August 11, 2022
Planning Commission meeting
Planning Commission meeting
Public Comments
54 Comments for 8-L-22-RZ and 8-F-22-SP
Timothy
37921
37921
Timothy (37921), August 8, 2022 at 11:38 AM
I've been a student at KMAA for over 9 years, beginning when I was a graduate student at UT in engineering. KMAA was one of the main reasons I chose to stay in Knox County instead of leaving the East Tennessee region entirely after graduation. In my time at KMAA, it has become an institution in South Knoxville, bringing in dozens of customers daily in an area of shuttered storefronts and barred windows. The South Knoxville location is ideal, allowing KMAA to draw students daily from as far as Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, and Morristown.KMAA is an unique fitness business. It's not a nationwide chain or affiliate, it's not a large regional chain funded by investors. It's a local business, employing Knoxville residents, keeping profits local. It's also a world-class coaching and training environment, with more competitive success than any comparable gym in the state. Approving this rezoning is necessary so that KMAA can build facilities and parking to match the quality of the instruction and of the students and staff.
South Knoxville is more than breweries, coffee shops, and nationwide chains. It's also the natural home of the kinds of businesses that keep people in Knox County.
Stevean
37917
37917
Stevean (37917), August 8, 2022 at 12:18 PM
KMAA is a good home to come to and great family Olivia
37865
37865
Olivia (37865), August 8, 2022 at 12:20 PM
I am a teacher at South Doyle High School and compete professionally for KMAA. I noticed that you are set to deny their request to build their gym on their property. I hope that you change your mind because this gym has been super important to me and my family. They do so much for their community. You couldn’t find better people on this earth. Adding a gym to the area would give the people a positive place to work out and train near their home. Please reconsider. Thank you. Emilee
37920
37920
Emilee (37920), August 8, 2022 at 12:31 PM
I am in favor of this rezone as Knoxville Martial Arts Academy has a become a place that promotes health and wellness in our community. As a registered nurse, I find that this business dramatically and positively impacts peoples mental and physical health. I have witnessed countless people loss weight, become more active, and eat healthy because of the leadership and coaching at KMAA. I have been a member of this gym for 10 years now and personally know the benefits is holds. In my opinion it would be wise to allow this business to grow and expand for the over all health and well being of the Knoxville community. Nick
37920
37920
Nick (37920), August 8, 2022 at 12:31 PM
My name is Nick Wigley and I have lived in South Knoxville for almost 10 years and have been a member of KMAA for 6 years. They do an amazing job teaching martial arts and helping people reach goals not just in training and fitness but in life as well. They have helped me when I truly needed guidance.
To deny these amazing people the chance to help more people better themselves is folly. Not only do they give children a chance to participate in something and get kids off the street, but they have also enriched the lives of so many others. Many veterans, policemen and women, and workers in healthcare have all been at their facility and have been helped by the good people who coach here. They have built a culture in their facility that doesn’t exclude others but embraces them. It’s why I am still actively training here to this very day.
Please reconsider your position in Knoxville Martial Arts Academy. They would only better the community they are in.
