Portland, Tennessee Blog

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i agree mg. we can have touchy fellgood discussions all day long but in the end, all we'll get for our tax dollars is a bunch of hot air. sorry i dont seem to have any positive opinions at this time, but ive lived here a long time and nothing seems to change. i was censored from this blog for several months i could not get on the website because my srceen would freeze but i could get on from any other computer using a friends sceen name.i dont if this is legal but if it keeps on happening im going to find out.

I suppose now is the time to find out if our leadership is truly serious about any issues at all. There are several councilmen who read and post regularly to this blog. If the ideas here are not worthy of serious consideration, then we need to shut this blog down. So, will ANYONE put ANY of these ideas forward in the public, government arena, and actually implement them? We will see.

If you don't, politicians, don't come back here posting asking for more ideas. That is my opinion.

this is in regards to cleaning up the town. Why dont we start with the our park across from the school. Its in shambles and resembles post war town. Where exactly do our tax dollars go again?

There's a 3-Star Committee group that meets all the time in Portland.

I am wondering if the City has ever considered or has had a group come to our town that works in community development to do a workshop? Perhaps one of our councilman could answer that question.

For an example of what type of an organization I am talking about see the url web address below. Sounds very interesting.

Thanks - Judy

http://www.pps.org/info/services/work

I like your #23. I think we also need to ask Vol State to offer more night classes at the high school. I know they use to offer a few but not nearly enough. I for one would attend some of those classes IF they were in Portland. I do not want to be driving to Gallatin and back at night.

Portland needs to put into place and enforce a recycle program.

We also need an "Adopt a Highway" program. It would be nice if the roads leading into Portland were litter free.

More....

21) Work with the Small Business Administration and the colleges in Tennessee to establish an SBA branch office in Portland to provide loan application assistance, training, and counsel to aspiring and established businesses, so that the economy can prosper.
22) Related to #21, get local banks to become pro-business for loans. Most are basing loan applications on home equity, and not on the business plans or planning process. Most loan officers at banks are home loan agents, and many do not know how to read and evaluate the strength of a good business plan. I know. I have spoken to them before. But, get them to improve their understanding of this and work with the SBA to improve business loans and acquisitions. That would be a step in the right direction.
23) Education... okay, here we go to the Volunteer State Community College and we work with them to establish a workforce development training center, so that Portland's workforce can be trained to get the jobs in the industrial area, or retrained when jobs are lost/cut. There would also be a relationship with this training institute and the local high school to prepare non-college-bound graduates for work in the industrial park. Better training equals more potential relocations of industry to our area.
24) Put together some relocation packages for firms moving their personnel to our area. A sort of welcome kit would go a long way to helping new citizens and familiarize them with the area, especially educating them in the positive things Portland has to offer and local business offerings.

Just a few more ideas....

Tim,here is your chance to make your legacy as a councilman.Put a seperate question on the ballot in May concerning the sales tax increase.Propose that the money raised be used to sewer 52 and repair,not patch, the existing sewer lines.Give the people more than one choice when it comes to THEIR money being spent.Great politicians leave things that are noticed by the people,great leaders leave lasting impressions that can be FELT for generations to come.

I think it would be great if you could get property owners to clean up their locations. However what one sees as trash the other sees as treasure. How do you get codes to enforce a paint job or a neat yard. You have a guy that has his dryer plugged into an extension cord sitting on the porch of his trailer right along 52. If that wont get the attention of the city leaders and codes to make some changes for the man's safety, then do it for the image of portland. Then again do we have the right to tell someone to haul off their STUFF that they spent years working for. The mind set has to change and that is hard to make happen. That is why your efforts are better spent on a fresh start. Once again I am going back to the new interchange at I-65. This is the chance portland needs to build a clean new image that thousands will see everyday driving on one of the busiest north south interstates in the entire country. The area running from nashville north to louisville holds the potential be one of the best sites in the USA for new industry. Industry that stays in the good ole USA will have to build new plants in the mid south to have some sort of cost savings to compete with all the companies that are abandoning the blue collar workers of America in favor of Mexico. Portland sits in a prime area for this growth. The new TN/KY industrial park at Lake Springs road holds the potential for bringing in thousands of needed jobs that will raise the standard of living for all those under paid and under employed families that live in those areas that yall have described as eye sores or trashy trailers. I would agree they are not very good indications of a well planned community entrance. Thats why the leaders and developers need to work smart for the new interchange to be well thought out with state and local government. I think they should move the exit a little further south than any of the 3 proposed sites. Upgrade the bridge at lake springs and build a service road that runs alongside the interstate that connects into the current lake springs rd and the industrial park. Keep the area at the exit appealing commercial sites. Not a sofa express building at the ramp. Sorry for being so long winded.

We'll I am extremely impressed with the posts so far. Great Job Everyone! MG you put together a great list, others have added or elaborated many good points.

I would like to elaborate on the need to clean up our town, Hwy 109 and Hwy 52 needs to be polished big time, like many have said this is our current gateways to our town and should project the image we want our town to be.

Businesses and commercial building owners have to be held responsible and clean up their acts or fine them. It is shameful to drive down these roads especially with out of town family or visitors.

