MCDC

MORRISTOWN

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Morristown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) was originally chartered in 1979 in accordance with the Tennessee General Corporation Act. One of its original purposes was to assist in the administration of Community Development Block Grants for rehabilitation and development of residential and commercial properties in Morristown. These responsibilities are now handled by a housing/CDBG coordinator. Today, the MCDC focuses on preservation, revitalization, economic development and community planning issues. It also seeks to eencourage citizen participation in community improvement programs and acts as a bridge between the public and private sectors.

MCDC is a government non-profit with the Mayor of Morristown and City Council serving as the Board of Directors.

Crossroads Development District

In 2008 the Crossroads Development Partnership (CDP) was created to address preservation and revitalization efforts within the central business district area. The 138 acre Crossroads Development District has been established and includes areas zoned CBD (central business district) as well as some additional adjacent areas important to the overall development of the District. Specific goals of the CDP include: encouraging building facade and streetscape improvements; providing support for existing businesses while recruiting new, compatible ones; creating financial incentives for building rehabilitations; researching and acquiring grants; providing design assistance; promoting new events and much more.

The CDP is a volunteer driven program governed by an independent board of directors comprised of representatives from the City of Morristown, Hamblen County, Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Morristown Association, Rose Center, Walters State Community College and private property and business owners. It is administered through the Community Development Corporation.

Crossroads Development Partnership Brochure

Crossroads Development Partnership 2009 Annual Report

Main Street USA

Pursuant to the above goals, the CDP recently become certified as Tennessee’s 23^rd Main Street program by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Main Street USA is a proven national program created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to promote the revitalization of traditional business districts through four key emphasis areas: economic restructuring, promotion, organization and design. Past studies have shown that every dollar a community uses to support its local Main Street program leverages an average of $40.35 in new investment, making the Main Street program one of the most successful economic development strategies in America.

Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Façade Improvement Grant program seeks to encourage building owners and tenants to invest in Morristown’s central business district, referred to as the Crossroads Development District, by financially assisting with appropriate exterior renovations to their buildings. The intention is to stimulate building improvements while being mindful of the historical significance and uniqueness of the downtown structures. Replacing damaged, boarded or bricked-up windows, improving main and upper level storefronts, repainting or removing paint from buildings that have been previously painted are all considered to be important priorities for this area. Attractive building appearances (aesthetics) have been proven to increase property values, improve the marketability of space within the buildings and attract new businesses, residents and visitors to an area.

The Façade Improvement Grant is a reimbursement program and requires that the building owner or tenant contribute a minimum of 50% of the total cost of the renovation project. For the 2010-2011 program year, grants will be awarded in two categories: Small Projects with total costs less than $2,000 (maximum $999 match) and Large Projects with total costs exceeding $20,000 (maximum $10,000 match). Property owners or tenants may apply for more than one Small Project grant.

This program is funded on an annual basis through revitalization funds received by the City of Morristown from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. First-round applications are due by September 15, 2010 and will be awarded by October 1, 2010. A second round of grants may be announced if funding is available. All proposed work must be able to be completed no later than March 31, 2011. .

Façade Improvement Grant Program Summary

Façade Improvement Grant Program Application

Pedestrian Enhancement Project

As a certified Tennessee Main Street community, the City of Morristown is the recipient of a 2009 Innovation Grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development. The Crossroads Development Partnership worked with city staff to develop a pedestrian enhancement plan for downtown, also known as “PEP”. The project will replace 18 striped pedestrian crosswalks with a traditional brick pattern using the same asphalt stamping and printing method found around the City Center. In addition, the plan includes creating the same pattern for the entire length of what has become known as Peavine Alley. This former Peavine Railroad spur is an important visual connection between Main Street and the City Center and has become a popular gathering space during special downtown events.

Improving pedestrian safety and comfort has become an important issue as the number of visitors to downtown continues to increase, particularly during special events such as the Fourth Friday cruise-in and music series which has been attracting thousands of people back to the area. PEP is also seen as a useful tool to promote healthier lifestyles by potentially establishing the downtown Crossroads District as a community wellness walk destination.

Part of the vision for the Crossroads District is to provide a clean, safe and attractive environment in which to enjoy unique shopping, diverse dining, cultural events, professional services and quality residential living. The Partnership considers the PEP project an important element in the continued revitalization of this neighborhood.

View the PEP plan

Resources

Area Map

Downtown Morristown Visitor’s Guide

Sweet Return on Investment

Professional Studies:

Hyett Palma Downtown Action Agenda 2008

BWSC Morristown College Neighborhood Redevelopment Study 2007

Vision 2000

Web Links

Crossroads Development Partnership

Downtown Morristown Association

East Tennessee Development District

International Economic Development Council

Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce

National Trust Main Street Center

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development

Tennessee Economic Development Council

Tennessee Economic Development Guide

Contact

Todd A. Morgan, Program Director

P.O. Box 1499

Morristown, TN 37816-1499

Tel: 423.585.4624

Fax: 423.585.4679

Email: tmorgan@mymorristown.com