Morgan
37918
37918
Morgan (37918), August 8, 2022 at 12:32 PM
The rezone should be approved as it will help improve the area by adding such a great business that gives back to the community. Anthony
37777
37777
Anthony (37777), August 8, 2022 at 12:33 PM
I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been a member of KMAA for 6 years and in this time period we have grown tremendously. The rezoning would help make sure our gym continues to be able to support its ever growing environment and will be incredibly beneficial to us. Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great rest of your day. Sara
37849
37849
Sara (37849), August 8, 2022 at 12:34 PM
I've been involved with KMAA for over 10 years. I can't say enough good things about Coach Eric Turner and his positive impact on countless lives. The motto of KMAA is "Ubuntu, I am because we are." It is the most positive learning environment I have ever been in. I have not only learned practical fighting skills, but also how to be a good teammate. KMAA offers so many kids and young adult classes, including ASL instruction. Any community will benefit by KMAA'S presence. James
37917
37917
James (37917), August 8, 2022 at 12:47 PM
Hi my names james adcock wanting to comment on the rezone for Knoxville martial arts academy (KMAA) ! Kmaa has always been an outstanding business for people of all walks of life it would be very beneficial to the local community and everyone around it ! So please reconsider! Thank youDaniel
37920
37920
Daniel (37920), August 8, 2022 at 12:52 PM
As a south knox resident I can not say enough about Knoxville Martial Arts Academy. A wonderful group that uplifts the community I’ve known about the gym for over five years now and I’ve only had good experiences. They are a staple in the area and a wonderful business! Alexis
R 921
R 921
Alexis (R 921), August 8, 2022 at 12:57 PM
This is for Knoxville Martial Arts Academy. I am 100% in favor of them getting the land they need to build the gym they need. KMAA has changed not only my life but my family’s life for the better. My husband was lost until he found the gym, then shortly after introduced me to training. We since have our kids training, too. KMAA has been teaching my kids ASL, as well as other life skills they bring home every day. This is a place I want my kids and my newborn son raised up in. The women in the gym have such an open arms community, and I believe with the right facility, more and more women will come to have a safe place they can make friends and learn self defense. I believe if you give them the chance, KMAA will change the area for the better. And trust me, this area could use some love. Dre
37830
37830
Dre (37830), August 8, 2022 at 1:09 PM
My name is Dre Miley I’ve been with KMAA for 13 years. Before I joined KMAA I was going a dark time in my life. I lost my left eye in a car wreck and completely gave up on everything. Thanks to KMAA my life has significantly improved in all aspects of life. KMAA isn’t just a gym it’s a community that empowers those who lost their voice/self esteem to find it again. KMAA also gives kids within the south Knox community a place to learn life skills and learn more about themselves than traditional sports. Without KMAA there would be countless amount of people that would be lost. Ray
37920
37920
Ray (37920), August 8, 2022 at 1:10 PM
As a resident of South knoxville, and a member of KMAA, I am fully in favor of this rezone. I've been a member of KMAA for 5 years and have seen the impact it has on people's lives and the community surrounding them. To block this rezone would greatly damage the community of South Knoxville and hundreds of lives. Many, many people rely on KMAA to keep them healthy and active, as well as off the streets and out of trouble. Do not take this amazing community away from South Knoxville. They have done and will continue to do great things for the surrounding areas. Jason
37920
37920
Jason (37920), August 8, 2022 at 1:19 PM
Knoxville Martial Arts Academy has helped so many children, teens, and adults in the last 20+ years, and having a new state of the art facility would allow for KMAA to reach even more lives. Please reconsider your decision and allow the Turners their request to rezone this area into a commercial business zone, and keep a proven-successful business in South Knoxville!Chris
37919
37919
Chris (37919), August 8, 2022 at 1:21 PM
Greetings, my name is Chris Anderson and I would like to respectfully take a moment to talk about KMAA and what they have done for me. They have had such a profound impact on my life that I cannot imagine where I would be at now without them. The atmosphere that they generate is one of immense positivity and it emanates from every corner of the facility. They have greatly improved my wellbeing, both physically and mentally, in ways that self-help books and videos couldn't even do. I know that I am not the only one that has experienced this. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that most of the students there will express the same opinion. They are a blessing to the community and should be given whatever resource is needed in order to grow. The more they grow, the more people can join and the more positive impact they can create within our community. Thank you! Melissa
37924
37924
Melissa (37924), August 8, 2022 at 1:27 PM
I am a recent widow with 3 children. KMAA has been instrumental in our grieving process and has supported my family in each step to move forward. We had to move a bit further away because of our circumstances but that has not affected our participation and support of KMAA. It would be a detriment for us personally and for the community to prevent the rezoning. Cara
37918
37918
Cara (37918), August 8, 2022 at 1:32 PM
As a fellow local, small business owner it would be disheartening to see the request for this rezoning denied. KMAA is an asset to the Knoxville community that gives people an outlet to better themselves physically and mentally. I personally have experienced firsthand the benefits KMAA and am grateful for the services they provide to the community.
