By Ford Mauldin

The groundbreaking for a 23-million-dollar University Edge apartment complex in the inner city is set for 10 a.m. on May 19. The project is by far the biggest to use Johnson City’s new tax increment financing program, which offers tax breaks to redevelopment efforts that help revitalize the downtown area.

The project will cover 12 acres south of Wilson Avenue and the State of Franklin Road. It is also only a short walk from E.T.S.U. The 192 four-bedroom units are expected to be finished in time for E.T.S.U.’s 2011 fall semester; the total value of public improvements to the area will be worth approximately $900,000.

Other projects in the area include a five-acre park along Brushy Creek and a new ETSU baseball stadium, which will be completed by the 2011 season.