July 14, 2022
Planning Commission meeting
Planning Commission meeting
Public Comments
42 Comments for
William
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William (37920), March 30, 2022 at 5:06 PM
The people of this community are tired of these structures getting closer and closer to looking in our own window. This community has just welcomed 2 new apartment complexes to our area. These roads are bad enough already. This neighborhood doesn't ask for much and we don't get much. We are fine with that. I will undoubtedly loose neighbors if this monstrosity is constructed. Please leave the to zoning as is.William (37920), March 30, 2022 at 5:06 PM
William
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William (37920), March 30, 2022 at 6:45 PM
The building of these apartment houses is raising a great deal of concern amongst our South Haven community. This part of South Knoxville is already a heavily crowded part of town, and these apartments will add to the issue tenfold. One has to worry about the consequences that will be had for traffic in the town on the already busy and narrow streets. Property values are also expected to plummet. While the old school should be repurposed, the effects of such a large income of people into the community is very worrisome. William (37920), March 30, 2022 at 6:45 PM
Astrid
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Astrid (37920), March 31, 2022 at 4:18 PM
please see PDFAstrid (37920), March 31, 2022 at 4:18 PM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220331161827.pdf
Sonia
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Sonia (37920), March 31, 2022 at 7:41 PM
It breaks my heart to see what happened in Nashville happening in Knoxville. There is no way they’re is enough room while maintaining the I integrity of the community infrastructure. We’d love to stay and support this community but if these projects continue their is no way we will. Sonia (37920), March 31, 2022 at 7:41 PM
Astrid
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Astrid (37920), April 1, 2022 at 7:39 AM
My PDF won't post so I will upload multiple comments here. I honestly am not sure where to even begin. I purchased my 102 year old home on McClung in 2020. I exclusively looked in this area to buy my first home because I wanted to be part of the rejuvenation and revitalization of the South Knoxville. The neighborhood and roads are very closely stitched together so when I was made aware by a fellow neighbor of Mr Cockrill's plan to put in 99 more residential dwellings I was shocked. My shock then quickly turned to concern as these plans included raising three/four additional buildings on the small sight along with 130 parking spaces? We are a small family neighborhood and the current infrastructure is not capable of handling that many more individuals. We have existing sewage and flooding issues that are not being addressed and the electrical grid goes out pretty regularly. More concerning to me as those issues 'can' be fixed is the amount of people he is proposing be relocated to this dense area. Astrid (37920), April 1, 2022 at 7:39 AM
Astrid
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Astrid (37920), April 1, 2022 at 7:39 AM
(second part) His current proposal will completely alter the dynamic of our neighborhood. COMPLETLY. Not to mention the amount of green space negatively impacted, the whole reason for our urban wilderness initiative, along with the wildlife. I wholeheartedly agree the building cannot remain abandoned and am 1000% for using the EXHISTING structure for some sort of living space but believe mid to high end condominiums to be a better option/fit by only utilizing the current structure. When meeting with Mr Cockrill he made it a point that he 'does not need to do this, he enjoys rehabilitating historic buildings' . If that is truly the case there should be no questions as to what would work for both the developer and the neighborhood. This neighborhood CANNOT absorb this type of development. PLEASE do not allow this rezoning to take place. You will loose the whole purpose of trying to flip this area of town. A number of neighbors including myself have already started to consider leaving the neighborhood if this 'development' goes through.Astrid (37920), April 1, 2022 at 7:39 AM
Loney
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Loney (37920), April 5, 2022 at 10:27 AM
The proposed building of these apartment will greatly impact our community by way of traffic, overcrowding schools, and most importantly homeowners will sale and move away. We take great pride in our neighborhood and do agree with the redevelopment of the existing structure. Please do not allow this rezoning! Loney (37920), April 5, 2022 at 10:27 AM
Stephanie
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Stephanie (37920), April 5, 2022 at 3:41 PM