I hope you reconsider voting no to this rezoning and continue to allow KMAA to give back to this community.
Natalie
37917
37917
Natalie (37917), August 8, 2022 at 1:33 PM
Being a member of KMAA has changed my life. It's the most positive, welcoming organization I've ever been a part of and is a huge asset to the community. This is a place where everyone is welcomed and treated with respect, and all of the coaches are 100% invested in helping every person meet their goals, whatever those may be. I am in favor of this rezoning to allow KMAA to grow and continue improving people's lives as much as it has improved mine.Sarah
37917
37917
Sarah (37917), August 8, 2022 at 1:39 PM
To Whom it may concern: As someone who regularly attends KMAA for the wonderful training and coaching, I would like to see the re-zoning be approved for the gym. The new location would be an asset to the community by providing a better space to offer their services and encourage more community members to attend. I reside in north Knoxville, but I still choose KMAA to be my gym for the loving community that they cultivate. Thank you for your time.
Christina
37917
37917
Christina (37917), August 8, 2022 at 1:45 PM
Good afternoon, After spending 7 years as a student of KMAA, I humbly request the approval of the re-zone, to then build the new facility. We have been a staple for the vestal community, and our classes are overflowing. I am personally investing in the children's classes as one of the coaches. We have seen many children come into our classes, troubled, and unhappy. After several weeks of classes they have a better grasp of self control, kindness, discipline, and overall being a better human. We desperately need more space as our children’s program is growing quickly and we have run out of room! The addition of a bigger KMAA is a potential positive impact on the community that shouldn’t be missed!
Dan
37917
37917
Dan (37917), August 8, 2022 at 2:02 PM
For 3 years my family has been coming to KMAA. In the beginning I was just looking for a martial arts gym that my family could attend to teach discipline and structure. What I found was a gym and culture focused on family, positive moral values, healthy lifestyle, and hard work. In 3 short years my children have blossomed under the careful leadership of the instructors to become strong athletes with respectful attitudes in competition. Over time they have learned that discipline and hard work are necessary attributes of success. They are more confident and secure in themselves, they know what hard work practically looks like, and they have a healthy respect for hard work. KMAA is not just some normal business. KMAA is an organization that is focused on the lives, character, and values of its members and community. It is a valuable asset to Knoxville to help change the lives of every one who enters. It provides practical physical outlets, community to grow in, and friendships for life.
While I understand that the rezoning for property has been denied, I implore the committee to seriously reconsider that opinion. KMAA is an incredible asset to South Knoxville not just from a business perspective, but from the view point to give people of that community purpose and a mission. For this reason I am humbly asking the committee to approve KMAA's request for rezoning to build this new building.
Ricky
37921
37921
Ricky (37921), August 8, 2022 at 2:20 PM
My name is Ricky, I have been training martial arts at KMAA for a little over 2 years. KMAA has had a huge positive impact on my life and the lives of many people I know. I am in favor of any change that helps them grow and reach more people.Rebekah
37922
37922
Rebekah (37922), August 8, 2022 at 2:28 PM
I am in favor of giving the children of our community more beneficial past times other than video games and eating out. This school has been wonderful for my kids and I would love to see them be able to expand. Thank you,
Rebekah
Melanie
37748
37748
Melanie (37748), August 8, 2022 at 2:37 PM
Please consider approval for this small business. KMAA is comprised of children, families and working professionals that work to achieve health and wellness for all of its members. KMAA historically invests in the community and improves the lives of the people around them.
This gym will be a great asset to this community.
