Johnson City Leaders Trying to Fix Flooding Problems

Johnson City commissioners want to start the design work on a new master plan for downtown. It would include a passive park and storm water retention area to help with flooding issues.

Public Works director Phil Pindzola says warehouses near State of Franklin Road will be demolished to make way for a retention pond. Commissioners also want to open up one area in downtown as an open space to possibly host events, and potentially provide drainage for flood waters. Pindzola says the city will have to buy out some of the downtown businesses that are not compatible with the historic district.

Downtown business owners who deal with the flooding issues are ready for action to be taken. "I would just like something done, they've been talking about it and spent lots of taxpayers' money to get opinions. I think anything would be an improvement over doing nothing," said business owner Gordan Shell.