Maryville, TN, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Maryville City Council has unanimously approved a $12 million state grant to fund the construction of a new science center at Maryville College. This grant is part of a larger $80 million project aimed at creating the Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences, which will feature extensive educational facilities. The Council also addressed several local matters, including public hearings and municipal cost increases, underscoring the commitment to community service and infrastructure improvement.
Maryville City Council convened recently to pass several significant measures, including the approval of a $12 million state grant for the construction of a new science center at Maryville College. The decision, made unanimously by the Council during the second reading of an ordinance, has been a pivotal step toward realizing the vision for the Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences, slated to replace the Sutton Science Center built in 1968.
The state’s budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year allocated $12 million specifically for construction costs, marking a significant milestone as the new center’s total construction costs are estimated to be around $80 million. Maryville College President Bryan Coker noted that this funding represents about 25% of the total estimated cost needed for the project. The new facility will span 65,000 square feet, equipped with 12 teaching labs and six classrooms, and will include the Natalie L. Haslam Center for Environmental Education. The center aims to create an indoor-outdoor classroom experience tailored for students and visitors.
In addition to the significant grant approval, the Council also addressed a variety of local issues. Residents were informed of a public hearing regarding the closure of a portion of Alley #77, aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and dividing land between two homeowners. The Council also approved a motion to quit-claim property at Jack Greene Park, thereby creating a buffer between city property and nearby buildings. Furthermore, the Council voted to increase municipal court costs by approximately $10, as mandated by state legislation and reflective of economic changes since 2005. Other agenda items were unanimously approved, including the declaration of surplus old firefighting equipment and various budget amendments.
The meeting also recognized the contributions of notable local figures. Elyse Bruce, a local author known for her series on the fictional character Missy Barrett, received an official proclamation for her contributions to children’s literature and her advocacy for kindness, marked by “International Missy Barrett Day,” recognized in numerous counties and cities across Tennessee. Additionally, retiring police Captain Carlos Hess Jr. and City Accountant Glenda Brinley were honored for their years of service, coinciding with a resolution amending the city’s retirement health care plan, providing coverage to employees aged 55 and older with at least 20 years of service.
The Council dealt with other essential matters, including the acceptance of quitclaim deeds for a new 23-acre park designated for public greenspace or environmental education. Also discussed were infrastructure improvements for an upcoming Walmart Supercenter development at 2805 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, along with ongoing litigation against opioid manufacturers and sellers.
This comprehensive City Council meeting not only progressed the development of academic and environmental initiatives but also reinforced Maryville’s commitment to community service and infrastructure enhancement. With the new science center and park initiatives underway, the city is poised for meaningful growth and development in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What significant measures did the Maryville City Council recently pass?
- The City Council passed measures including a $12 million state grant for the construction of a new science center at Maryville College and the increase of municipal court costs by approximately $10.
- What is the purpose of the $12 million grant for Maryville College?
- The grant is allocated for the construction of the Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences, which aims to provide an indoor-outdoor classroom experience for students and visitors.
- How large will the new science center be and what will it include?
- The new science center will be a 65,000 square-foot building equipped with 12 teaching labs and six classrooms, including the Natalie L. Haslam Center for Environmental Education.
- What was the total estimated cost for constructing the Alexander Institute?
- The total construction costs for the Alexander Institute are expected to be around $80 million.
- What recognition did local author Elyse Bruce receive during the meeting?
- Elyse Bruce received an official proclamation recognizing her contributions to children’s literature and promoting “International Missy Barrett Day” to encourage choosing kindness.
Key Features of the Maryville City Council Meeting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Science Center Grant | $12 million state grant approved for construction costs of the Alexander Institute. |
| Construction Cost | Total construction costs are estimated at $80 million. |
| Size of Science Center | 65,000 square feet with 12 teaching labs and 6 classrooms. |
| Retirement Recognition | City honors Captain Carlos Hess Jr. and Accountant Glenda Brinley for their service. |
| Municipal Court Cost Increase | Increase of approximately $10 due to state mandate. |
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Times: Maryville City Council Approves Science Center Grant
- The Daily Times: Missy Barrett Day Recognized in Maryville
- KQ2: Driver Crashes onto School Football Field
- Wikipedia: Maryville
- Maryville Forum: Dog Park Agreement Approved
- Google Search: Maryville City Council
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