Bronson
37917
37917
Bronson (37917), August 8, 2022 at 2:37 PM
Please reconsider your disapproval of the commercial rezone of this property. As an active member since 2018, I can vouch that Knoxville Martial Arts Academy is a one of a kind gym that holds a one of a kind culture. It’s owners and staff help all members by teaching valuable lessons for inside and outside of the gym. Thank you for your time and once again, please reconsider your decision. Eric
37865
37865
Eric (37865), August 8, 2022 at 2:50 PM
My name is Eric Turner and I was told by my county commissioner, Mr. Carson Dailey, that I ought to submit exhibits in support of my rezone application. This is a pdf of our rezone request overlaid with the KGIS topographical map as well as our rezone request with our building size sketched onto it. I am also containing some additional information on the land that we purchased on 4-29-22. Our goal was always to purchase some commercial land to build our building on, however due to a multitude of issues that has proven to be a significant problem. Hopefully this pdf will help explain why we are requesting the re-zone, in order for us to move forward with our commercial project in this area. Thank you very much for your time.View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220808145020.pdf
Angela
37922
37922
Angela (37922), August 8, 2022 at 2:53 PM
I’ve been a member at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy for 10 years. I stumbled into KMAA seeking a new workout facility that was close to home. I was a single-Mother of 2 amazing kids who was also down on her luck. When I walked through the door I was greeted with open-arms, genuine smiles & hope. At the time I was unemployed, no family or help, 2 black-eyes & a broken nose. I desperately needed a change. Never would I anticipate that a small step forward would completely change my my future and subsequently the lives of my kids.Through KMAA I learned life-long lessons that are irreplaceable. On the mats I learned who I was and most importantly, who I wasn’t. I learned how to silence the voices that held me back. I learned how to take control, to sit with failure, & relentlessly get back up. I learned how to be complete within myself.
Today I am a gainfully employed at the Y-12 National Security Complex as a Control Systems Engineer. I’m working with the National Nuclear Security Administration on the Uranium Processing Facility. My son is 19, a Jr. in college, Dean’s list, student athlete & VP of his college baseball team. My daughter is a Jr. in High School & on the Honor Roll. There is no denying KMAA’s role in our success.
To deny the request of rezoning would be detrimental & a great injustice to our community. Without KMAA many would be lost in our community. Please reconsider rezoning.
Garrett
37920
37920
Garrett (37920), August 8, 2022 at 3:02 PM
As a member of KMAA for over 5 years, I am in favor of the rezone. I couldn’t put into words how amazing this gym and community is. People come from all walks of life, but the family that has been built there is truly remarkable. In a world filled with negativity and hate, this place has been a safe haven to some of my happiest and most cherished moments. Elijah
37921
37921
Elijah (37921), August 8, 2022 at 3:08 PM
Hello, I’m Elijah Gilbertson. And KMAA has majorly impacted my life and many lives around me and the community. They’re doing so many great things not just for the men, but the women and children too. Teaching my kids good self control self defense as well as ASL. Training my wife to take care of herself and feel more comfortable on her own. Helping me with my anger and emotions and depressing. It’s really been a light to me and many others like me. Eric and Taylor Turner are some of the best, most genuine people I’ve ever met. And have sacrificed so much for others. So I’m in favor of the rezone. Let the Turners build this new home for people of all walks of life to come together and make the world a better and safer place. Thank you. David
37920
37920
David (37920), August 8, 2022 at 3:38 PM
KMAA offers a service that improves the lives of those surrounding it. They seek to improve the physical, mental, and even spiritual aspects of its members. This place isn’t your average gym. There are countless lives that have been changed through this organization. But all of the good work requires a place. The ability to change some of the zoning to commercial would allow this building to go up and more magic to begin to happen. Please allow the zoning to be changed to commercial for this 5 acres so KMAA can continue changing lives. Katie
37920
37920
Katie (37920), August 8, 2022 at 4:03 PM
I am in favor for the rezoning! My family has been changed by KMAA and Taylor and Eric! You can’t talk to someone at KMAA without hearing how their lives have changed for the better by this gym!
KMAA has also helped provide access to martial arts for my son and his friends who are deaf, and many of KMAA’s instructors are learning sign language for them!
They give back to our community by changing lives!
