we strongly oppose it.
This proposed legislation would damage a highly-used and treasured City park, which is open for all Knoxvillians to enjoy. In addition, it would be bad policy to limit the state’s ability to choose the best manner by which to dispose of any of its surplus property.”
