OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Situated on the south bank of the Tennessee River, just west of the Henley Bridge in downtown Knoxville, the Southside Waterfront (SWFT) Neighborhood is comprised of approximately 680 neighbors who reside in 2 city blocks on W. Blount Ave., including CityView at Riverwalk and 303 Flats Apartments. Though our geographic footprint is relatively small, SWFT neighbors share a unique appreciation for community living and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle that features participation in many activities and events that occur in the downtown area, on the UT campus, and on the waterfront. Our population includes a mixture of university students, professionals, executives, technicians, and retirees.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Our membership currently includes residents and property owners in the geographical area described below:
- Northern Reach: the southern shore of the Tennessee River.
- Southern Reach: the north side of W. Blount Ave.
- Eastern Reach: the 400 block of W. Blount Ave.
- Western Reach: the 300 block of W. Blount Ave. (to Henley Street)
MISSION
SWFT exists to improve the overall quality of life among the residents of the Southside Waterfront Neighborhood and to encourage support of local businesses in South Knoxville and Downtown Knoxville. The association will achieve its mission by building a greater sense of community; expanding social networks; cultivating long-term relationships with local government; collaborating with local businesses and other neighborhood groups; and securing the necessary funding and support to implement neighborhood projects.
VISION
SWFT envisions a neighborhood that enjoys:
- community living and a vibrant urban lifestyle,
- diversity & inclusion at all levels of decision-making,
- member participation in neighborhood activities & events, and
- collaboration with surrounding neighborhoods
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
SWFT will be guided by the following values when deliberating issues, making decisions, and conducting business on behalf of the organization.
- Integrity
- Respect
- Cooperation
- Trust
- Acceptance
- Commitment
- Purposefulness
- Caring
- Enthusiasm
- Service
EXPECTED ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS
- SENSE OF COMMUNITY – Getting to know one another through shared identity and purpose.
- SAFETY & SECURITY – Recognizing each other and watching out for one another.
- SELF DETERMINATION – Finding common ground and defining our own neighborhood projects.
- INFLUENCE – Developing effective neighborhood leaders to work with local government representatives.
- CAPACITY – Attracting greater numbers of neighbors to plan and carry out neighborhood projects.
- FUNDING – Securing funding through city-sponsored grants and other sources to fund neighborhood projects.
- PROPERTY VALUE – Adding amenities to positively impact our largest personal investment (our homes).
SWFT BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2021-2022)
- Andrew Jeske-Polyak, President
- Alan Cheatham, Vice President
- Debbie Mallard, Secretary-Treasurer
SWFT STANDING COMMITTEES (current)
- Membership Committee – Kevin Jeske-Polyak (chair)
- Projects Committee – Alan Cheatham (chair)
- Evaluation Committee – Drew Jeske-Polyak (chair)
- Administrative Committee – Debbie Mallard (chair)
If you are interested in becoming part of our team of neighborhood editors and contributors for this website, please contact: editor@southsidewaterfront.org.