JUSTIN
37871
37871
JUSTIN (37871), August 8, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Please approve the rezoning of this property to commercial. KMAA has made a huge difference in the lives of so many. We found KMAA in November 2019 and it immediately became a fixture in our family. KMAA is much more than just a gym. It encourages hard work, positivity, determination, physical and mental fitness and so much more. Please approve this rezoning so that KMAA can keep changing lives for the better!Emily
37876
37876
Emily (37876), August 8, 2022 at 4:14 PM
Hi, my name is Emily Estep and I'm writing to ask that you please approve the rezoning request for KMAA, so they can have this opportunity to grow and open doors for even more individuals in the community. I'm the mother of a 13 yr old son with ADHD who has been a student of KMAA for over 8 yrs, since he was 5 yrs old. KMAA has made such a difference in my son's life that we've been able to take him off of his ADHD medication. He's learned so much more about himself than he would have at any other martial arts academy. KMAA is more than a gym that trains the body. Its a family and second home that strengthens the mind and body. Rezoning the land to allow them to build this new facility will only strengthen the community.Anne
37921
37921
Anne (37921), August 8, 2022 at 4:21 PM
I am in support of the rezoning. I am a registered nurse and a current student in a nurse practitioner masters program. KMAA has helped me become a healthier, more confident person by being a welcoming place full of knowledgeable and accepting coaches and students. KMAA is a place where people of every age, every fitness level, and every socioeconomic background go to better themselves physically and mentally. The coaches are willing to help in every way they can and work hard to provide a training environment that is safe, beneficial, and free from judgment.Samantha
37777
37777
Samantha (37777), August 8, 2022 at 4:28 PM
My name is Samantha Chowdhury and I am in favor of the rezone for Knoxville Martial Arts Academy. 6 years ago I found Knoxville Martial Arts Academy through a friend. My husband was interested in learning mixed martial arts and we immediately set up a trial to see if this is something he really wants to do. While I myself, do not participate in classes, I’ve never felt unwelcome. In fact, the environment and community there has help my husband and I in so many ways. Knoxville Martial Arts Academy is not just another normal gym. When you join you gain a family, a support system, people who genuinely care about your successes. This family is ever growing and wants to be able to help better the lives of as many people as possible. So I implore you to please reconsider and approve the rezoning so that Knoxville Martial Arts Academy can continue helping our community.Katherine
37830
37830
Katherine (37830), August 8, 2022 at 4:45 PM
Eric and Taylor Turner are wonderful people who have contributed positively to the community for years!Please consider what rezoning this area will do for the lives of those who attend KMAA.
Personally, KMAA serves me for my mental health. Battling major depression disorder for a decade now, KMAA provides classes that help correct my chemical imbalances through physical activity. As well as, knowing I have a positive support system of individuals that I can count on there.
The owners and employees there, truly and genuinely care about every person who steps through their doors.
They also have a charity for those in the community who can’t afford to take classes, to make sure they have an opportunity to do so!
I am in favor of the rezoning because I believe this will be a beautiful addition to the area. Considering also that the hours that the gym are open are with the working class (9-5) in mind and therefore do not interfere with the "normal" high traffic times, which in turn, does not congest the roads of the area.
Debra
37865
37865
Debra (37865), August 8, 2022 at 5:03 PM
I was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder of Parkinson's in January 2018. I have been going to KMAA for my workouts, recommended by my neurologists, for 4 years now. I don't believe there is any place on this side of town that meets my needs the way this gym does. I believe this gym would be an asset to others in the area. I hope you see the need to adjust the rezoning.Jesse
37920
37920
Jesse (37920), August 8, 2022 at 5:31 PM
I moved to Knoxville in December with my family and gave up the life we had in Kentucky to make a better life here and one of the biggest draws for us was kmaa. Since we've been here we have been working on integrating ourselves into the community and the staff at kmaa have done a great job of giving us opportunity to succeed on the mats and off the mats.It's turned from a profession into a family and it is truly a totem of the community and what a person can aspire to be if given the proper tools. Not only are they incredibly important to myself but I know the community appreciates having such a diverse and powerful organization in the area.
