From the Knoxville News Sentinel, Sunday, September 23, 2001
Original KnoxNews URL: www.knoxnews.com/kns/anderson/article/0,1406,KNS_366_829925,00.html

Drive launched to buy back Pine Ridge

By Bob Fowler, Anderson County editor

The City of Oak Ridge should buy back the 103-acre Pine Ridge tract it sold to developer Nat Revis and convert it into a public park, says an environmental consultant who has launched a petition drive seeking that buyback.

The ridge, which offers an "unparalleled view" of the city and the surrounding region, "could be a signature feature for the city" if it were returned to a natural state, Dr. Bill Schramm says.

The ridge top has been clear-cut and is being graded down by Dr. Nat Revis, a local developer who intends to convert the area into a complex of high-tech storage warehouses.

The clear-cutting and grading has sparked an uproar among residents who complain that the ridge has deteriorated into a high-profile eyesore visible for miles around.

"This is people's first impression when they are coming into the city," Schramm said of Pine Ridge. "I don't think what's going on up there is good economic development."

Schramm wants the city to buy the land back for $160,492.50, or what Revis paid for it. "I don't want to punish him or reward him," Schramm said. "The city should work with him to find a more appropriate site for his project."

Schramm said his efforts were pushed to the front burner when he learned during an Oak Ridge Planning Committee meeting that one of the smaller ridge tops on the tract is expected to be leveled off within the next two weeks.

Schramm said he will take petition signatures in the club room at the Oak Ridge Civic Center from 1 to 5 p.m. today, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.

Schramm said there's no timetable yet for presenting the petition to City Council, but that "this is an option that City Council should have the opportunity to consider."

If the land were repurchased, the city should take steps immediately to re-vegetate the area to prevent future mudslides and erosion and improve its appearance, the petition says.

It also contends that the appraisal putting a $2,500-an-acre price tag on 73 acres of Pine Ridge sold to Revis is "highly suspect," and that Revis lacks the "sensitivity and has been unable to supply the engineering oversight" required to properly develop such a challenging site.

The petition says the site would afford a public space for the city "to view itself" and could tie into Oak Ridge's plans to develop its Center City area.

Schramm said those with questions about his petition drive may call him at 220-0829 or send e-mail to orvista@bellsouth.net

Efforts were unsuccessful to contact Revis, president of Scientific and Technical Resources Inc. in Oak Ridge, for comment.

Bob Fowler may be reached at 865-481-3625 or bfowler@knoxnews.infi.net.

September 23, 2001

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