Knoxville is taking a major step towards finding a new use for the former Veterans Administration campus, as the City Council and the Marion County Board of Supervisors have worked out an agreement on how to go about repurposing the site.

A joint session on Monday night between the City Council and the Board saw the two bodies approve a memorandum of understanding; the City of Knoxville will make a formal request to acquire the property, and the Board of Supervisors will support their efforts.

The memo of understanding concludes a long series of discussions between these two parties, and many attempts over the last decade to revive the now-abandoned site. Both the Council and the Board agree the only solution is for the city to acquire the property, demolish the buildings and redevelop the site.

Mayor Brian Hatch says the need for residential housing in the county will likely mean the land will be redeveloped mainly for that purpose; Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Raymie says the county will be flexible with the details of the memo, to respond to any changes which may develop along the way.

The General Services Administration now controls the property, and if the city makes its request by 9:00 a.m. this Friday then all other proposals will be put on hold and the city’s offer will be given primary consideration. All involved say this matter has already taken a lot of time, and more time will pass before a final agreement is worked out.