Back to my comment. I'm not asking for the city to tear all these buildings down. Just clean them up alittle, maybe paint the store front's. I mean Jody McDowell cleaned up the little building for his business and looks a 110% better now period!

I totally agree with number 19 hand's down. I've said this for year's but everyone want's to cry everyone is not born with a silver spoon crap....Same way with the entrance into Portland coming down 52 from the interstate. A total eyesore!!

Ahh..the joy of an open discussion!I love it!
Oddly enough, MG, You have taken me by surprise..I see your points and agree with them! You have made some great suggestions...I have a few of my own...

We need to set the standards of the classroom experience at our schools higher...raise the bar on what should be expected of our high school seniors as they leave that brick building and are on their own and find some way to send them into a bright future...this town does not have much to offer for those who are unable to attend college due to lack of money or other situations...a life serving french fries isn't my idea of success...this is also important for the struggling working adults as well...We need some promising jobs brought to Portland.

The police and code workers need to get their tails in high gear. It is just ridiculous how sloppy they have let things get around here. I see hundreds of dollars that could be used for the town if they would just do their jobs! There are codes and laws for reason. Enforce them. Stop letting the semis zoom through our small roads at 50 mph...get out there and put a stop to it! Stop letting vacant buildings rot away for years! Make people have some pride for our town and clean up their property!

Also, why would you want to get rid of Walgreens, that will easily be the biggest sales tax provider in the city

I agree with Tim that the sewer problems are very important, this town needs better infrastructure before it can grow, the wiseman built his house upon the rock, not the moratoriumed sewer and rupturing gas lines and what about:
1)Forcing semi-trucks out of downtown area, make them drive around on 31 or find some other method.
2)Leaders that vote on what's best for the city and not what's best for their friends.
3)Allow Sunday Beer Sales and Liquor By the Drink so we can quit talking about raising the sales tax and every government service such as trash pick up. Why would our council rather starve the poor to pay for growth instead of giving adults the right to choose what they want.
4)Buy out some of these empty buildings and tear them down to create greenspace around the city so our town doesn't look like a big dirty truck stop.
5)Raise the impact fee on residential development and put one on industrial development. We do enough favors for industries as it is, how about a little give and take.

The people of portland have a great opportunity for a fresh new entrance or gateway into portland. The new proposed I-65 interchange. All the infastructure is in place.This is the chance for city leaders and residents to show that portland can be a progressive and modern area of middle tn.The problem is it is already being influenced by the powers to be as far as where it will go. All 3 proposed sites are leading straight into the industrial parks. These industrial areas are very much needed for this area. they are a great recruitment of jobs. This could be one of the best things to happen for portland in a long time. But this exit should be designed so that when you exit what you SEE is nice commerical developement. Not a metal warehouse. This area has plenty of open land. but it is already targeted to go off the ramp into an area of metal warehouses on each side of the interstate. Have some vision and build an access road to those areas.The main exit area should be shopping, restaraunts, offices apartments etc. But with a direct access road to these great sites of industry. What is it they say about FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

I totally agree with #20. Why do we need another pharmacy here? We could use a community center right in the "center" of our town. It could be used for many great things for the people. Is Walgreen's really going to be that great? Unless the city wants to run out the small mom and pop pharmacy's? Hmm? I guess its all about whos getting paid? Thats a shame. It would be so nice to have a center where one can go and meet all of the neighbors, go to community events, have events and most importantly keep mom and pop in town.

I like the brainstorming that is being generated on this post. If I had a magic wand I could wave and all would be done, here is what I would do.

1.) Sewer the 52 corridor west from 109 to the Interstate. It has been estimated this would cost over 2 million dollars. I ran on this issue, and with the cost, and the present state of the rest of the sewer system, it has been near impossible to get this done. But that's why I get to use my magic wand! We could do a lot of good if we could get some development at the 31/52 intersection near the interstate.

2.) You are absolutely right about the planner. And on top of that, you are going to need a Council that will not run that person out of town when he upsets the developers, builders, etc., when he/she is enforcing our codes.

3.) Fix the inflow/infiltration problems in the sewer system. Sewer expenses are eating our lunch and keeping us in the crosshairs with the State.

A lot of this isn't the fancy stuff, but it would put us in the position we need to be in to really start having the money to do some really good things (retail recruitment, civic center, etc.)

Also, I thought the post about creating a peer group, or peer counseling group, was a great idea that would not cost a lot of money. it would help a lot of the youth to maybe have some positive role models in their life. Cudos to whoever it was that posted that.

That's what came off the top of my head. Maybe I'll think up some more later.

MG,

Totally agree with all of your suggestions except #20, particularly the part with the food court...this is not a viable option. I agree that we should leave the building and use it for various reason's...but not a food court.

While I agree with the community oriented issues...we also need to develop a plan for growth....does this exist now? If so where might the written version of this be...so I can see it for myself?

I also believe we need to increase travel safety in our community...crack down on speeders by actually pulling them over and ticketing them....believe it or not this will also increase revenue to the city......Also..curtail the trucks using our city as a way to sneak around the weigh scales by implementing a weight rule on 109 from the Kentucky line down through Portland....we just need to put are heads together to find a way to enforce this.

