Tennessee Building Commission Greenlights New Moccasin Bend Mental Health Facility: What You Need to Know! – Tennessee Lookout

Currently, the state is exploring potential locations for the new facility, with options in Chattanooga and perhaps Knoxville.

Several Native American groups, including the Eastern Band of the Cherokee tribe, expressed their concerns over building on the historic site. They passed a resolution in June 2024 urging the preservation of sacred tribal areas, which influenced the state’s decision to reconsider its initial plans.

“That was a turning point,” said local resident Frank Robbins, who opposed the construction on such an important site.

In September 2023, the State Building Commission was poised to proceed with construction. However, the Tennessee Historical Commission advised against demolishing current facilities since it would negatively impact the site’s historical value.

Advocates for a new location highlighted that when the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District was created in 2003, there were verbal commitments made to the National Park Service and Native American tribes about protecting the area. The site was designated as a national historic landmark in 1986.

The situation became complicated with nearby entities like Moccasin Bend Golf Club, a shooting range, wastewater treatment facilities, and private properties in the vicinity.