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Residents raise concerns about East Knoxville greenway, ICE arrest and homelessness at public forum
Summary
During public forum residents urged the city to prioritize economic investment over greenway beautification in East Knoxville after a federal grant was cut, asked the mayor to act on an ICE arrest of a longtime resident, and described domestic-violence-related homelessness and gaps in services.
Several residents addressed the Knoxville City Council during the public forum portion of the meeting on neighborhood investment, immigration enforcement and homelessness.
Crystal Flack spoke about the East Knoxville Greenway (Corridor F), saying a $42,600,000 federal Neighborhood Access and Equity grant announced in March 2024 was eliminated in July 2025 when the federal program was defunded. Flack said the city’s KCDC director indicated the city would pursue the project with local funding; she cited a current contract with Barge Design Solutions for about $827,000 as phase one and said the city’s website estimates roughly $5,000,000 for the project. Flack argued East Knoxville needs capital for existing Black-owned businesses and community cooperatives rather than greenway beautification, warning that property-value increases can lead to displacement.
Nicole Skinner said a longtime Knoxville resident, identified in her remarks as Alejandro, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 15 after a routine court appearance. Skinner described Alejandro as a community volunteer who has lived in Knoxville more than 20 years and urged the mayor and council to aid efforts to bring him home.
Yvonne Yates spoke about domestic violence, narcissistic abuse and homelessness, describing first-hand experiences assisting people who flee violence and the scarcity of help. Yates said she is organizing to help in South Knoxville and highlighted cases in which tents or pets were harmed during violent incidents.
No formal council action was taken during public forum; remarks will inform council members and staff working on related policy and community programs.