I live at 1829 Beech Street and have for 13 years. I love our neighborhood, and have great concerns regarding turning said property into low income apartments. Beech Street is narrow, and cannot accommodate the homeowners who currently reside on that street. I worry about the property values of the homes that so many people have worked so hard to keep. I worry about increased crime in our area, and what it will expose our children to. I do not have a problem with families in need of a home, however, please consider section 8 houses as opposed to low income apartments. The houses will at least fit into the neighborhood, there will only be a need for driveways as opposed to 199 parking spaces. Please at least take into consideration allowing section 8 houses in our area, as any change will be an adjustment for those of us who have lived in the neighborhood for so long.Stephanie (37920), April 5, 2022 at 3:41 PM
Patsy
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Patsy (37920), April 5, 2022 at 9:42 PM
Revitalize Historical Giffin Elementary School. In the past several years it had been discussed of it becoming an assisted living. Could that not be revisited? South Knoxville has numerous low income/section 8 apartments. We just recently had 2 more low income/section 8 apartment complexes built with in 2 miles of this suggested development. Please Vote NO on the rezoning! Patsy (37920), April 5, 2022 at 9:42 PM
Katherine
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Katherine (37920), April 5, 2022 at 11:10 PM
Let me start out by saying that I am all for the revitalization of the old Giffin Elementary School. The building needs to be utilized. The concern that I have, along with many others, regarding the development of (4-A-22-PD) 99 apartments being built on Beech Street are the additional cars/traffic. More traffic has been added in the past several years because of Ijams Nature Center & Bakers Creek development. These apartments would add to this congestion along with more speeding on South Haven. The roads in the South Haven community are not as maintained as they should be. The roads around the development (McClung Ave., South Haven, Beech Street, Lenland Ave) are narrow, uneven in many areas and have numerous potholes. This will also get worse with the added traffic. A person also has to be concerned about additional crime coming into our area with so many new people. South Knoxville has had 2 new low income/section 8 apartment complexes added with in 2 miles of Beech Street in the past couple of years already. PLEASE DO NOT allow this to happen. Help us keep our quaint neighborhood. Katherine (37920), April 5, 2022 at 11:10 PM
Cara
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Cara (37920), April 6, 2022 at 1:06 PM
We started the process of remodeling the old eyesore on the corner. It was literally the worst home in the area. So many of our neighbors have put in so much time and effort to reestablish the small area. I have been here for three years and not one summer have I been able to sit on my back porch for dinner/bbq. Our sewer system is disgusting. The smell is embarrassing when having company. A study showed sewage in the creek. It’s been three years and the city/KUB can’t control this situation. How could the sewer handle adding 93 units and the additional construction on that slope? It will be devastating to our creek and it’s wildlife. That wooded area has become a bird sanctuary and what little wildlife left in South Haven will be gone. Not to mention the creek has been known to hold the endangered Berry Cave Salamander. Our tiny roads are already over traveled and we just finally got speed bumps In an attempt to help with that issue. Some homes barely have yards already and taking more for sidewalks would not be fair to those home owners. The neighborhood could not sustain such an increase in population. The school is a staple for our community and tho we know it needs to be used for something, having it surrounded with concrete buildings will not do it justice as a historic building. I wish to deny the application.Cara (37920), April 6, 2022 at 1:06 PM
Kara
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Kara (37920), April 6, 2022 at 4:34 PM
This project proposes too much dwelling density. The proposed area is tucked inside a quiet neighborhood, with a park and a stream running though it. These plans would take down many of the very large trees along this area. I would love to see this space converted into condos or mixed income housing at way less capacity. Kara (37920), April 6, 2022 at 4:34 PM
Jess
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Jess (37920), April 6, 2022 at 6:28 PM
I oppose this rezoning. The proposed use of the 6.3 acres and forested hillside is extremely out of character for our neighborhood. South Knoxville is known for it's natural landscapes and this rezoning would destroy one of South Haven neighborhood's forested areas. We have coyotes, salamanders, amazing hawks and other birds - it is truly a haven not just for the residents but also for the wildlife. Erecting 5 additional buildings on this property is out of character for the area and would create towering buildings along a steep hillside that should remain forested. I actually would like to know if a hillside protection overlay would be appropriate, given the grade of the hillside. I am absolutely in favor of an appropriate use for the historic school itself. The original plan for an assisted living facility would have given residents beautiful trees and birds to watch out their windows and contributed minimal traffic, noise pollution, light pollution, and potential crime on our community. There are many many other options for re-use of the facility and I will enthusiastically support rezoning, if necessary, for plans that fit within our neighborhood. It is the duty of the MPC and City Council to ensure that zoning changes and development are beneficial to our community. Neither the use case nor the scale of this proposal are beneficial. Jess (37920), April 6, 2022 at 6:28 PM
