Portland, Tennessee Blog

They are building a new middle school.......the sign is on College St.

Does anyone know what is going on Oakhill Drive? I have been gone for two months, and I come back, and nearly EVERY house on that street is for sale. I did notice that they were building something in what used to be farmland. Does anyone know? Thanks!

Me either....it just dosen't have the same appeal anymore.

Yeah I've also noticed since the progressive lost almost it's whole staff in a matter of a month or so that it hasn't looked the same. I just don't care to read it as often as I once had.

Go to this site and register. It shows job openings that the unemployment office has.

https://ecmats.state.tn.us/eCMATS/

Jessica -
I would simply call City Hall and ask them. (325-6776) I don't think the "City" has "rules" regarding fundraising efforts other than "roadblocks". However, just fair warning, the businesses in town are overloaded with rampant fundraising efforts this time of the year and you are going to be up against some stiff competition . . . but you never know until you ask.

If your child needs speech and occupation services over the summer, start with Pupil Services at Sumner County Board of Education. (451-5200) You can obtain those services for free if your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or an FSP. (Family Services Plan) You will need to request an IEP meeting before the end of the school year to discuss the NEED for ESY.(Extended School Year) IMPORTANT: They are required by federal law to provide these services if your child really NEEDS them. If they refuse to provide the services, be sure to ask for "written prior notice" for your records.

Another option is to contact the Department of Human Services about obtaining TN Care for your son. Even if you do not otherwise qualify for assistance, they cover ALL children in Tennessee who either have no insurance, or insuffient insurance. Children with disabilities often fall into the "insuffient" category when their disailities are related to the brain. I could go on and on about insurance parity, but I leave that for another time and place.

Good Luck!!!

I have made a donation page to help raise money for my son's autism summer programs (which are going to cost us an arm and a leg!) and my husband's insurance does not cover any of the services he needs (speech and occupational) but my question is, where can I promote this? I am not sure what the guidelines are for donations around here..can I put out flyers? or ask businesses for their support? What do I need to do? Anything?

Try Ranstad (I believe is the name)Agency in Rivergate in front Home Depot..There is also one in Springfield. Check out Craigslist and Monster Job search. Hope that helps!

The unemployment office in Gallatin won't help. They are only there waiting for retirement and don't care about helping anyone. Use the Internet you will have better luck there.

Rachel, He needs to also go to Franklin KY and hit the temp services there. Keep an eye on the local papers. They will post openings. He also needs to register with the unemployment office in Gallatin. They have lots of listings. It is located on College St.

Ok, I didn't really see a specific section to post this in, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any places around town that might be looking for warehouse/forklift operators? My housemate has been here for about 6 months, and he is having a heck of a time finding a job, not only in his line of work, but in this area in general. He has went to every temp agency between here and Gallatin, and nothing! Does anyone have ANY suggestions? Thanks!

I reference the Progressive because, in my opinion, they would be paper that would take an interest in the issue and be the most likely to do anything about it.

The Leader seems to be the more "politically correct" paper and I don't think they would be interested.

About the Progressive -- it's just not the same paper anymore and I don't like it half as much as I used to. Since Brian and Daniel left....it's just lost it's "zing". It had "personality" before....but now....it's just so-so.

I wish the Leader could be more pro-active about city issues, but I don't expect that to ever be the case.

DeeAnna,

I notice that when you reference "the paper", you specifically mention the Progressive. Has anyone read the Portland Leader lately? It seems that there isn't much content, except crime in Portland and property transfers. It doesn't seem to look the same, either; maybe they have a new design person.

DeeAnna, I think you may be onto something there! That sounds like a great idea to me! Maybe these people will then realize that people do care about this town! I say kudos to your idea!

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe the Progressive can start a new thing for the paper....and call it "Eyesore of the Week"....LOL
Maybe when they see it from an objective view, they will see what we see !
Thank you for your response to this on the blog.

