Penny Baxter

Now Old North Knoxville has one more reason to be especially proud of our neighborhood. On August 18th, ONK received a “Best of the Best” Award from Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) at their Silver Anniversary Excellence Award banquet. During the presentation, several of Old North’s ongoing activities were noted:

Preservation of ONK's historic homes; Neighbors Helping Neighbors; The Neighborhood Watch was acknowledged for lowering crime; First Creek restoration and bi-annual Cleanups were commended.

Old North received a bronze plaque from MPC. The plaque can be viewed at the September 28 ONK meeting. Chosen from 180 projects awarded by MPC over the past 25 years, twelve “Best of the Best” awards were given out (including two neighborhoods- Old North, and Fourth and Gill). ONK won its first MPC civic achievement award in the early 1990's. ONK neighbors attending the banquet were Andy and Jo Ann Anderson, Tom and Donna Brechko, Chester Kilgore, James Pierce and Beth Needham, and myself.

ONK needs to give itself a huge pat on the back. When someone asks me where I live, I am so pleased to say Old North Knoxville. There is such a strong sense of community, shown by our long standing committee work – home tour, neighborhood watch, neighbors helping neighbors. And in our newer ventures including the First Creek Cleanups and the East Oklahoma Park (a wonderful place to install our Best of Best award plaque?).

Because we have so many riches- historic homes and neighbors who care- we need to continue to be vigilant to protect our neighborhood. Our Historic District Guidelines exist for the protection of our homes. If you plan on doing work on the outside of a house you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness displayed, to apply for a certificate please contact Ann Bennett at the Historic Zoning Commission (215-2500 or ). 

If you know of a neighbor who needs help, please contact a board member to see what we can do. Volunteer to serve on a committee. Members of Old North have many diverse interests. Everyone can find something of their interest to help with. This community spirit and pride is what makes ONK a wonderful place to live!

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