Edward
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Edward (37920), April 6, 2022 at 7:01 PM
My grandparents, my parents as well as myself have lived in the South Knoxville & South Haven community for over 100 years. I myself went to Giffin Elementary school. I would like to see the school be revitalized into something that will help our community & help our property values continue to increase but not section 8 or low income housing put into our community. With Ijams Nature Center expanding & Bakers Creek being developed & the Greenways, our property values have started to increase. Traffic has gotten more congested with people coming from all over to these areas & will only get worse with 99 more apartments added on Beech Street. The City of Knoxville can not keep up with the maintanence on the roads in the area now. The roads have a lot of uneveness & pot holes & these too will get worse with the added daily trips from the 99 apartments being added. One has to also realize that the exit from Beech Street onto Lenland Ave is a right turn ONLY. The left turn is a dead end. Lenland & South Haven it is a blind intersection & there will be in increase of accidents because it is bad enough now with the traffic that we have. Why crame 99 more apartments in the middle of a small neighborhood community? It is a shame that an out of town delveloper can come into our neighborhood with low income/section 8 housing & force this upon our community. Please VOTE NO on the rezoning! Edward (37920), April 6, 2022 at 7:01 PM
Nathan
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Nathan (37920), April 7, 2022 at 2:19 PM
The ordinances governing planned developments state (section 16.7) that they "should ONLY be applied to further those applications that provide compensating amenities and benefits to the City AND neighborhood." (emphases mine). The MOST important component of the neighborhood to consider is the surrounding neighborhood - those neighbors directly impacted by the proposed development. This proposal does NOT benefit the surrounding neighborhood and is therefore disqualified from the zoning exemptions requested under Planned Development. The current "Historic Giffin Square" proposal will NEGATIVELY impact both property values and quality of life for people in the surrounding neighborhood, for the following reasons:Nathan (37920), April 7, 2022 at 2:19 PM
1) the scale is too large,
2) it effectively eliminates the positives Giffin School brings to the neighborhood, and
3) the type of use is inappropriate for the location.
If preserving the historic school building is a +1 for the neighborhood, the combined effects of problems 1-3 above are at least a -10. That is, whatever good this development might bring to the neighborhood is vastly diminished by the negative impacts it will have. In the attached PDF I detail my reasoning for the above comments.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220407141912.pdf
Kendall
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Kendall (37920), April 7, 2022 at 2:26 PM
This will take so much away from a beautiful neighborhood. Repurposing the school I think would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. We don’t need more units beyond that in our little community. Kendall (37920), April 7, 2022 at 2:26 PM
John
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John (37920), April 7, 2022 at 3:22 PM
Im opposed to this rezoning,I don't want our neighbor changed into a busy traffic in the neighborhood,its always been a quiet area,I oppose this all together.John (37920), April 7, 2022 at 3:22 PM
Sarah
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Sarah (37920), April 7, 2022 at 3:30 PM
Hello. I have major concerns about this structure. A sad truth of subsidized housing is it often brings crime to the area. As a single woman this is concerning. The infrastructure in this area is unable to support more people, everything is is packed as it is. This location is not the best place for new subsidized housing, especially not as many units as the plan proposes.Sarah (37920), April 7, 2022 at 3:30 PM
Bob
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Bob (37920), April 7, 2022 at 6:46 PM
My request is for My City is to Not build this LOW RENT Living ln this Area .(1)is because of traffic .(2) is because of the clients that will becoming and @all hours of the .(3) Is that ,The South end has given more Than any other part of City.(4) If you Just look @ what has happened on Chapman Hwy. Just in the last 3 years Bob (37920), April 7, 2022 at 6:46 PM
People it’s TIME To VOTE, get some people out of Office!