Hold city leaders accountable when things are not completed within an acceptable time frame.

Fine these property owners that don't bring their properties up to standards. For example.....From I-65 just past Dollar General coming in to town.....on either side of Highway 52 there are single wide trailors that are eyesores and mainly uncared for..also small homes many of which are in disrepair....Guess what else...there is also much crime in this area......Now I know we are going to get the bleeding hearts on here that will say how these people are poor and don;t have alot of money......This is my response to you, most of the trailors and homes in the afore mentioned area are rental properties that are not owned by the people who live there.....The property owner should be held accountable...if you can afford to own a rental property then you can afford to keep it in good repair...if not, sell it!!!

Coming in to Portland from the South on 109...the first thing you notice is a Machine shop with enough scrap metal in the front yard to build a new space shuttle out of...not only that the building itself is in disrepair....also there is a car repair shop on the west side of 109 that many times has cars sticking out in to the highway, also many junk cars sitting around and a eyesore building.

Now it occurs to me that these issues would all be resolved with some enforcement of current laws or ordinances......Does anyone else see a pattern here.....

We have little to no traffic law enforcement....little to no building code enforcement.....little to no retail growth.....and on and on...

What Portland lacks the most is LEADERSHIP!!!!! and Attitude reflects LEADERSHIP!!!!!

I have many other ideas...but that is a start.

MG

Now, we have butted heads many a times on this blog and I have but two things to say about your post below.

"FANTASTIC JOB"!! Wow!

Oh, yeah, one addition to this...

At the Ponderosa building, once purchased, put a sign that promotes local events, dates, times, etc.

OK... great subject, and I guess I will go first.

1) Establish a clear enterprise zone in the downtown area, with business growth and renewal as a focus both on the buildings, parking, traversals, and taxes.
2) Restrict by statute further encroachment by churches in established commercial buildings, or if you allow it, then no new or existing church establishments can thwart economic growth in any way, just because of their location.
3) Open up commercial zoning on 109 and 52, especially all the way to 65. Call it phase/zone 2, with fewer incentives in place to develop out there until revitalization is addressed in the core business district.
4) Fine all commercial property owners that allow property to sit vacant without honestly allowing a tenancy. Make the fines count.
5) Develop a peer organization for youths, parents, law enforcement, and city administrators and businesses, addressing the needs of youths in Portland. Specifically, reduce the criminalization of young people in the city, and get them on board with designing an agreeable future for the city.
6) Attract more physicians, dentists, and specialists to the area. Make sure they WILL take Tenncare and new patients.
7) Improve water purification in the city, and the delivery system.
8) Create a liaison committee to bridge differences and issues between businesses, city government, and the school system. Allow participating entities to accept this committee as an arbitrator in disputes.
9) Pass legislation that will allow the city to fine the school district EVERY TIME IT GOES OUTSIDE SUMNER COUNTY, PORTLAND, and ESPECIALLY THE STATE OF TENNESSEE to do business that could easily be done in Portland. Make the schools actually live up to their commitments to support local, and not just give lip service.
10) Local organizations using the city parks should also support local businesses, and if they do not, they should be charged a "lost tax revenue" fee. Stop giving them a free ride to use city property and take business out of town.
11) Reconstitute the Board of the Chamber of Commerce to reflect actual business interests. Right now, it is mostly insurance companies, banks, and realtors. Put some new blood in it, and get retail involved.... actual owners. Make the Chamber establish its own commitment to do business in Portland. (You may be surprised to find that it does not, and traditionally has not.) If the Chamber refuses to make changes in leadership and direction, abolish it and start all over with a Business Leadership council.
12) Establish a weekly or monthly forum for local businesses to discuss issues and seek solutions to better improve the wellfare of business and the community. This should be done by the Chamber, but it is not at this time.
13) Involve the citizens through churches and other organizations to create a better community spirit. Make it a competition.
14) Speaking of churches... get them to support local businesses in their efforts. Some do. Most don't.
15) The banks on the local Chamber council do alot of their shopping with out-of-town vendors. Why? If they do, and if they refuse to correct this, they should be removed from local leadership.
16) Speaking of local... the retail council established by the Mayor. It would be great to actually have someone who does retail on it, don't you think?
17) City Planner - yeah, get a qualified one and let's move on.
18) The City of Portland should own its own website, and allow bill-pay for convenience. All minutes from meetings, videos, forms, tax notices, and so forth, should be there. NOT OWNED BY MYERS & Co. Do it right.
19) Junk and visible trash businesses should be forced to relocate or clean it up. Look at north 109. It is a dump from Pizza hut north about a half mile. A total eyesore.
20) Nix the Walgreens purchase. Buy the existing Ponderosa building, leave it where it is, and use it as a community building. Tell Walgreens to go elsewhere for a location, and assist them in doing so. Put a food court in the existing Ponderosa, run by a third party interest, with public and meeting areas. Buy the Krystals location and open the parking lot up. Add other venues if necessary to address community needs.

Hopefully, that is enough to get started.