City Council of Knoxville Advances Housing Initiatives with Zoning Changes and Broadband Infrastructure Plans

City Council of Knoxville Continues Efforts for More Housing

The City of Knooxville is making strides to address the housing needs of its residents through upcoming city council discussions, including plans to modify zoning laws. In a meeting slated for Tuesday evening, the council is expected to consider new design standards that pertain to residential buildings in General Commercial Zones.

One of the key points on the agenda is a request from Homestead Land Holdings LLC regarding a property located at 962 Gallaher View Road. The company is seeking to rezone the area from low density to medium density, transitioning from RN-1 to RN-5. This change would allow for a greater number of housing units to be developed per acre, providing a potential solution to Knoxville’s ongoing housing challenges.

In addition to this request, several other properties are up for rezoning. A parcel of land located at 5303 Jacksboro Pike and another at 3225 Essary Drive may transition from RN-1 (single-family) to RN-2 (single-family neighborhood). Similarly, a request has been made for a property at 1214 Callaway Street to also change from RN-1 to RN-2.

Another resident, R. Brentley Marlow, will be presenting an appeal before the council. This appeal relates to a ruling from the zoning appeals director involving abandoned structures on his property at 2448 Jefferson Avenue, specifically concerning the rules enforced once utilities have been disconnected.

The council will also hear from Jeremy Greenhouse, representing Liquid Environmental Solutions. He is appealing a decision made by the zoning board that deemed a property at 1307 Galway Street non-compliant with city regulations.

The agenda is packed with further discussions that include potentially rescheduling the city’s Beer Board meetings during the holiday season to January 8th, which could streamline decision-making processes during a busy time of year.

A significant part of the council’s meeting will also focus on advancements in the city’s broadband infrastructure. A vote is expected to formally classify Knoxville as a Broadband Ready Community under Tennessee Public Chapter 228, a designation that signifies the city’s commitment to providing high-speed internet access to its residents.

Further administrative matters include a two-month extension request from National Building Service Inc., which provides janitorial services for city community centers. This extension would allow for continued maintenance and servicing.

The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking for approval on a reimbursement agreement with the Lakeshore Park Conservancy. They are seeking to cover a total cost of $133,502 for paving work related to the Central Services Courtyard as part of the park’s Phase 2 Capital Project.

Finally, Vice Mayor Tommy Smith is set to recommend Clarence McDowell as the new representative for the Fifth District on the Golf Course Advisory Committee, indicating ongoing efforts to engage community members in local governance.

This meeting stands as part of the city’s overall strategy to foster an environment that supports new housing developments and meets the growing demand for residential options in Knoxville. As discussions progress this evening, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the planning processes that affect their community.