Heather
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Heather (37920), April 7, 2022 at 7:54 PM
As a former Giffin student and long-time resident of South Knoxville, I support this project. With all due respect to neighbors' concerns, I don't think these problems are unsolvable. Please read my attached PDF for more detail. Thank you.Heather (37920), April 7, 2022 at 7:54 PM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220407195405.pdf
Brian
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Brian (37920), April 8, 2022 at 9:01 AM
I am here against the proposal to add a 99 unit complex to our small residential neighborhood of South Haven. Beech Street and the adjoining roads are no place for such traffic. Crime has been on the increase in our neighborhood and more then doubling the population would significantly add to the problem putting our neighbors in danger. I do not know exact numbers but in the last year alone there have been ridiculous numbers of apartments, subdivision, dwellings proposed and approved for the South Knoxville area when nothing is being done about Chapman Highway other then the obvious band-Aids here and there. As I am typing this Chapman and Young High pike are shut down to a possible fatal accident. This is an everyday occurrence and adding people by the 100’s -1000’s a year needs to stop until our families can travel safely to the grocery store. This proposal should need to scale down tremendously to be approved. Brian (37920), April 8, 2022 at 9:01 AM
Janie
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Janie (37920), April 8, 2022 at 9:49 AM
I am in opposition to this development of a 99 unit going into this neighborhood. Overcrowding this small neighborhood and traffic issues are of great concern to me.Janie (37920), April 8, 2022 at 9:49 AM
Gregory
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Gregory (37920), April 9, 2022 at 6:59 AM
We need workforce housing in this area, which is close to businesses and to downtown Knoxville. If you look over the traffic study, adding 946 vehicle trips per 24 hour period is next to nothing and will not change traffic on any local roads or on Chapman Highway. In the traffic study, even at peak morning and afternoon times, there are only 53 trips during the AM peak hour and 76 trips during the PM peak hour. Surely the area roads can handle that small increase in vehicle trips without causing any issues while giving South Knoxville 99 units of extra, much-needed housing and tax revenue for the city. The old school has been vacant and neglected for decades now and new housing would be a perfect fix to this historic building. There does need to be adequate parking for residents and guests, so there is no overflow parking on area streets. It also must be proven that construction will not cause water drainage issues in the surrounding homes and that there should also be as many trees saved and not cut down as possible. In order to make all this work, a retention pond may be needed and the project may have to be reduced in size and scope by maybe eliminating one of the proposed buildings. Also, if the developer is promising anything to the community, like a community center or anything for community use, then it MUST be required that the builder follow through and complete everything as promised.Gregory (37920), April 9, 2022 at 6:59 AM
Ben
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Ben (37920), April 9, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Please see attached for my comments.Ben (37920), April 9, 2022 at 1:05 PM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220409130543.pdf
Billie
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Billie (37920), April 11, 2022 at 2:59 AM
I have lived in this community for 48 years. I do not want to see housing projects go up in the old Giffin Elementary School. I live on the dead-end at the bottom of hill I do not want to have to drive thru the projects every time I come and go from my home. My main concern is my children and grandchildren I don't want them to have to pass thru to ride there bikes or catch a school bus. This is the most craziest thing I've heard I lived thru the change when they built the new bridge and re-done our community then. We definitely don't need these apartments in our community we have a very nice quiet community with alot of elderly people this will be a very very bad thing. I would rather see a community center, assistant living, something for the children not apartments that are gonna cause harm and I'm sure drug use in our community I Vote NO!!!! Don't take what little we have left and make it into projects. Things are just starting to look up around here and as a 48 year Home Owner our value of our properties have just started to rise with the new bike park and all the new Sevier Ave developments. I think this needs to be revised and thought about really hard and also when our property value starts to go down hill whom ever the ideal plan of this needs to buy us out at the top dollar I think the ones that live right there and will have to see these projects every time they leave inside there home we should have the say and the final vote.Billie (37920), April 11, 2022 at 2:59 AM
S D
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S D (37920), April 12, 2022 at 10:14 PM
I OPPOSE the rezoning of Giffin school property! Our neighborhood cannot absorb the impact of 100+ new families in this space. Low income housing brings many problems to any neighborhood. We have many low income housing units on this side of Chapman Hwy. We have Southmont, Stonewall, Young High Flats, Southside Flats and many voucher houses! We have enough! Senior housing sounds nice but the working family housing is the issue!! S D (37920), April 12, 2022 at 10:14 PM
Sus
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Sus (37920), June 7, 2022 at 10:55 PM
Life long South Knox resident. You are destroying our neighborhoods! KCDC, voucher programs, low income housing are destroying home owner values! No limits on occupancy in rental units! Eleven people lived in house on Lenland that burned yesterday! Rental houses with 10 all male residents! Gunshots fired at mcclung and s haven into Mary James park in the afternoon! 12 shots rang out! No arrests! S Haven is a speeders paradise! Help us! So Knox can’t take anymore low income housing!!!! We have too much already!!! Southmont on Moody, Bertie Rand St apts, Taliwa apts , Stonewall apts, Stonewall II, Young High flats, Southside flats, KCDC voucher housing on every street! We have more than our share of low income housing now!!! STOP PLEASE! Sus (37920), June 7, 2022 at 10:55 PM
john
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john (37920), June 14, 2022 at 10:54 AM
we don"t need any more apartment development in south knoxville. driving through streets is already bad enough now and you want to add more traffic. And to add 75 -100 units more (enough is enough)john (37920), June 14, 2022 at 10:54 AM
Eric
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Eric (37920), June 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM
A local realtor company, Realty Executives, is selling a lot of the surrounding land in the Neubert Springs area, which is heavily forested. They are doing so quite quickly according to them, "while the market is hot." Most of this land (outside of the pre-existing housing) is home to falcons, owls, foxes, deer, coyotes, turkeys. All sorts of amphibians and reptiles. This particular realtor said that the land and habitat was going to be bush hogged and sold for further destruction. I understand that this is private property but can anything be done to help with preservation? Eric (37920), June 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM
I don’t have the money to buy the land. But there is no need for this land to be destroyed, or renovated in any way. To my understanding, the same realtor company has already done this once further down the road to the protest of the residents. The reason this land is so beautiful is due to the forest. I do not want to see another habitat destroyed. I think we’ve done enough destruction. We have plenty of greenways and housing. We need to leave what little we have left for nature. Please consider too that it is our forests and rivers that make Knox and Knox County so beautiful.
