In the works: Kingsport BMA hears latest on city projects

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen heard a quarterly update on city capital projects at Monday's work session. Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt, Public Works Director Michael Thompson, Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds and Assistant City Manager Michael Borders all pitched in to share updates regarding each project. Among that list were several major repaving/resurfacing projects, bridge repairs, Bays Mountain Park improvements, sewer and sanitation upgrades, Kingsport Public Library renovations and more. Bays Mountain projects Borders said work for replacing Bays Mountain Park's Nature Center Roof should be completed by the end of August — despite encountering some structural issues with the decking and water intrusion issues. The replacement comes at an estimated cost of $222,477, according to a city document provided in the work session packet. For the forthcoming otter habitat, Borders said a contractual completion date has been set for next year. City documentation reflects work being done on the habitat by Sept. 15, 2027. "The biggest issue we have now is the beavers getting into some of the construction material," he said of the project. "So it's something you typically don't encounter during the project, but it is in the way." Alderman James Phillips asked if there are any otters lined up for the exhibit, or if Borders thought the park would have any difficulty acquiring the animals when the time comes. "With the facility that we're building to AZA standards, we don't anticipate any issues with the otters, and we have very confident staff who can answer very technical details of it," Borders responded. "[The exhibit's] going to be so nice that all the other otters come to us," Alderman Colette George joked. About 75% of the exterior drawings for the second phase of the Nature Center renovations are complete, according to Borders. He said the interior drawings are being finalized with exhibit design starting the second week of August. Other projects Some other projects of note mentioned include: Brickyard Park Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge: Continuing to address CSX and TDOT comments, questions; construction to start next year.Kingsport Greenbelt extension (from Rotherwood Drive to Lewis Lane): About to go through property acquisition phase, notices to be mailed out. Kingsport Public Library renovations: Continuing with interior renovations, working through some water remediation issues, especially on New Street side of building; looking at sump tank replacements to ensure the basement stays dry and work on track. Meadow Park Lane State Industrial Access Road: Working on property transfers between Eastman and TDOT, expecting the letting process to begin in October; completion date of Dec. 31, 2028. To view the most up-to-date information on capital projects in Kingsport, go to kingsporttn.gov/ and click the "City Projects Map" link on the homepage.