The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved a proposal Thursday to assume ownership of 4.3 miles of campus streets now owned by the City of Knoxville.
In the initial phase, the Knoxville campus will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the following city streets:
- Twentieth Street
- Andy Holt Avenue
- Chamique Holdsclaw Drive
- Francis Street
- Fraternity Park Drive
- Johnny Majors Drive
- Lake Loudoun Boulevard
- Pat Head Summitt Street
Once this phase is complete, UT will take ownership of the following streets:
- Thirteenth Street between White and Cumberland Avenues
- Melrose Avenue
- Melrose Place
- Todd Helton Drive
- Volunteer Boulevard
With the approval from trustees, the proposal next goes to the State Building Commission, the Metropolitan Planning Commission, and the Knoxville City Council. If the plan is approved, the first phase could be complete by the end of the year.
Chris Cimino, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said the transfer is a positive move for both the city and the university.
Cimino said the university has budgeted about $147,000 per year to maintain these new streets.
Cimino pointed to other benefits of the transfer:
- It expedites the design, planning, and completion of construction projects, sidewalk repairs, and crosswalk signage placement.
- It enhances overall safety for special events regarding jurisdiction and for planning purposes.
- The campus can control and monitor on-street parking during business hours and for special events.
- It assists the campus in implementing its beautification master plan and preparing for future growth.
Last year the university assumed ownership of Phillip Fulmer Way, Peyton Manning Pass, and Tee Martin Drive.
The first phase of the proposed transfer includes city streets that serve only university buildings. The second phase may require additional right-of-way agreements with landowners along the streets.