Sylvia
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Sylvia (37920), June 27, 2022 at 1:41 PM
I think the negotiated plan with the South Haven Neighborhood Association seems to be the best solution to a blighted area and the need for Affordable Housing. Thank goodness we have active neighborhood associations in South Knoxville who are always on the alert.Sylvia (37920), June 27, 2022 at 1:41 PM
Ken and Dee
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Ken and Dee (37920), June 27, 2022 at 3:08 PM
We have lived in South Knoxville over 40 years. We are in favor of subsidized housing and also in favor of repurposing our old schools. I think other examples of this should put to rest some of the concerns expressed in other comments. We favor this proposal.Ken and Dee (37920), June 27, 2022 at 3:08 PM
William
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William (37920), July 1, 2022 at 10:52 AM
We already have section 8 housing in this neighborhood. This is not a new experience is for us. lt is unwanted and unneeded at this location. In order for people who would live there to catch a bus they would have to walk to the other section 8 housing development. There are plenty of other locations. Adorable housing should be in every neighborhood not all in one neighborhood. Not to mention the historical value of this property. No thank you.William (37920), July 1, 2022 at 10:52 AM
Rebecca
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Rebecca (37920), July 8, 2022 at 3:44 PM
This land is adjacent to our property in the Serenity River subdivision. They have been good neighbors in the time they have lived on the property. Many zoning changes have taken place on Gov. John Sevier Hwy which will impact traffic and the country settings. The changes involve many, many houses being added to the area. I do not see why there should be any objection to the change being requested by Chase and Robyn Antonini.Rebecca (37920), July 8, 2022 at 3:44 PM
Eric
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Eric (37920), July 11, 2022 at 10:51 AM
The Vestal Community Organization agrees with the Staff Recommendation denying the rezoning request. We maintain that the rezoning to I-H is not consistent with the surrounding development. We are a residential community with an Identity connected with the history and character of Vestal. The Candoro Marble building and surroundings help define Vestal. We wish to see the area preserved. The Vestal Community Organization has taken on projects to help us maintain our identity. We constructed an historical exhibit at the Mary Vestal Park Pavilion to recognize the Candoro Marble Building and the Vestal Lumber and Manufacturing Company along with the history of the area. Eric (37920), July 11, 2022 at 10:51 AM
In addition, we have serious environmental concerns due to the property located in a Flood Plain with Goose Creek running through the property. The Vestal Community Organization has invested in protecting Goose Creek along with creating Goose Creek to be enjoyed by the public. The Vestal Community Organization took on removing invasive vegetation along Goose Creek and created a riparian zone to allow for protection of Goose Creek and public enjoyment of the area.
We have concerns that the current property owner has not served or considered the best interests of the Vestal Community. We do not believe proper consideration will be provided to the Vestal Community should this rezoning request be granted.
