Austin McMullen

Oak Hill approves Glen Leven donation, gets TDOT grant

By Chris Brooks, The Green Hills News, September 22, 2011

The Land Trust for Tennessee's Glen Leven farm may get a needed economic shot in the arm following Oak Hill's Board of Commissioners meeting last thursday.

Glen Leven director Liz Edsall McLuarin presented the sanctuary's operating revenue and expenses to the board during the monthly meeting. The city is prepared to donate $10,000 with the total donation equaliing $12,500 after matching pledges from the 2011 Fall Harvest Festival. The city approved the donation on first reading, but City Manager Kevin Helms said a budget amendment ordinance would have to pass second reading next month before the donation can be finalized.

The 65-acre farm, which was bequeathed to the Land Trust in 2006, sits within Oak Hill's city limits. From June 2010 to May 2011, the city accounted for $26,000 of Glen Leven's revenue. Land Trust is attempting to address structural needs, such as chimney and brickwork, a new roof, interior repairs and smokehouse and farm office renovations through a $1 million fundraising effort.

Helms also noted that the city received an $80,000 Roadscapes grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The funding will be used to create an aesthetically pleasing gateway into the city on Franklin Road at Woodmont Boulevard. While a final design has not been completed, components may include decorative welcome signs, landscaping, decorative fencing and lighting.