To preserve two trees at forensic center, mayor to auction them off

OK, this is kind of cool and somewhat goofy. Anyhoo, the county just issued this one (And I thought Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero was the hippie):

There are two mature Japanese maple trees located at the site of the new Knox County Regional Forensic Center that have to be moved in order for some of the work on the building to progress.  Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett hopes to preserve the trees and generate revenue by selling them in an online auction through Powell Auction & Realty.

“I hope someone will see the value that these trees could bring to an East Tennessee landscape,” said Mayor Burchett. “Rather than cut them down, I thought we should put them up for auction so someone can benefit from having them on their property and the taxpayers can benefit from the additional revenue.”

Any proceeds from the sale of the trees will go to the County’s General Fund. 

Anyone interested in bidding on the Japanese maple trees can visit http://bit.ly/knoxtrees. Bidding ends May 19 and the trees must be removed by the buyer by May 23.

Mayor Burchett will be available for interviews to discuss this effort from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the future forensic center location, 2716 Sullins Street.  Anyone interested in scheduling an interview during this time should contact Michael Grider or Jennifer Linginfelter.