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Knoxville City Council to Discuss Zoning Changes and Funding

The Knoxville City Council meets to discuss important zoning changes and community funding proposals.

News Summary

The Knoxville City Council will meet to discuss key zoning changes and funding proposals that may impact local neighborhoods and businesses. Key agenda items include a zoning proposal for the former First Friends Quaker Church site, as well as funding increases for various community projects. Residents are encouraged to engage in discussions about the potential developments and other civic initiatives, including street renaming and the formation of a new task force. This meeting promises to shape the future of community landscapes and services in Knoxville.

Knoxville City Council Set to Tackle Zoning Changes and Funding Proposals

In an exciting upcoming meeting, the Knoxville City Council is gearing up to discuss a variety of topics that could shape the neighborhood landscape of the city. One significant item on the agenda is the first reading of a zoning proposal for the former First Friends Quaker Church site located at 4325 Pinehurst Drive. This proposal, brought forth by Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, has been postponed from last month to provide time for more in-depth discussions with local residents.

What’s in Store for the Former Church?

According to the proposal, the development at the church site could potentially include 12 units, creating a total of 24 residences. There’s also buzz about a local minister expressing interest in acquiring the abandoned church, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the situation. However, not all feedback has been positive. Some neighboring residents have raised concerns about the prospect of increased traffic on Pinehurst Drive, leading to a robust discussion among community members.

Other Zoning Matters on the Docket

The council has several other zoning changes on the agenda that may affect local businesses and residents alike:

Rezoning 100 East Inskip Drive from neighborhood commercial to general commercial.
Changing the zoning for 7057 Pine Grove Road from C-H-1 highway commercial to C-H-2.
A zoning change proposal for 901 Kermit Drive.
Rezoning 6521 Vance Road from single-family residential to RN-2, single-family residential neighborhood.

Street Renaming and Task Force Formation

In addition, the council may consider renaming a portion of Patton Street to Willow Avenue. Vice Mayor Tommy Smith also aims to create a task force that will study the Rules of Procedure and potentially establish a charter review process. These initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing civic engagement and community needs.

Funding Proposals Galore

Funding is a big topic on the agenda, too! Rogers Group Inc. is eyeing a $130,760 increase for their existing agreement with the city concerning the Resurfacing Phase II Project, which will rise to a total of $3.7 million. Moreover, Southern Contractors may see an increase of $47,823 for the Augusta Quarry Amenities Phase II Project, totaling $3.6 million.

On the lobbying front, Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. is in line for a proposed $180,000 annual contract. In a trend towards improving community spaces, Volunteer Landing is seeking $500,000 in federal funding, while the Lonsdale Neighborhood Revitalization Project may also pursue a similar request.

Historic Preservation and Technology Investments

The council could also vote to allocate $75,000 in Historic Preservation Program funds to SRJ Investments LLC for improvements at 310 13th Street. Additionally, there’s a huge potential agreement worth $27,582,300 under consideration for the police department’s Records Management System with Avon Enterprises Inc.

Appointing Voices for the Community

Several appointments and reappointments are also set to take place. These include Megan Brown to the Animal Control Board, Jay Price to the Solid Waste Board, and Cynthia Manning-Dirl to the Civil Service Merit Board, among others.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

Lastly, the council will address ongoing concerns related to Liquid Environmental Solutions. Neighbors have reported unpleasant odors from its operations, significantly affecting their quality of life. The Board of Zoning Appeals had previously denied their appeal regarding compliance with city code. This issue is sure to spark conversation and debate among council members and the public.

With so many important topics on the table, this city council meeting promises to be a lively one. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as decisions made here will undoubtedly affect their community for years to come.