Dear Knoxville Neighbors: Not knowing much about the city or state, my husband and I moved to Knoxville in 2008 from the northeast because we enjoyed the warmer weather and gorgeous parks that were so close to home. We weren’t sure whether it would be a permanent move but as we started our family and got to know the city more, we decided to call Knoxville home, long term. As our family grew, we needed more space but wanted to still feel part of a community so we moved to West Hills. While we can drive just a short distance to our neighborhood parks, schools and shopping, we often prefer to walk or bike as it gives us an opportunity to get some exercise and be able to stop and chat with neighbors while on our journey. The schools my kids have attended have all been within the Parental Responsibility Zone from our home which means that we cannot use school buses and either need to walk or drive to get to and from school. When my older son was in elementary school, I would often be seen pushing a stroller with my younger son on the side of the street on the walk to school as there are no sidewalks from our busy street to school. These few minutes of walking are some of my best memories from when my older son was little as he would notice all the things around our neighborhood - we would chat with a new neighbor or talk about new flowers or holiday decorations around our street - all things that would not be easily noticed if we were driving. Now that my son is older, he still walks the same streets but now, by himself, still with no sidewalks. While the walk to school is short, it is also dangerous. On a daily basis, I see distracted drivers often speeding even when there are people walking in the street. While some people can walk along the street in front lawns, people who use wheelchairs or strollers cannot which is why sidewalks are important to allow for all types of walkers. Some families in Knoxville are lucky to live in neighborhoods with sidewalks but, unfortunately, most do not. I support the sales tax increase to help pay for sidewalks in neighborhoods that don’t have them close to schools. Safely being able to walk to school is healthier for families, healthier for communities and healthier for the environment and it would be great to have more communities where walking can be a safer option. The tax increase is a small price to pay for families to have a safe and healthy start or end of their school day. This is why I support Neighbors FOR Knoxville and ask that you consider doing the same this November 4. Thank you, Your Neighbor, Elizabeth Evola
Bearden Elementary and Bearden High School Mom |