Ovince
37924
37924
Ovince (37924), August 9, 2022 at 10:22 AM
My name is Ovince Saint Preux and I've been a student at KMAA since 2005. In the 17 years that I have been training at KMAA I have been able to compete all over the world, in the biggest MMA organization on the planet, the Ultimate Fighting Challenge (UFC). In that time, I have fought 25 times for the UFC, fought for a world title against MMA legend Jon Jones, and been able to travel the world, from Copenhagen to Madison Square Garden, to Toyko, to Singapore and everywhere in between. Large, more established gyms have tried to recruit me during that entire time but the only reason I stayed in Knoxville was because of Coach Turner and KMAA. We have always struggled to have a world-class facility to match our world-class training and that's because Coach always gives back to the community instead of just trying to improve his life or the facility we work out of. I've been able to see first hand how many people live happier, healthier lives because of Coach and I think that the city should reconsider their denial of the rezone so Coach can finally have a facility that matches how elite the training inside is. Whether you're a fighter or just a person looking for a healthier place, KMAA is for you.Candace
37876
37876
Candace (37876), August 9, 2022 at 10:55 AM
When I became a police officer, I knew I was in a profession where I could potentially be hurt or killed. I am a female of small stature, which was a huge concern for me. A fellow Officer introduced me to Eric and KMAA in 2012. I took some jujitsu classes with him then later started Kickboxing. I stuck with it! I now teach self defense for my department, and continue to improve myself. Because of KMAA, I am more disciplined and have gained confidence in myself, my skills, and my abilities to perform on the street as a police officer. My size and gender as an officer are no longer a concern. This is a true family with some of the best people you will ever meet. They are loyal, giving, and truly care about the community. They deserve to have a facility to continue to mentor and teach others as they have done for me.
Cynthia
37865
37865
Cynthia (37865), August 9, 2022 at 11:21 AM
This is not just about a gym where people get-together and work out. It is about lives changing for the better. And in order for that to happen, Knoxville Martial Arts Academy (KMAA) needs a specific kind of place with lots of room and specific equipment. KMAA has grown from being in a one car garage to one of the most successful gyms in Tennessee, if not the Southeast! KMAA is also recognized on the national and international stage in the world of MMA. You can Google Ovince St. Preux as an example.It’s not about just the numbers; it’s about real lives that have been impacted in a very positive way. I also am a testimony of the good that has come from KMAA. Because I had been at KMAA for over 3 years working out on a regular basis, at the age of 71, I was able to donate a kidney to my nephew. Exercise changes people’s lives physically, emotionally, etc. I am just one of many success stories that could be told about KMAA!
The rezoning of this property would allow for a state of the art facility to be built so that more people can be helped. The KMAA facility would only make South Knoxville a better place to live and work. I think that’s obvious by the changes that have already occurred around the Pease Building since KMAA purchased it
So, I plead with you to please reconsider and approve rezoning in order for Knoxville Martial Arts Academy to continue changing lives. Thank you for your time and attention in this matter!
Amanda
37938
37938
Amanda (37938), August 9, 2022 at 3:45 PM
The group of people I work out with is the best! I’m deaf myself and my trainer and some other people learned sign language to communicate with me better. I love working out with them. Definitely will refer others to come workout there. I also took BJJ classes - so much fun! Timothy
55379
55379
Timothy (55379), August 9, 2022 at 3:57 PM
My name is Timothy Hatch and I humbly request the approval of the re-zone request.My wife Susan and I live in Shakopee, MN. We have known Taylor Turner for 20 years and subsequently her husband, Eric Turner, for the last 11 years. Over that period of time we have not only became members of KMAA, we have forged so many new, wonderful relationships within KMAA, that we have decided to permanently relocate to Knoxville.
Not only will we be moving to Knoxville, but we also plan on moving our business, Four Paws Inc. DBA, Fancy Paws Pet Salon, into KMAA’s new proposed building. Our grooming business has been named the areas "Best In Grooming" for the last 9 straight years. My wife, Susan, is one off the best groomers in the world. She has been a multiple time member of Groom Team USA, an honor reserved for the top 10 competitive groomers in the United Stares. Her grooming accomplishments are too numerous to list in this format. But, I’m sure the dog lovers of the Knoxville area would enjoy access to our grooming services.