Thank You Councilman Callis for the update

Troy,
I have not heard from you on your situation unless your email got lost in my spam.
Please call or email me, or call public works and ask to have your situation be placed on the next public works agenda.
Thanks
mike

Also,
codes has been contacted by several, including myself, concerning the problem on 109.
They have spoken with them, and hopefully it will be resolved quickly.
It will be hard to (on paper)identify what an eye sore is, but maybe we can clarify some of the wording for future situations.

Today is Monday April 21, and the junk is still there. Still....Welcome to Portland folks. I just wonder if it will be there for all of the visitors to see during the Strawberry Festival?!?

Anyone know if the state has opened the bidding process on the 109 widening project from hwy 52 to hwy 76. If they have is the bidding over and set to start this summer or is it going to be delayed due to budget problems. I've seen what is on the Portland website but it hasn't been updated in a while.

Sadly,Mr. or Misses Justasking..There is no "code" for trashy yard sales in the middle of our town.If I am correct,it just states how long a yard sale is allowed to run..So.. Who ya gonna call? Yard sale busters!!!..dun dun dun nuh..Sorry..I got carried away :) I will go right back to complaining and looking for reasons to call codes to post on here..its a shame I don't get paid for all this work! Whew..

I am not just complaining here on the blog, I did contact someone and I did report it! see the following.

Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 11:03 AM - To: KMayor@cityofpor(edited)
Subject: BUY Right Furniture EYE SORE

I am truly concerned about this Furniture place, they have a heap of old furniture, appliances, junk and the like filling the empty lot, what in the world is going on, at this point and time that we are trying to spruce up the town and this pile of junk sits in the wide open for everyone to see, the store front in itself is not apealing but now this, I tried to contact to the zoning dept but the link is not working, hoping you will forward and advise as to if this is within city zoning.

Thank You - Judy S
------------------------------------------
Mayor's reply:
Subj: RE: BUY Right Furniture EYE SORE
Date: 4/18/2008 11:32:46 A.M. Central Daylight Time
From: kmayor@cityofpor (edited) - To: MPJASCOTT@(edited)

Thanks, I will forward on to zoning and check into it.
----------------------------------------
If you will note the times both were sent, I got a very quick reply, I have said before that if you contact any of the city officials they do read, and yes they do reply. I have many times communicated with the Mayor, Councilman Callis, Councilman McDowel, and Brian Goodwin at Public works and have always gotten a reply back in less than 24 hours. My hats off to each and every one of them, not many City's have open communications such as this, KUDO's to them all!! - Further note, I edited the email addresses as I get enough spam mail and don't want mine picked up by spam bots.

I see. Thanks for that enlightenment. Guess I thought a blog was for the expressing of opinions. I really could care less what Portland does. Yes, I am just complaining and expresing my opinion.

Did u contact codes?
Or r u just complaining?
this is how it works, if you see something not right YOU contact codes.
the city does not have people who just go around looking.
u c a problem, u do something about it!

Yes, it was a waste of time........and I'd be willing to bet that the "yard sale ordiance" was done to pacify someone who complained about yard sales, and for no other reason.

Ordinance?? Are you kidding?? Where are the Yard Sale Cops?? There are some people is this town that have a yard sale every weekend. I knew when the city started this that it was a waste of time.

I thought the city had an ordinance for yard sales....there's a limit on the number of days, etc.

Maybe that ordinane is only enforced for homeowners, and not business owners.

You know the mayor and council have seen this mess...........it's right there on the main road..they can't say they can't see it !

I hope it doesn't last too long either,but I have seen some yard sales right along North Russel last for over 2 weeks..I think people get confused by the idea of a yard sale and what should be considered trash..I guess the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" really takes on an entirely different meaning to some people!

Jessica, Thank you I am a bit relieved to know it won't last long... knock on wood. Must be I didn't see the yard sale sign cuz it probably was blocked by the semi that was unloading the junk. Thanks for the info.

Ah,Judy...didn't you notice the YARD SALE sign that reads "$5 up"..::rolls eyes:: They are lucky if someone took that junk for FREE! There is a pile of clothing that has been rained on two days in a row..WHO would buy that??

