Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Two Rivers Company (TRC) Board of Directors met Thursday, March 26 and the controversy with Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan was apparent over the mayor’s office not releasing a study to the board involving a consulting firm’s plans for a proposed downtown civic plaza.
The TRC Board is a part of the City of Clarksville that works to revitalize areas of downtown and along the riverfront. Mayor McMillan had a previous commitment and was not able to attend the Thursday meeting.
The TRC Board voted unanimously to request McMillan’s office turn over designs from the Hodgson and Douglas study for the area of property in Clarksville where Bank of America was formerly located. The area is surrounded by Main, Legion, Second and Third Streets downtown.
TRC President Charlie Foust said the TRC Board initiated the process for the property and to be prohibited from seeing the product is just not right. Related to the renovation of the location, a public meeting is set for the First Presbyterian Church, 213 Main Street which is across from the property, Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m.
The TRC also unanimously voted for proposed amendments to the board’s bylaws to include participation from Montgomery County Government. Foust said he had received a letter from County Mayor Jim Durrett expressing interest in possible financial support as well as board appointments.
Foust talked about the city and county working together. “Downtown is in the city but it’s also in the county. Whatever improvements occur here in the downtown the county’s going to get about two-thirds increased tax revenue. What’s good for one is good for both,” Foust said.
Brenda Kelley, TRC Executive Director echoed Foust’s comment and said the county realizes that any improvements to downtown Clarksville will benefit Montgomery County. Those changes to the board’s structure will have to be approved by the Clarksville City Council.