East Brunswick recreation area plans win council approval
Jun. 4—The Brunswick Town Council has OK'd a "menu" of suggested plans for a large swath of town property in East Brunswick, setting the stage for future recreation projects like trails, parking lots, a playground and a swimming area.
Councilors unanimously approved the plans Monday night for the 230-acre area, which consists two adjacent parcels: the Captain William A. Fitzgerald Conservation and Recreation Area, and the former Maine Gravel Services property.
The full management plan was presented by the Former Maine Gravel Services & Captain William A. Fitzgerald Recreation and Conservation Area Master Development and Management Plan Committee. Following Maine Gravel's property donation to the town, the council created the committee in 2023 to build on an existing management plan for the Fitzgerald site.
The plan is intended to serve as a flexible outline for town projects in the area over the next several years. It recommends minimal changes to the previously adopted Fitzgerald plan, mostly focusing on the Maine Gravel Services parcel and its 53-acre pond.
The 10 improvements are laid out in the plan are:
— A 10-space, short-term parking lot off Sturgeon Lane ($40,000)
— Improvements to the existing Sturgeon Lane access drive , including a 20-space parking lot and vault toilets ($842,000)
— A dock structure on the west side of the pond for non-motorized boats and recreational fishing and an ADA-compliant multi-use path ($295,000)
— A neighborhood playground and 15-space parking lot near Old Bath Road ($419,000)
— Improved vehicle access to the Fitzgerald Recreation and Conservation Area, including paving on Lindbergh Landing, 16 parking spaces and 4 ADA parking spaces ($1.88 million)
— Amenities at the Captain Fitzgerald site, including paved ADA multi-use paths, non-ADA multi-use paths and nature trails connected to the Lindbergh Landing access drive and to proposed trails on the Maine Gravel parcel ($823,000)
— An extended nature trail system, short-term parking lot to the southwest of Sturgeon Lane and a gathering area by the pond for education and group use, including stargazers, fishing groups, scout groups and ice skating ($1.49 million).
— A swimming area on the south side of the pond with a restroom, changing facilities and picnic shelters and an 80-space parking lot ($2.64 million)
— Sports fields on the north side of the site and an 80-space parking lot ($2.30 million)
— ADA and non-ADA multi-use paths and nature trails along the north and east side of the pond, including two pedestrian bridges crossing Bonny Brook and an inlet stream ($1.92 million)
The improvements total more than $12.6 million. According to the plan, the bulk of the funding will likely come from state grants through the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Department of Transportation, which require the town to make a local funding match.
The council Wednesday night took several public comments relating to the ecological impact of developing the site, with many people urging councilors to protect natural habitats for wildlife and look into the swimming area's potential impact on drinking water wells nearby.
"We can't overdevelop this land; we have to protect it and support it," said Katie Jochems, likening some of the development to "paving paradise to put up a parking lot."
In response to resident concerns over drinking water, engineering firm Wright-Pierce submitted a hydrogeologic study to the town on Nov. 20, 2024, stating that activities planned for the area are unlikely to impact well and ground water. Resident Bob Moulton said the report did not sufficiently address his concerns on whether his well was safe.
"They haven't taken a single soil sample from the site that's up here," Moulton said at Monday's meeting. "They haven't taken a single water sample."
In response to environmental concerns, committee chair Sherry Mason and councilors pointed out that the plan is a roadmap for the next several years and may come with additional changes as it evolves. The council approved an amendment to its motion, adding language that would make the plan subject to historic and natural resources protections.
Mason said accessibility was a large consideration when deciding to develop more parking spaces and accessible paths.
"Taking a beautiful spot and making it possible for people who have limited mobility to appreciate the views and the trails, for that reason, moving cars to more central locations was one of the things we talked a lot about," Mason said.
More information on the plan is available at mainegravel-fitzgeraldplanning.org.