Excuse me while I complain!!
Has anyone drove "down town" on 109 past the Buy Rite Furniture place in the last day or two? OMG What a horrific mess, and we complain about the dumping at C.A.R.E.S., don't know what in the world is going on there, piles of junk & old furniture, old appliances, bedding, filling that side lot!! I only hope and pray it is short lived!

Troy,
Please email me your address and contact info.
thanks
Mike Callis
mikecallis@cityofportlandtn.gov

When will the city address the issues with water in Lyoncrest? I have called and called to no avail, and no one seems to care. I had the assistant to the engineer here last week who said drainage ditches will not help, however my yard is a swamp, my brick is cracking and I fear a summer of insects from the standing water. I was told the city has the responsibility but he assistant, so where do I go for help? Unless I sell to someone who has no idea there is a problem, and that is illegal to do, I am stuck in the swamp.

Who at the city can make something happen and end the mess we have? We can't even mow the yard! The water is over your ankles in places and has no where to go. How did this get passed in the first place? Buyer beware... I should have asked more questions I guess... I love the location and the neighborhood as a whole, but please someone take a lead on this and fix it!

I would rather have deep concrete drainage ditches than water standing in my yard... I know that we have engineering abilities to figure this out... my neighbor even has offered "Free" engineering assistance as he is retired. Please help us!!!

Sorry about the agenda.
Someone usually trys to post that.
I will ask and see if we can do a better job of posting that.

Huge lot for a doctor's office isn't it.

I just hope it is an attractive building since Portland doesn't have good building standards for business's like other cities do like Hendersonville for example. I know Portland has a harder time getting new Business's like other cities but i wish when someone did build something here the city would make them build quality buildings. The new building that recently went up on 52 between McDonalds and Dollar General should have never been allowed. It is nothing more than a pole barn structure with drywall and not very safe looking either. Would hate to be in there during a severe storm. Cities that don't have standards always look cheap and Trashy weather they are small or big.

New office for Dr.Porter.

Does anyone know what is happening just south of the J.W. Wiseman School on 109. They removed two old trail's and have been Bulldozing the lot.

fan - youll find out what on agenda when they post the minutes of meeting in about 3 weeks or watch on tv unless you go to city hall

Councilman Callis,

Since it is the first Monday of the month I suppose tonight is the council meeting. Do you have an agenda available that you can post on the official city website? It still has the March 3 agenda posted. Thank you.

I am hoping that it is okay that I post this here, I know its not in Portland, but I hope that it is a cause that our town is interested in, as I know it is a very important issue to me..

Do you have a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker who would benefit from learning about autism resources available in Tennessee?

Then.....

Come to the Autism Resource Fair
held in conjunction with the
5K Run/Walk Beyond the Limits for Autism
at Memorial Park in Hendersonville on April 19th!

There are 30 resource providers coming to the Autism Resource Fair representing a wide variety of services. A few are listed here:

The Arc of Davidson County TRIAD
First Steps 17th Avenue Psychiatry
Blessings Unleashed The Autism Society of Middle TN
ABC Services Moms In Touch
Seven Gable Farm Therapeutic Riding Special Riders of Sumner County
Blessings Unleashed And Many Others……

Schedule of Events
6:30 a.m. - 5K Run - (Same day registration)
7:30 a.m. – 5K Run Begins (To register online - www.active.com)
8:30 a.m. - Walk (Same day registration)
9:30 a.m. – Walk Begins (To register online - www.active.com)
10:00 a.m. – Autism Resource Fair
10:00 a.m. – Family Fun Fair (inflatables, music, balloons, food, face painting)
12:00 p.m. – Live Music (bring a lawn chair)
4:00 p.m. - Event is over

Spread the word to everyone you know! Come out and support this great autism event! The proceeds from this event will benefit Beyond the Limits, An Autism Resource Connection. For more information about this event, a “Face of Autism” sign, the silent auction and the mission of Beyond the Limits, go to www.autismresourceconnection.com.