Sarah
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Sarah (37920), July 11, 2022 at 2:59 PM
I want to speak strongly against the proposal to rezone the Candora Marble Warehouses to "heavy industrial". This property and the neighborhood of Vestal would be detrimentally impacted by this change. Not only would this lead to additional dumping and destruction of the historic marble warehouses, it also would move the neighborhood in the wrong direction even as there is increasing interest in historic preservation, new businesses, and desirable housing stock within close proximity of this property. As someone who lives in the neighborhood, I ask that this rezoning request be denied.Sarah (37920), July 11, 2022 at 2:59 PM
Julie
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Julie (37920), July 11, 2022 at 3:45 PM
I would like to express my support for the development of Historic Giffin Square. Similar affordable housing apartments and complexes made it possible for me to support myself through higher education (through Ph.D.) and the beginning of my career. Further, many older family and friends remained independent after retirement due to these types of complexes. I will be happy to see this same housing offered in the south Knox area.Julie (37920), July 11, 2022 at 3:45 PM
With respect to safety, I feel that the renovation of the old school property to an apartment/complex will greatly enhance the safety of the area. We often hear gun fire and other disturbing activity in the wooded area on that property, very close to our home . I believe much of this activity takes place due to their being no occupants currently. I feel the presence of tenants will bring more positive activity and lessen this issue.
As a natural resource manager, I am mostly concerned with sufficient stormwater mitigation and practices to protect Baker Creek. I hope to see some green infrastructure practices such as those at Suttree Landing Park (rain gardens, strips of permeable concrete, etc.) and a riparian buffer along Baker Creek.
Finally, I would like to express my excitement and support of the construction of a public sidewalk along McClung Street
Carolyn
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Carolyn (37920), July 12, 2022 at 2:11 PM
See attached pdfCarolyn (37920), July 12, 2022 at 2:11 PM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220712141125.pdf
Beth
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Beth (37920), July 13, 2022 at 11:39 AM
See attached FileBeth (37920), July 13, 2022 at 11:39 AM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220713113958.pdf
Brady
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Brady (37920), July 13, 2022 at 12:22 PM
I support this development because it will bring much needed affordable housing stock to South Knoxville. As a resident of the South Haven neighborhood, I want to see more affordable housing in my community that will allow folks to live here without breaking the bank. I have no concerns about increased crime or drug activity, and any arguments in that vein are simply misguided and wrong. We know that there is not enough housing stock to support people who want to live in Knoxville, and we also have a high homeless population. Projects like this can help alleviate some of the housing crisis we currently face. I appreciate the developers commitment to make this housing affordable for 30 years, and in fact would like to see an even longer time period if possible. 100 years or in perpetuity would be even better. I understand we rarely see agreements this long, but that's something that would benefit even more people. Finally, while this project will serve residents making between 60% and 80% of area median income, we need more housing that supports even lower-income individuals making 30% or less of AMI. I hope this development will serve as an example of affordable housing that can benefit the community, and spur more long-term affordable housing in Knoxville. Brady (37920), July 13, 2022 at 12:22 PM
Craig
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Craig (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:35 PM
I appreciate the detailed plan you have submitted for converting the historic Giffin school to a residence facility that would accommodate low income/working poor individuals. It's encouraging to see housing development that addresses the needs of that population. In my view, too little attention has been devoted by recent developers to create affordable living spaces for that population. Kind regards, Craig Wrisberg 2125 Spence Place Knoxville, TN 37920Craig (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:35 PM
Nathan
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Nathan (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:53 PM
The current/modified Historic Giffin Square proposal is a vast improvement over the original development plan. As a direct neighbor of this property, I would still prefer a different use for it, but most of my strongest concerns have been lessened by (1) the reduced scale of the project and (2) protection of the mature hardwood forest. I commend the owners/developers for altering their proposal in response to neighborhood input.Nathan (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:53 PM
I would ask the developers to request an exemption regarding the upper limit of permitted parking spaces. Although the proposal already greatly exceeds the minimum number required by zoning regulations, a miscalculation in the actual number needed will negatively impact the community. The street parking on the surrounding narrow streets is extremely limited and hazard-inducing. If cars are parked on either side of these roads, there is room for only one lane of traffic. Perhaps the proposal could have a designated area for putting in additional parking in the future, should it be necessary. Remember that the development includes a community meeting space, and extra parking will be required whenever that space is in use.
As an aside, the projected number of 7 new elementary school students seems far too low. This development creates 36 new two or three bedroom units. If only half of those have families with 2 elementary students, that’s an influx of 36 kids.
Linda
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Linda (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:58 PM
I am commenting as a resident of the South Haven Neighborhood. Linda (37920), July 13, 2022 at 2:58 PM
I support the proposed development for affordable housing. The South Haven Neighborhood is a Low/Moderate Income area and needs additional, quality affordable housing. I would like to see more opportunity for connections to the surrounding amenities in the neighborhood like a walking trail/ Greenway. I think there may be too much on-site parking.
I appreciate the developer being so responsive to neighbors' concerns.