Knoxville City Council Reviews Support for Senior Centers and Affordable Housing
Knoxville is set to address some important community needs as the city council meets to discuss future funding and improvements for local senior centers and affordable housing. These items will be on the agenda in the upcoming council session, scheduled for tomorrow.
Funding Request for Senior Centers
The council will hear a request from the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for a $100,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. This grant aims to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies for Knoxville’s senior centers. These centers include the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, the Larry Cox Senior Center, and the South Knoxville Community Center. Community leaders are hopeful that this funding will greatly improve the quality of life for the city’s seniors.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
In addition to the senior center funding, the council is expected to consider awarding $510,000 from federal HOME funds to Pines III, L.P.. This investment will be directed towards rehabilitating 17 affordable housing units located at 5999 Tannahill Drive, focusing on serving very low-income households. The funding request comes from the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, which continues to address the growing need for accessible housing in Knoxville.
Insurance Coverage Considerations
Another topic on the agenda is the potential hiring of Midwest Casualty Company to provide excess workers’ compensation insurance coverage for city and K-Trans employees. The proposed one-year agreement comes with a price tag of $200,782, aimed at securing adequate protection for city workers.
Planning and Zoning Changes
William Burton is appealing to the council regarding a planning commission decision that allowed an increase in the allowable height of townhouses in the Northshore Town Center Master Plan. This decision has implications for both the community’s aesthetic and its development.
Reappointments and New Appointments
Mayor Indya Kincannon is looking to bolster community engagement by reappointing members to the Maker Council. These include Bailey Foster, Ty Murray, and Joseph Woods. The Mayor also seeks to add new faces to the council: Kami Astro, Aaron Ingram, Ashlee Mays, Brianna Officer, and Diahn Ott.
Changes in Zoning Requests
The agenda also includes several zoning requests, including:
- Changing three lots on Maryville Pike from RN-4 general residential to I-MU industrial mixed-use.
- Adjusting two lots on Sevier Avenue from RN-2 residential to RN-3 general residential neighborhood.
- A request for a property located at 940 Blackstock Avenue to shift from C-G-2 general commercial to DK-E downtown edge subdistrict.
- Several other zoning changes affecting various properties around the city, including residential and commercial designations.
Conclusion
As these discussions unfold, the Knoxville City Council will be making some decisions that could have significant impacts on both the senior community and low-income households. The proposals for funding support and the proposed zoning changes indicate a continued commitment to improving living conditions and resources for all Knoxville residents. Tomorrow’s meeting promises to be an important step in these areas, reflecting the council’s dedication to addressing the needs of the community.