Copy the Story Link
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Sun Belt State Transportation Agency to Deploy 150 Rekor Discover® Systems Under Rekor's Data-as-a-Service Model
Rekor Discover® to Replace Outdated Roadway Intrusive Technology with FHWA-Compliant AI That Advances Transportation Planning and Operations COLUMBIA, Md., June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) (the "Company), a leader in developing and implementing state-of-the-art roadway intelligence technology, today announced a transformative deployment with a Sun Belt state transportation agency. As part of a new state initiative to upgrade its planning and operations capabilities, Rekor will deploy 150 Rekor Discover® systems under a one-year Data-as-a-Service contract valued at $1.2 million. The Company expects all 150 systems to be installed within 60 days. The program will enable the agency to use Rekor's Roadway Data-as-a-Service model to modernize traffic data collection and monitoring. The Rekor Discover® platform complies with Federal Highway Administration requirements and uses AI-enabled roadside sensors to generate detailed, per-vehicle data using proprietary privacy protection techniques. This eliminates the need to rely on intrusive in-road sensors that create dangerous and disruptive traffic conditions and pose roadway worker safety risks when they fail or need to be maintained. "This marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Data-as-a-Service for U.S. transportation agencies, led by forward-thinking departments," said Mark Phillips, General Manager of Rekor Discover®. "Our vision is to replace the tens of thousands of single-function roadway devices currently in use worldwide with a scalable, AI-powered platform that delivers richer, safer, and more actionable traffic insights. International transportation authorities are increasingly looking to this model, making this a national achievement and a foundational step toward global transformation." In addition to this significant expansion, Rekor Discover® is being adopted by many transportation agencies nationwide, with installations in states including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, Florida, and South Carolina. With a significant and expanding footprint already in place, Rekor Discover® is demonstrating strong momentum in the U.S. market, and international transportation agencies are beginning to take notice, signaling the potential for broader global expansion. A Global Vision for Data-as-a-ServiceThe potential of Rekor Discover® goes far beyond the U.S. The International Road Federation's World Road Statistics shows that more than 60 countries actively collect traffic data to improve safety and transportation planning. With proven scalability, U.S.-based AI, and non-intrusive installation, Rekor is positioned to serve domestic and international markets, seeking modern, cost-effective alternatives to legacy traffic technologies. Safer, Smarter, and Scalable Transportation Planning and OperationsRekor Discover® and its non-intrusive Edge Series systems represent a significant leap forward in traffic planning and operations. Unlike traditional methods such as piezo sensors and rubber tubes, which are prone to failure in harsh conditions and require roadway intrusive installation, Rekor's AI-based solution is installed without road closures, posing no risk to workers or disruption to traffic. It also enables accurate roadway data collection in locations previously considered too hazardous or congested for traditional methods, where side-firing radar systems are often limited by obstructions, placement restrictions, or reduced precision in complex traffic environments. About Rekor Systems, Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) is a leader in developing and implementing state-of-the-art roadway intelligence systems using AI-enabled computer vision and machine learning. As a pioneer in the implementation of digital infrastructure, Rekor is collecting, connecting, and organizing the world's mobility data – laying the foundation for a digitally-enabled operating system for the roadway. With our Rekor One® Roadway Intelligence Engine at the core of our technology, we aggregate and transform trillions of data points into intelligence through proprietary computer vision, machine learning, and big data analytics that power our platforms and applications. Our solutions provide actionable insights that give governments and businesses a comprehensive picture of roadways while providing a collaborative environment that drives the world to be safer, greener, and more efficient. To learn more, please visit our website: and follow Rekor on social media on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and its links and attachments contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning Rekor Systems, Incthat involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including particularly statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products and services, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations and future results of current and anticipated products and services. These statements involve uncertainties, such as known and unknown risks, and are dependent on other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements we express or imply. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described under the sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Press Release and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. The forward-looking statements in this Press Release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestiture, merger, acquisition, or other business combination that had not been completed as of the date of this filing. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise. This press release and its links and attachments contain statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. Media & Investor Relations Contact:Rekor Systems, Degliominiir@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sevier Avenue traffic pattern shifts for 18-month streetscape construction: What to know