Along with our running our business, I also plan on working with KMAA on adding a boxing program, to further expand the already wide array of combat sports and fitness opportunities and to share my 25 years of boxing knowledge. Thank you for your time.
Susan
37803
37803
Susan (37803), August 9, 2022 at 5:46 PM
Hello. 4 years ago, through a job, I was introduced to KMAA and the Turners. Right away it was obvious that KMAA. was not like any other gym I had been a part of and that the Turners and the rest of the staff were exceptional people. The people who train at KMAA run the gamut from Elite professional athletes, "regular" people trying to get and stay in shape, people learning self-defense skills, and children/youth learning valuable physical & mental skills. As unbelievable as it may sound, I have never met a group of people, staff and clients, who were friendlier & cared as much about each other and the community they're a part of as the KMAA family does. I implore you to reconsider the rezoning request for KMAA- the expansion and new facility will be as significant asset and opportunity to the areaSusan
37803
37803
Susan (37803), August 9, 2022 at 5:52 PM
Hello, I am writing to request that you reconsider the rezoning request for KMAA. I was introduced to KMMA and the Turner's about 4 years ago. Right away it was obvious that KMAA was not like any other gym I had been a part of and that the Turners & the rest of the staff were exceptional people. The people who train at KMMA run the gamut from Elite professional athletes, "regular" people trying to get & stay in shape, people learning self-defense skills, and children/youth learning valuable physical and mental skills. As unbelievable as it may sound, I have never met a group of people, staff and clients, who were friendlier, more respectful, and cared as much about each other and the community they're a part of as the KMAA family does. I implore you to reconsider the rezoning request- the expansion and new facility will be a significant asset and opportunity to the area.Terri
37917
37917
Terri (37917), August 9, 2022 at 9:18 PM
I am a Knox County resident and customer at KMAA, driving from North Knoxville for classes. KMAA is a wonderful asset in our city and especially important as a local thriving business in this community. This gym isn't just for a niche section of the community like other gyms in the area. KMAA offers health and wellness classes for adults and children, as well as hosting professional athletes who offer personal training and fascial stretch therapy for all ages. We have lost a lot of local businesses in the area since the pandemic and the fact that one of our own well-established businesses wants to expand to serve the community and represent Knoxville as a national athletic training facility should certainly be supported and encouraged for the integrity and diversity of what Knoxville has to offer. This is a facility that the community uses to pursue healthy activities for their family, meet their neighbors and enrich their quality of life.
Terri
37917
37917
Terri (37917), August 10, 2022 at 6:25 AM
I am a Knoxville resident and drive from North Knoxville so I can enjoy and benefit from the services that KMAA offers. KMAA is not just for a niche section of the population like many other gyms, this facility is an important resource for the community, serving all ages and families with a variety of disciplines including yoga, children's classes (with accommodations for students from the nearby TN School for the Deaf), personal training, stretch therapy for athletes and people like myself with physical impairments. Truly a unique family atmosphere with the highest level of integrity, inclusion, and health and wellness. We have lost so many locally owned businesses after the pandemic and when a thriving local business wants to expand to provide more services to this established area, this should be supported and encouraged. All of the city's expansion and new businesses can't just move westward to Farragut, our area needs this institution to provide enrichment activities for our community. This is a place for families, meeting our neighbors, and promoting positive, healthy activities and sports.
There is no other facility like this accessible to our community, we need KMAA and the diversity of services it offers to all of us. All of these comments relate the impact KMAA has made to the betterment of this entire area. I respectively ask that this rezoning application is approved for the benefit and enrichment of our families.
