Excitement and Concerns Emerge Over Potential Rezoning of Historic St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Excitement and Concerns Surround Possible Rezoning of Historic St. Mary’s Hospital

In a town that’s buzzing with change, one of Knoxville’s historic landmarks, St. Mary’s Hospital, is once again in the spotlight! Residents are weighing in on plans that could transform the much-talked-about site into a bustling multi-family residential area. The hospital, which has been sitting vacant and vandalized since it closed its doors in 2018, is poised for a potential makeover that could shake up the neighborhood.

A Shift in Zoning

The proposal on the table seeks to change the 3.25-acre parcel from an institutional zone to a multi-family residential area. This comes after Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation was tasked by the city council to come up with a viable plan for the property. Many locals are closely watching these developments, as the shift could mean significant changes for the community.

Local Voices Matter

One resident, Debbie Smith, has watched the area evolve for nearly 20 years, as she and her husband live just across the street from the old hospital. “Our quiet street has become a lot busier,” Smith noted, expressing her desire for local politicians to consider the community’s thoughts before making any major decisions. “I kind of get the feeling that decisions are made before they speak with the public. I want people to have a place to live, but I want the politicians and the people that run this place to go about it in a different way, and respect the ideas of the people that live here,” she added.

Smith has experienced her fair share of disturbances since the hospital’s closure, dealing with loud construction noises, late-night disruptions, and clouds of dirt and dust permeating her property. Her primary concern? Realizing that a new zoning plan could lead to a drastic increase in traffic and a crowded living environment that may jeopardize their way of life. “It’s just come to be a little bit much now with hundreds of possible units. I can’t even wrap my head around it,” she remarked.

Support for Development

However, not everyone is opposed to the idea. Jack Vaughan, who was actually born at St. Mary’s Hospital, has a different view. He sees the potential for the site to provide much-needed housing for those in the area. “Working families and young people are being priced out of neighborhoods, especially up here in North Knoxville. Rents are through the roof and it’s largely because of a lack of housing supply,” Vaughan explained.

He believes that this rezoning initiative could be a smart solution, stating, “Here in the city, we can grow too. We can embrace that kind of smart growth to drive down rents and increase housing options.”

A Community Divided

The mixture of responses illustrates just how passionate residents are regarding the future of St. Mary’s. Smith articulated her hope that the city will listen to community concerns: “I hope that they reconsider and make this, whatever they’re gonna make it, something that’s good for the neighborhood and not so crowded,” she expressed earnestly.

Looking Ahead

The planning commission’s crucial meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, to discuss the rezoning proposal. As the city gears up to make decisions that could shape the future of the neighborhood, it’s clear that the conversation around St. Mary’s Hospital is just beginning. Will the city strike a balance that satisfies both sides? Only time will tell!

As residents prepare for the upcoming discussions, one thing is for sure: the story of St. Mary’s is far from over, and the community’s voices will play a vital role in determining its fate.