The James White Parkway Debate Part 3: City Mayor Explains Opposition

By Joe King, king@seymourherald.com

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. (The Herald/ Submitted Photo)

One of the more highly rank officials who has spoken out in opposition of the James White Parkway extension is Knoxville’s Mayor Madeline Rogero.

Elected in 2011, Rogero holds many political positions that resonate with Democrats and Greens and her emphasis of environmentalism is a key factor in her stance on the parkway.

“South Knoxville has changed since the plans for the parkway were drawn up decades ago, and the road is no longer in keeping with the area’s growing Urban Wilderness and abundant hiking and biking trails,” she said. “South Knoxville City Councilman Nick Pavlis opposes the project, as do local groups including Ijams Nature Center, the Legacy Parks Foundation and the South Haven Neighborhood Association.”