Don't know if any of you have seen this, but it is great!!!

http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm

Please continue to support our troops!!!

Thank you for the kudos. I accept, and I detect no sarcasm in your compliment. I am a responsible and involved citizen, and when I'm not involved I don't post comments like "Couldn't the city do a better job of notifying residents of such important meetings, and expressing the need of community input". I figure it is my responsibility to be informed. The city did their part.

As for being anonymous, would my comments have been any more credible had you known who I was? Frankly, I don't know Judy...don't need to. You're just as anonymous as I am to those who don't know you personally. That's just a first name. For all I know you could have made it up. That's how blogs work. It's just for exchange of ideas and it doesn't really matter who you are.

Hey Brian - The Topic "Reminder to contractors" that you started at 9am this morning, I see it on the comments log but can't get to it ;) Sounds interesting.

Come on, anonymous! You crack me up! Don't know where I expressed such grave interest in this matter other than posting a few questions about this topic to see if I understood what I read correctly, after all I can be a bit blonde in my older nosy days. I've posted nothing about me/myself not being included and feeling left out!. BooHoo!

Of course..... so silly of me to forget, when it comes to business regarding the city you're not supposed to question it on the blog, because..... if you were involved you'de already know everything!! Sounds like the City needs that Civic Center more than I once thought, after all they'd need that kind of space if everyone in this town that has any interest in what's going on were to attend the meetings. Sooooo.... forgive my sarcasm when I say "kudos to anonymous" for being such a responsible citizen!!

By the way, what's with the "anonymous", one who's that involved should be proud of who they are? Just curious.

Come on, Judy! If you have all the interest in these issues you claim to have, you should get out to City Hall or to a bank occasionally to seek out some information. Don't just wait for the city to call you or mail you a postcard. They meet the requirement for posting public meetings, and I must add they do so quite well. Rather than posting comments about not being included and feeling left out, take a little responsibility for keeping yourself informed.

(Please forgive the sarcasm and I don't mean to upset Judy even though it probably will, but we as citizens have some responsibility ourselves! I don't own property in that area and I didn't fill out a questionnaire because I chose not to, but I was involved in the process because I sought the information and chose to be)

It was in both papers also.

Well, I for one do not go inside City Hall or the banks except the drive thru's. Couldn't the city do a better job of notifying residents of such important meetings, and expressing the need of community input.

Before we start making plans for 52, shouldn't we clean up 'downtown' Portland first? Why spend all this money and time on the 52 project to attract people to town when town looks like a junk heap?

Meetings are also posted at city hall, and they had info up in the local banks for a few weeks. There had been other meetings prior to the one at the school. They even set a day a side where individuals could come in personally talk with the designers.
They met with people all day long.

If the study was done solely with land owners on hwy 52 perhaps it could of said that, it was quoted as a COMMUNITY Survey, which is misguided, I don't see 30 hwy 52 property owners representive of what the Community would like. It's good they were considered don't get me wrong, they should be. I got a little comfort thinking there was at least 30 citizens from within different area's of the CITY that were having an input in this. And again don't get me wrong and I know or hope there will be more than these 30 that determine the outcome of the project, but, If I had land near or on 52 I would definately have an interest, you would be a fool not to. The value of their property will be affected by all this. Who knows, if the city does this project right in a few years their land could be worth 10x's what it is today!!

Councilman Callis - I did see the notices about the presentation at the school in the papers, where are the other notices about meetings posted?

All of the meetings concerning the corridor study were publized and open to all, owners who are directly affected should have recieved a letter (like we often do with other projects), simply because their land is directly affected i.e; their property touched Hwy 52 or was very close.
One of the goals in this project was to let the public review it and have input.
Council and planning discussed this several times prior and now we have been letting the public share their thoughts, then we will get down to the business of finalizing the plans.
The input has been very positive and this is a very important step for our city; it is also a very progressive line of thought. This is not typical for a city our size to step out with a growth plan such as this.
Hwy 52 is still pretty much a blank slate when it comes to retail, and predetermining how it will look and how to handle future growth is a positive step.

