The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-The Downtown Newport Association met for a block party and meeting at City Hall Thursday evening. During the meeting, members agreed to continue with association and pursue revitalization efforts.

Cocke County Partnership (CCP) Acting Administrator Sherry Butler explained the state had come up with a pilot program for a courthouse revitalization zone which would allow communities to keep the state's portion of sales tax to pursue downtown revitalization efforts.

"We were not selected, but we felt like we had a really good application," Butler said. "But when that happened, it seems the wind was let out of the sails of everybody involved (with the Downtown Newport Association)."

She explained many who had been involved with the association felt like there would be no money for downtown revitalization.

"It had been said in the past to not let money stand in the way," Butler said. "It was said there needed to be a plan in place in order to seek funding opportunities."

Speaking to those in attendance, she emphasized the association is the project of its members, not the CCP.

"There is a board in place and there are officers," she said. "This is a project of the property owners and business owners of downtown Newport."

She noted Doug Shoemaker, who has been president of the group, had in the past indicated a loss of interest in the association. She said that Thursday's meeting was his sixth absence and perhaps it was his resignation, although his resignation had not been submitted in writing.

Butler pointed out in the past the association had approved or adopted a color scheme for a cohesive look throughout the downtown area. It was noted this color scheme could only be suggested and not required.

Discussing some of the stumbling blocks that have held revitalization efforts back, she said the greenway along the Pigeon River had been in the planning stages for sometime, but she said it is her understanding it is now much closer to becoming reality.

Bettye Anne Bewley explained she has a group of 10 tenants in the downtown business district. She explained they felt signs directing traffic to the "Downtown Business District" would be beneficial.

"We felt the initial step would be to have directional signs and we are wondering why that was never pursued," she said.

Bewley explained her daughter, Kandice, had sent out letters with the request to several offices and agencies throughout Newport and Cocke County in the past.

Butler pointed out any signage would have to be approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) because all roads leading to the business district are state highways. She suggested sending a copy of the letter to City Administrator Scott Collins.

Collins, who was in attendance, said he would like to receive a copy of the letter and would look into pursuing the matter.

Kent Bewley pointed out Newport has several advantages. He noted Greeneville, where the Bewley family lives, is 12 miles from the interstate while Newport is connected to the interstate and has a "feeder system."

It was also pointed out the river and railroad were also assets to Newport.

"We have to consider, why would anyone come to Newport if we all close at 5?" asked Faye Fish.

"One of our biggest problems is that our own people leave here and go somewhere else to shop. Yes, we want the people traveling on the interstate, but we need our own people, too. We need something to bring our local people to downtown," she added.

Sam Moscato commended David Veridal for coordinating efforts to have sidewalks along Woodlawn Ave. cleaned by pressure washing.

Veridal pointed out Habitat for Humanity has been painting some buildings in the Woodlawn Ave. area. Moscato pointed out the paint had been donated to Habitat and it was being put to good use.

"Those of us who have some resources are happy to find ways to paint and to pursue grant applications," Moscato added.

Moscato encouraged someone to volunteer to lead the association and list five things he or she would like to see accomplished in the next year.

Butler, who said she had attended numerous state conventions with seminars about downtown redevelopment, said the revitalization efforts should not be attempted by the government, but rather by the people in the downtown district. She asked those in attendance if they wanted to continue with the association and the revitalization efforts.

"In order to be successful, we have to have a Downtown Newport Association willing to give time and energy of themselves," said Bill Myers. "We don't need a situation where we have a board of directors where two or three show up regularly. I'd like to see this continue. It started off with a bang, then it died."

"I think if we're going to do this, it should be done right. It has to be driven by the community and by the people who have an interest and want to see downtown cleaned up," he added.

"If everyone would spend one-eighth of the energy Sam (Moscato) has, it would be a lot of time. It takes little of combined efforts to get the job done," Veridal said. "We need people to get out there and be willing to sweat."

Discussing if the association has any funds, Butler pointed out the membership could decide to charge membership dues.

Kandice Bewley pointed out that besides making downtown look nice, the association needs to work on getting people to the downtown area. She pointed out her mother is losing two tenants.

Bettye Anne Bewley pointed out she has visited many towns with active business districts, such as Weaverville, N.C. She noted in Greeneville, which has a group working through a Main Street program, businesses do close early and when there are evening events, there is little or no response by the public.

Kent Bewley pointed out the success of Abingdon, Va.

"Greeneville will get there," Kent Bewley said. "The business and property owners just have to keep working. Newport has something Greeneville doesn't--a river, which is a great resource. There needs to be emphasis on what is here."

Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. said there needs to be a key residential mix to increase foot traffic in the downtown area.

"There needs to be residential area so the town doesn't fold up at 4:30 and go dead on weekends," he said. "If there's not critical mass, you don't survive."

He noted the residences in the former Mims Clinic building have helped.

Chamber Director of Operations Kandee Veridal said a lot of businesses come to her when it is too late, after they have spent their savings and retirement and have nothing left.

"We are here to help businesses come up with a plan, I can get people wanting to start a small business in contact with the right people to help them," she said.

"And, a lot of people think it is the Chamber's job to market. The Chamber doesn't market for you, but gives you the connections and the network so you can successfully market your business," said Butler.

Cathie Moscato agreed she would like to see the association continue. She volunteered to serve as secretary of the group.

"Now we need a chair, vice-chair, and treasurer," she said.

Myers said he would be willing to serve on the board, but not as an officer.

Charlotte Leibrock volunteered to plan the next two meetings for the group.

"I am really not willing to be an officer, but let's bring more people to the table," she said.

"You need to remember, enthusiasm is contagious," said Butler.

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