Commission honors Hahn’s 90th birthday
Hahn served as executive director of that organization from 1958 until 2009. As explained in the agenda for the commission’s July 16 meeting, he led the organization through many changes.
“The Oak Ridge club started in an approximately 1,200-square-foot abandoned and dilapidated wooden structure,” the resolution said. “But through Laurence Hahn’s enthusiasm and leadership, he built a productive network of volunteers and influential benefactors and oversaw the construction of modern club facilities with a gymnasium, learning center, and four athletic fields.
“Most importantly, Mr. Lawrence Hahn’s commitment and passion for the Boys and Girls Club’s programs positively affected generations of Youth and their families,” the resolution, read by Commissioner Aaron Wells at the meeting, stated.
It also thanked him for his founding of the club’s alumni association in 1982.
A crowd came out to applaud the recognition. Wells and others shared additional comments.
“This man made me who I am today,” Wells said.
“Wealth is the reputation and the legacy that someone leaves behind,” he said, adding that Hahn is wealthy by that definition.
“I love this man more than I can think of any man I’ve ever loved,” said Oak Ridge High School Athletic Director Joe Gaddis.
“He’s the crown jewel of Oak Ridge, but more importantly, he means a lot to Anderson County as well,” said Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker.
The Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge manages fitness, education and other activities for children in the area.
Rezoning for storage unit
At the same meeting, the commission unanimously voted to rezone property at the corner of Bland and Sinking Springs roads from Rural Residential District to General Commercial District.
Some of the adjacent property is also general commercial.
Eddie Campbell, the property’s former owner, spoke in favor of the rezoning and told The Courier News he had already closed on the sale.
He did not disclose the name of the buyer, but said the developer wants to build a climate-controlled storage facility.
The proposal faced no opposition during the time for citizen comments. However, Breyanna Alley, whose mother owns and plans to sell adjacent property, was curious about how the rezoning and development would impact the value of her mother’s property.
She said her mother planned to proceeds from sale of her land in order to retire.
Commissioner Joshua Anderson said the rezoning and development should increase the value of surrounding property and not lead to noise issues.
Commissioner Tim Isbel made the motion, and Michael Foster seconded.
Cemetery
At the same meeting, the commission unanimously approved a cooperative agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority regarding the historic Black Family Cemetery, located off of Old Blacksferry Lane in the Claxton Community.
The utility agreed to provide a steel gate for the property under the agreement.
Commissioner Tracy Wandell made the motion, and Anderson seconded.
Parking lot
and soccer fields
The commission also unanimously approved two agreements regarding county facilities.
It approved the company Let’s Go Travel’s use of a portion yet to be determined of the Anderson County Senior Center Parking lot in exchange for $500.
This agreement will apply to occasions in which seniors using Let’s Go Travel’s buses need overnight parking. The company uses charter buses to take seniors to regional attractions.
Commissioner Phil Yager made the motion, and Anthony Allen seconded.
It also approved the East TN Futbol Club’s use of the soccer fields at the intersection of State Highway 61 and Public Safety Drive. Wells made the motion, and Yager seconded.