Though construction on the $19.2 million Sevier Avenue streetscape began in January, a new temporary traffic pattern near the intersection of Sevier and Island Home avenues is giving South Knoxville its first real look at how the street is changing. The streetscape was originally slated for 2019, but the project was delayed by COVID-19 and the right-of-way acquisition process. The project will move overhead utility wires underground while adding bike lanes and ADA-compliant sidewalks to the street, along with a roundabout at the Sevier Avenue intersection of Island Home Avenue and Foggy Bottom Street. Sevier Avenue, just across the Tennessee River from downtown, is the restaurant and retail heartbeat of South Knoxville. The street includes a diverse stretch of restaurants, bars and shops, including Alliance Brewing Company, Chopper Barbershop, Honeybee Coffee Co., Mood Ring Vintage and Redbud Kitchen. Closing soon: South Knoxville losing one of its most popular restaurants amid Sevier Avenue construction While businesses rely on walk-in traffic, some owners have been concerned about how construction will affect the customer experience and sales when the area already has limited parking. The city plans to pave a parking lot beneath James White Parkway on nearby Island Home Avenue, in part, to encourage people to keep visiting Sevier Avenue during construction. The most important thing to know is the street and businesses will remain open throughout construction, Knoxville City Councilman Tommy Smith previously told Knox News. Construction signs are in place along the entire length of the Sevier Avenue project area, from Landing House on the east end to Honeybee Coffee Co. on the west end. But most of the visible work has only started on the east side at the intersection of Sevier Avenue and Island Home Avenue, where the streets will merge into a roundabout with Foggy Bottom Street. The new traffic pattern is just east of the intersection, directing westbound motorists between a median into what used to be oncoming traffic and over the train tracks. As construction ramps up as we head into the summer, here are five things to know about the Sevier Avenue streetscape project. Parking has been an issue near Sevier Avenue since at least January 2021, when vehicles blocking driveways and alleyways led the city to implement permit-only parking on nearby public streets for residents of the growing neighborhood. Public parking is available along the water at nearby Suttree Landing Park, as well as the gravel lot beneath James White Parkway on Island Home Avenue. The latter area, primed for $150,000 of city upgrades, has been a public lot since 2019 and is just a few steps from Printshop Beer Co. and the new Mighty Mud location. The $150,000, which the Knoxville City Council approved March 4, will be used to pave 50 spots that already exist and will add signs and lighting. Work has not started. In addition to the 50 parking spaces beneath James White Parkway, these are all the public parking spaces near Sevier Avenue, as identified by the city: 10 spaces on Sevier Avenue near Blount Avenue 25 spaces at South Knoxville Elementary on nights and weekends 40 street parking spaces along Suttree Landing Park and cross streets 85 street parking spaces on Sevier Avenue 320 spaces at the Regal parking garage on weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends The 85 spaces along Sevier Avenue will be limited during streetscape construction. The streetscape won't happen all at once. The heaviest lift is the roundabout on the east end, and work there is just now starting. The next step in the streetscape will be work near South Knoxville Elementary School. The goal is for most of the work near the school to be completed this summer while school is out. New traffic patterns will be introduced during the 18-month construction period, including one-lane traffic, but no parts of the street will ever be fully closed. Flaggers will direct traffic when one lane is closed. "If you don't hear me say anything, hear me say this: All the businesses on Sevier Avenue are open, will remain open," Smith told Knox News on Jan. 9. "Come shop. I'll be there. Come spend money, and the city will be right behind those businesses to support them." The improvements on Sevier Avenue − the "spine" between bridges crossing the Tennessee River, as Smith puts it − are all part of a larger plan to reconnect communities divided by the water. Also in the 2006 South Waterfront Plan, a pedestrian bridge that would connect South Knoxville to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville secured federal funding earlier this year. Knox News reported the project might be at risk, however, as President Donald Trump's administration takes back grants. Plans also are in motion to replace a railway with a paved greenway running behind Sevier Avenue businesses and, separately, to add walking and biking paths along James White Parkway as part of a $42.6 million federal grant to reconnect Knoxville communities. A Monolith Construction sign and fence recently popped up around the plot at 1108 Sevier Ave. The construction company is about to start work on a four-story condo building, site project manager Brian Lloyd told Knox News. The project will break ground at the corner of Dixie Street and Sevier Avenue, next to the Sevier Avenue Burger Company building, also home to Alliance Brewing Company. The first level of the project, dubbed Suttree Condominiums, will be built as restaurant or retail space. No leases have been signed. The upper levels will be the condos: six one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. The two-bedroom units will cover two stories, Lloyd said, and Monolith is set to break ground "any day." The target for completion is spring 2026. The Gay Street Bridge is just west of Sevier Avenue and historically has served as a connector between downtown and South Knoxville. However, the bridge has been closed because of safety concerns for almost a year. Construction is scheduled for this summer to make the bridge safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Other than that, only emergency vehicles and buses will be allowed on the bridge once it reopens. To reopen the bridge, the city must spend $2 million on repairs. Pair that with the $19.2 million for the Sevier Avenue streetscape − and add in the $60 million pedestrian bridge between the South Waterfront and UT − and it's clear the city is prioritizing South Knoxville and the city's urban core. Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email: Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville traffic pattern shifts for Sevier Avenue street construction
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sevier Avenue business has record month amid roadwork. Could summer be the true test?
