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City to pursue transfer of school‑owned parcel to Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association
Summary
City staff presented a plan to move a small parcel (including a footbridge buffer area) from Oak Ridge Schools to the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association to support a planned addition to the Oak Ridge History Museum; any transfer will require formal council action and interparty agreement.
City staff updated the council on March 17 about a proposed land transfer to the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association that would allow an addition and improved access for the Oak Ridge History Museum.
Tom Pesimer presented the concept and said the parcel in question is currently Oak Ridge Schools property and that three parties — Oak Ridge Schools, the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association, and the City of Oak Ridge — have discussed the proposal. Pesimer said school officials, including Dr. Borchers, indicated they have no functional need to cross that creek and are comfortable moving the parcel if parties can agree to terms.
Pesimer said the hatched area on the supplied sketch shows the proposed expansion area and that a pink area had been flagged for possible transfer; the association's plan would address setbacks and parking needs for the museum addition. He discussed the bridge that connects the museum parcel to adjacent high school property and said the association would like that corridor included in discussions.
Pesimer emphasized that because the property is owned by the schools, the transfer would need to return to council for formal approval once agreements are drafted. Council members who spoke characterized the land as a largely natural buffer and encouraged staff to proceed carefully with phased proposals and clear exhibits showing existing vs. proposed uses. No formal vote or transfer occurred at the work session.
