Incorporating natural materials, colors and form, as recommended by the recently-adopted Cherokee Master Plan, the new Cherokee Visitor Center is located on U.S. 441 near the Tribal Council offices. The plan was developed by engineers Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon of Knoxville, following a series of input sessions with tribal leaders, business owners, senior citizens and the general public. -Herald photo by Rose Hooper
With a 90-day business district clean up in the works, Cherokee kicks off its downtown revitalization effort. Plans calls for Cherokee to become more appealing and accessible to locals and family-oriented tourists, which should, in turn, increase the reservation's economic vitality, planners hope. This beginning launches Cherokee's new master plan of economic development recently approved by Tribal Council. "The master plan is a fine document," Susie Jones, executive director of the tribe's economic and community development, said of the work done by engineers Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon of Knoxville, Tenn. "But we have boxes of fine documents. The difference with this one is that we plan to implement it, and we've already got the momentum going." Incorporating native materials, natural scenery and colors, as suggested by the plan, a new visitor's center has already been constructed across from Tribal Council offices. The ceremonial grounds, also next to Tribal Council, are receiving a face lift using native stone and the recommended shape of the mountain terrain. Totems representative of Cherokee's seven clans will be prominently displayed to highlight the area's heritage and culture. To help promote a family image, work on a new Preventive Health Center is under way to serve all ages. It will include a gym, indoor walking track, pool, racquet ball court and fitness center. "We are calling it 'preventive' for a reason," said Jones. "The plan is to also educate how to prevent illness and to promote physical programs. For instance, we will have a kitchen to teach diabetics how to cook to control their diabetes. As you know, two out of every three people on the reservation have diabetes." The center is located on Acquoni Road. "We know merchants can't change their old facades in 90 days, and we can't expect them to," Jones said. "But I think with the tribe spearheading the revitalization, merchants will pick up on our enthusiasm. The tribe is also helping to secure low-interest loans to help pay for improvements." While the business property is owned by tribal members, many lease or rent to non-tribal members. "We hope the loans will entice the landowners to work with the business owners," Jones said. For its part, in addition to federal grants, the tribe will seek funding - approximately $2 million annually - from the newly-established Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Funded with proceeds from Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the foundation was developed as part of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact. No question about it - revenues generated from the casino have spurred economic development in Cherokee, especially hotels and retail shops. The foundation's goal is to make sure some of those casino dollars between $5 million and $10 million annually - are used to preserve and enhance Cherokee's culture and heritage. The tribe realizes growth is inevitable, Principal Chief Leon Jones said. The master plan will help guide that development, as well as promote the heritage and values of the Eastern Band, he said. The plan includes several phases, the first of which have been detailed in this three-part series. Long-range plans include a theme park called "Cherokee Journey" to be built on 150 acres near the Bureau of Indian Affairs and an outlet mall to be built on the 100-plus acres along Old Hospital Road. |