Melissa
37876
37876
Melissa (37876), August 10, 2022 at 10:16 AM
At 19 KMAA gave me a family to help guide me and still today the people within it lift me and my family up. I am 29 and a pediatric ICU RN at Children’s. My job is certainly mentally difficult. My husband, previous LEO and military, and myself both find KMAA as a sanctuary to debrief our minds in a healthy manner. As a woman, I gained self-confidence and direction in life due to KMAA. Our kids are empathetic, hardworking, but most importantly respectful. The gym teaches our children self-defense, but they are helping them to be respectful humans that are hard working and self confident. The youth out of this gym will most certainly serve Knoxville in the most positive ways in the future. KMAA is more than just a gym to so many people. It is a home and a beacon of light for many in the community. Allowing this gym to prosper, allows the community to continue a healthy and prosperous life. It would be a disservice in the community to not allow this rezone. Thank you for you time!susan
55379
55379
susan (55379), August 10, 2022 at 10:43 AM
My name is Susan Hatch, one of the owners of the land initially denied in the rezoning. I humbly ask that you approve this request. KMAA is not only an established business of Knoxville but a business that supports the health and growth of the community. This business impacts everyone from families looking to get healthier to world class athletes. In addition, to KMAA, this building will bring world class dog grooming to Knoxville. I have been grooming for over 20 years, I am sponsored by multiple companies that are known worldwide. As a member of Groomteam USA, speaker and educator in the grooming industry and have held seminars both nationally and internationally. Currently, there is a shortage of groomers in the city of Knoxville and surrounding areas and I would love to share my skills and knowledge with the Knoxville area. This building is for both of our business futures and forever home.
I am also a member of KMAA, along with my husband Tim, despite the fact that we live in Minnesota. So we are relocating from our lifelong home of Minnesota to Knoxville permanently, to work alongside, and with, the wonderful people of KMAA. Thank you so much for you time.
Andre
40202
40202
Andre (40202), August 10, 2022 at 4:35 PM
Andre Canty here coming to you as a former zoning commissioner from 2019, MMA practitioner, and former student of KMMA. I'm in support of the rezone for a new building. I found KMMA shortly after a wave of homicides in 2015-16 and was finding ways of channeling some trauma and also challenging myself. Through KMMA, I have achieve both while finding a tribe of people who are supportive coaches and teammates. Their dedication goes well past the actual training and I believe that their method of teaching martial arts helps us all become better citizens in Knoxville. Martial arts is essentially how you express yourself and the physical is only part of the result of that expression. KMMA is a hidden jewel of Knoxville that has to be supported by the good folk of the commission in their new journey. When I move back in a couple months, I'd love to return to a new building with the same good teammates. DeDe
37876
37876
DeDe (37876), August 10, 2022 at 6:31 PM
It’s very disappointing to hear that you would even be considering not allowing this family business to move forward. My family and I have known Eric, Taylor, and the KMAA family for many years. We have never met anyone so caring, loving, accepting, and genuine as these people. KMAA has helped me physically, but more importantly, mentally. I truly believe their most important goal is to help people to become their "best self". This world needs more places like KMAA, and people like Eric and Taylor. It would be a shame to not allow this organization to continue to help people and improve the lives of others. I hope you re-consider and allow them to provide a facility that will benefit the community.
Jim
37876
37876
Jim (37876), August 10, 2022 at 9:40 PM
Kmma has had a positive impact on me physically and mentally. It is a great place to get into shape, learn a new skill set and have fun doing it. The rezoning would allow even more to experience what I have.Jamie
37865
37865
Jamie (37865), August 11, 2022 at 1:01 AM
Please reconsider your denial of 8L-22-RZ 1501 Maryville Pike. This is an integral part of the expansion of Knoxville Martial Arts Academy. My family and I have been part of this academy for 5 years. It has allowed us to grow in many areas of our athleticism and provided an opportunity for our children to learn respect, confidence, and discipline. With a change in your decision, it will allow Knoxville Martial Arts Academy to continue to welcome in even more of the community and to ensure our children the healthiest start in their lives.Nickolas
3792
3792
Nickolas ( 3792), August 11, 2022 at 4:54 AM
Knoxville Martial Arts Academy has been more than just a gym to me. It has been my home since I became a teenager. If it wasn’t for this place, myself and many of the other young men and women from the surrounding communities would be “lost”. Let us rezone to a better location/building and watch how much more this gym positively impacts the community.