While Knoxville has experienced a wave of restaurant closures, businesses along Sevier Avenue are feeling the support from customers who are not letting street construction get in their way of dinner, drinks and shopping local. In 2017, Landing House became one of the first businesses to open along the popular South Knoxville corridor, which is now undergoing a $19.2 million streetscape to improve the walkability and aesthetic of the neighborhood. But on June 8, the restaurant will close after eight years as an eastern anchor of Sevier Avenue, with owner Zach Land describing the neighborhood as "completely unrecognizable" in its current state. In addition to Landing House and beyond South Knoxville, coffee shops like Frothy Monkey and Golden Roast have announced closures recently, along with restaurants like Babalu and the downtown location of Sweet P's BBQ. Sevier Avenue business like Southside Garage are in a unique predicament, co-owner James Tourville told Knox News, as they are fighting off the tidal wave of closures while preparing for heavy streetscape work to come. Construction has already shifted traffic patterns for a roundabout being built at the intersection of Island Home Avenue. Combine that with the Gay Street Bridge being closed since June 2024, and you might think Sevier Avenue businesses are suffering from a 1-2-3 punch. But that's not the case, Tourville said − at least, not for everyone. Southside Garage, which opened six years ago at 1014 Sevier Ave., recorded its best month to date in May, he said. The streetscape started in January, and most construction so far has been prep work. The 18-month construction period will involve moving overhead utility wires underground while adding bike lanes and ADA-compliant sidewalks to the street, plus the roundabout. Work has picked up on the east end of the street near Landing House, while construction near South Knoxville Elementary School is expected to pick up during the summer when school is out. Sevier Avenue will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians during the entire project, Knoxville City Councilmember Tommy Smith told Knox News. "It was time for the city to respond by making it a walkable area that people felt safe. So, I'm pumped," Tourville said. "I get it. I mean no one's excited for construction in front of your business, but I know what it's going to look like, and I know how much better it's going to be down here." Much of the tangible work has yet to reach the heart of Sevier Avenue, where businesses like Southside Garage and nearby Redbud Kitchen operate. Therefore, whether people will be hesitant to park during what's typically popular summer months is still to be seen, Redbud Kitchen owner Lisa Long told Knox News. "All these things coming together are great," she said. "But the time between now and then will be the challenging part. Someday, it'll be amazing." Redbud, located at 906 Sevier Ave., has experienced good business since the weather warmed up. The restaurant has rolled out a new menu with several additional entrees, including a hot honey fried chicken sandwich, bone-in wings and a shrimp burrito bowl. Smith, who represents South Knoxville and Fort Sanders near the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, met with the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association prior to the Sevier Avenue streetscape to talk through helpful strategies for businesses during construction periods. The Strip has been no stranger to streets changing, as the city for years has focused on making this portion of Cumberland Avenue more pedestrian friendly. One big takeaway was the importance of marketing the changes. Smith said the city has allocated $30,000 for the Sevier Avenue Merchants Association to tell their story. Business owners hope to use the money for a billboard. The other big takeaway was the importance of accessible parking, making it easy for people to visit. The city has dedicated $150,000 to pave the nearby parking lot under James White Parkway, just a few steps from Printshop Beer Co. and the new Mighty Mud location. The lot has about 50 spots and has been a public gravel lot since 2019. With Sevier Avenue marketed as a walkable neighborhood, parking has been complicated for some time. Sevier Avenue business may have a small parking lot with a just few spots, some street parking or no parking at all. That's compounded by the Gay Street Bridge, which was a vehicle and pedestrian route between downtown and Sevier Avenue before it closed. Repairs are slated to wrap up by the end of the year, Smith said, which would reopen the bridge to pedestrians. "It's a bummer to not be able to walk across it to get to downtown. And there's a couple times when it'd be worthwhile to drive across it to beat the traffic," Tourville said. "The Henley situation is not great. It's a lot of traffic, but compared to larger cities, it still kind of pales in comparison to how bad traffic can get. We're talking minutes, not hours, of delays." Once the bridge reopens, the city is looking to complete a comprehensive traffic study of the Henley Street, Gay Street and James White Parkway bridges, along with the connecting streets of Sevier and Blount avenues. "Next year is a great year to study how efficient are we at getting humans across the river," Smith said. "And that study, in my opinion, will be consequential for the next decade." Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email: Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Sevier Avenue businesses want support amid South Knoxville streetscape