The thirty people of which you are speaking were mostly landowners along Hwy 52.There was a public meeting and individual meetings at City Hall on Feb.7th.It was open to anyone who wanted to attend and fill out the questionnaire,not just the landowners.
Now is the time for this city to act.There is at least 40% of our workforce in this town commutes from Scottsville,Franklin,Westmoreland,Lafayette,and Gallatin.Think how much it is costing each person per week to drive here.If we could entice those people to live here by giving them QUALITY shopping and dining establishments,then our property and sales tax revenues would increase,increasing the funds to build things like libraries,civic centers etc.
We can't compete with Franklin for the grocery dollar,thats a given.But if we were to repeal the city sales tax on clothing,then that coupled with the high price of gas,and giving the community a good clothing store ala Goody's or Belk,would increase the sales tax revenue by people shopping here instead of driving to another town for their purchase.Let's use the high gas prices for our good instead of our detriment.Think future not present.

OK- everyone take a deep breath.I just "assumed" (and you know what they say about assuming - lol) that the survey was available for everyone to take. If that isn't the case, then what I said before doesn't even apply because there is a huge difference between being not getting involved vs. being outright excluded.

Does anyone know for a fact whether or not everyone was invited to take the survey?

Michelle, You're right about involvement, and voting. I guess 30 folks makes/represents our community, and the majority of them just happened to be long term residents with professional backgrounds. Just curious how this panel was selected or was it that ONLY 30 people chose to become involved.

CD- You are a rarity in that you've lived here all your life and are all for "change", great post!

I've lived here my entire life and i wish they had used me for the survey. I'm "in the know" and know how thing's work here "they don't" that's the problem. I would love to see this city completely change. I would love to see a Home Depot store, Wal-mart, Publix, nice restaurant's, shopping, and some Condo's or Townhomes.

Don't take this next comment as being mean because i'm not trying to sound that way.

When I talk to the poeple I Know they mostly all will tell you when enough of the older people die thats when Portland will change. I have to say that I agree. It's just like the Liquor voting It only failed be five vote's last time I think. That means that we are getting close to a change begining here.

I'm looking foward to the day when i don't have to waste 10 dollars worth of gas just to go have dinner or see a movie.

Judy I understand what you are trying to say, but I feel the same way about this as I do about voting.

Whether or not you are a Portland "native" or you just moved here last month, if you don't take the time to get involved and at the very least give imput, then you shouldn't complain. Sure, Portland "natives" have a slight advantage simply because they are a little more "in the know" about how things work, but Portland isn't completely unique in that most local governments are pretty similar and it wouldn't take much more than a few phone calls to get steered in the right direction.

What it all boils down to is what the majority of the INVOLVED people wants. If only 30 people are involved, then the 30 people are going to rule. Its that simple.

Saw in the Leader an article about the Gateway project, I'm assuming this has something to do or is the hwy 52 development.

Anyway, what caught my eye was "The oversight group of contractors hired to study options for a Gateway project into Portland held a public meeting last week to present results of a community survey."
"Downham reported there were 30 completed surveys reflecting a panel of residents who mostly had lived in the area for 20-plus years with a variety of professional backgrounds."

Anyone else read the article? Would they not want opinions from both older and newer residents. I know I will catch some flack for this but, isn't that why Portland doesn't change much because the lifers or long term Portlanders here don't want change?

I read in the Leader that another factory is coming to Portland, Techform a Canadian based firm that makes automotive parts. Expects to hire 70-80 people at start up, grand opening planned for May 1st. Applications can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office, I heard from someone that went to a workshop for them that they start around $10. an hour.

Too bad we can't get Restaurants as well as we attract factories.

No success here opening the Hwy 52 design plans, tried again last night

Has anyone had any success opening the " Hwy 52 West Design " links on the www.cityofportlandtn.gov website.