by Seth Layne, Special to the Messenger
What would $1.5 million do for a community such as Tracy City? We will soon have an answer to this question. For the last several months, individuals have been working tirelessly. The city has been awarded grants that total about $1.2 million. With a $300,000 loan that fulfills the matching requirements of the grants, the small town of Tracy City could see a life-altering amount of money used for the mutual benefit of its citizens. The grants include renovations to the old Grundy County High School, new sidewalks and street lamps in downtown and the construction of Tracy’s portion of the Mountain Goat Trail.
The old, beautiful building that was Grundy County High School is dear to many people. The grant for renovations to the facility would focus on bringing the building up to code, renovating the front wing and restoring the gymnasium. The city hopes the building will be used for a variety of purposes, such as sporting events and rental space for the public. The classrooms will also be available for lease for anything from doctor’s and lawyer’s offices, to clinics and shops and parties, as well as vocational classes from local technical schools.
Tracy City was accepted recently to the Tennessee Main Street Program. This highly competitive program accepted only six towns in the state this year. The city has two grants for sidewalks and street lamps to beautify downtown and to make it easier for citizens and tourists to enjoy the many opportunities. These grants will be instrumental in helping Tracy’s Revitalization Committee achieve its goals of enhancing Main Street and making the city a great place to visit.
The Mountain Goat Trail is a remarkable venture. Many remember the train that used to come from Cowan to Palmer, the Mountain Goat. Many have told about how the conductor would throw candy and gum to children as it passed through town. The railroad in Grundy County used to be a vital part of the area’s culture. With the leadership of the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance, Tracy City has approved funds for easements and construction of walking and bike trails for the five-mile portion in Tracy City. This paved trail will preserve the history of the great Mountain Goat and will provide the citizens of Tracy and the surrounding area with a beautiful place to exercise and to enjoy their town.
The process of attaining a loan has not been easy. A $300,000 loan for a small town such as Tracy City can be a risky thing. It has been met with stiff opposition by some in our community. A primary argument against the loan is that the city simply cannot afford it, while others argue that it will do nothing to improve the city. Upon my [author Seth Layne’s] request, Brad Harris from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) visited from Knoxville to look at the city’s 2012 audit. After reviewing the city’s finances, Harris assured the Board of Mayor and Aldermen that the loan is feasible, given the city’s current financial standing. Upon approval from the state comptroller’s office, Tracy City will proceed with all necessary measures to accomplish these goals.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Tracy City requests that the public partner with them in this revitalization of Tracy City. As a community, Tracy City has never been more ready for positive change. The city has been given an extraordinary opportunity to make this into what its citizens already know that it is—a wonderful place to live and a beautiful place to visit. For more information, please visit the Facebook page at <www.facebook.com/TracyCityTn>.
Seth Layne is a Tracy City Alderman.
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