The Cleveland City Council and Bradley County Commission have been mentioned many times, as have the two mayors. State agencies, such as TDOT and the local Healthy Community Initiative have been primary funding sources. The Rotary Club and People for Care and Learning have donated major enhancements and have been addressed in this column as well.
As we near the opening of Phase 5 in the next few weeks there are several people who may have been mentioned in passing and others not at all. Yet their contributions have been valuable over a long period. Although I risk missing a few, here are some who come to mind (in alphabetical order):
City Engineer Brian Beck has been my “go-to” guy on logistics for years. He and I have had many lunches together discussing and dreaming about what we can and can’t do and he continues to have a keen eye on how we can proceed.
Years ago, Sherry Brown and Allan Jones recognized that a 2-acre plot of land between Willow and 17th streets was destined to be developed so they shared the cost of purchasing the land to donate to the Greenway. Thanks to their action, the southernmost Greenway path was saved for generations to enjoy.
Assistant City Manager Melinda Carroll takes seriously her role of “go between” when it comes to Greenway matters. Where there are concerns that arise or problems addressed during a Greenway board meeting, Melinda is quick to write it down and follow up, or even step out during a meeting to place a call to the right person.
Janice Casteel, our city manager is an unwavering advocate for Greenway progress. She has demonstrated her ability to make things happen, most recently by finding funds to help pay for lighting for Phase 4.
Kim Duncan serves as secretary for the Greenway and has planned several events, but she also serves as the connection point with Cleveland Utilities on negotiations for lighting projects, and special requests, such as hanging of banners on the poles along the Greenway.
Joan Hansen owns the collectibles shop By Design Only. She is one of the few business owners along the Greenway and has been an avid supporter from the start. She has allowed for a portion of her parking area to accommodate Greenway patrons and a set of stairs accessing the Greenway is on her property as well.
From day one, Amy Moore has filled numerous roles with the Greenway including grant writer, mediator, committee chairperson and secretary. Her passion for the Greenway shines through in each of these roles.
These and many others have worked quietly behind the scenes and made innumerable contributions to the success of the Greenway project. They are all to be commended.
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Online:
www.cbcgreenway.com
