August 8, 2024
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

26 Comments

X Date X ZIP Code

Applicant

8-E-24-RZ
Applicant Correspondence
August 6, 2024 at 9:29 AM

Please see the attached PDF copy of an email sent to Jessie Hillman, Amy Brooks, Lindsay Crockett, and Samiul Haque on Monday, 5 August 2024.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240806092939.pdf

applicant

August 6, 2024
at 9:29 AM

Christina
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Christina (37921), August 6, 2024 at 1:22 PM

I live about two blocks away from this property. My personal opinion, having spent a decent bit of time studying Sanborn maps for the downtown area neighborhoods, is that the rezoning is consistent with local historic development patterns. Historic neighborhoods are dense neighborhoods.

August 6, 2024
at 1:22 PM

Christina
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Christina (37921), August 6, 2024 at 1:24 PM

I live about two blocks away from this property. My personal opinion, having spent a decent bit of time studying Sanborn maps for the downtown area neighborhoods, is that the rezoning is consistent with local historic development patterns. Historic neighborhoods are dense neighborhoods.

August 6, 2024
at 1:24 PM

Barbara
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Barbara (37921), August 6, 2024 at 4:02 PM

I fully support Mr.Marlow's position. We (Knoxville) are experiencing a tremendous growth spurt at this time and housing is so scarce. This would be a real help to alleviate this shortage. People have finally begun see the incredible benefits our beautiful city has to offer. Let's grow Knoxville.

August 6, 2024
at 4:02 PM

Barbara
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Barbara (37921), August 6, 2024 at 4:16 PM

Mr. Marlow's proposal is an excellent solution for Knoxville's currently extreme housing crisis. It would be a perfect use for the land available. The location is ideal for downtown workers and professionals. It is also ideal for students at the University. I believe it is only a twenty minute walk perfect for anyone. Cleaning up these units and restoring the neighborhood is a win for everyone.

August 6, 2024
at 4:16 PM

Tammy
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Tammy (37921), August 6, 2024 at 6:38 PM

I own a property in the Mechanicsville neighborhood. I used to own another property on Deaderick Ave, just a few blocks from the property in this case. We had a ADU on our property on Deaderick Ave and so did our neighbor. I don't understand why his request is facing so much push back when there are precedent just a few blocks away. Reading Mr. Marlow email, it seems like he is trying to do the right thing. His proposal fill the gap for the missing middle. It also make sense for multigeneration household, something that is much more common then before. I would urge you to approve his request.

August 6, 2024
at 6:38 PM

Tammy
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Tammy (37921), August 6, 2024 at 6:39 PM

I own a property in the Mechanicsville neighborhood. I used to own another property on Deaderick Ave, just a few blocks from the property in this case. We had a ADU on our property on Deaderick Ave and so did our neighbor. I don't understand why his request is facing so much push back when there are precedent just a few blocks away. Reading Mr. Marlow email, it seems like he is trying to do the right thing. His proposal fill the gap for the missing middle. It also make sense for multigeneration household, something that is much more common then before. I would urge you to approve his request.

August 6, 2024
at 6:39 PM

Bradley
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Bradley (37921), August 6, 2024 at 8:50 PM

Our neighborhood board of directors voted to oppose the rezoning request at 1214 &1224 Callaway Street from RN-2 to RN-4. Please deny this request. Our reasons are as follows:

1. They do not meet the minimum lot area.

2. They do not meet the minimum lot width.

3. RN-2 already allows for higher intensity development with Middle Housing Types by right (Duplex for this lot).

4. RN-4 would be too intense for these small lots as it could hypothetically (with some variances) allow for an additional principal use or a more intense Middle Housing Type. The applicant has informed us that he intends to try to build two duplexes on each lot, one via conversion, and another in the rear of each lot.

5. The subject properties, while in a National Historic District that our organization shares, are not in a historic or design overlay. The applicant has shown designs that do not retain original materials, windows or unique characteristics that make these structures currently historically contributing. A renovation is unlikely to "save" the historic character except the building footprint.

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240806205020.pdf

August 6, 2024
at 8:50 PM

Bradley
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Bradley (37921), August 6, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Our neighborhood board of directors voted to oppose the rezoning request at 1214 &1224 Callaway Street from RN-2 to RN-4. Please deny this request. Our reasons are as follows:

1. They do not meet the minimum lot area.

2. They do not meet the minimum lot width.

3. RN-2 already allows for higher intensity development with Middle Housing Types by right (Duplex for this lot).

4. RN-4 would be too intense for these small lots as it could hypothetically (with some variances) allow for an additional principal use or a more intense Middle Housing Type. The applicant has informed us that he intends to try to build two duplexes on each lot, one via conversion, and another in the rear of each lot.

5. The subject properties, while in a National Historic District that our organization shares, are not in a historic or design overlay. The applicant has shown designs that do not retain original materials, windows or unique characteristics that make these structures currently historically contributing. A renovation is unlikely to "save" the historic character except the building footprint.

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240806205141.pdf

August 6, 2024
at 8:51 PM

Nancy
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Nancy (37921), August 7, 2024 at 8:53 AM

I'm a homeowner and resident of Mechanicsville less than a block away. I am a supporter of Mr Marlow's redevelopment of my neighborhood. He has a history of saving and improving the old houses and making our neighborhood better. Please approve his request.

August 7, 2024
at 8:53 AM

Sasha
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Sasha (37921), August 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM

I live about a block away from this property. For years this property and those nearby have been rundown and abandoned. Mr Marlow has worked very hard throughout Mechanicsville restoring many old houses and building new ones on empty lots. These properties have been challenging for him because they are historically protected yet in terrible shape. In efforts to please those that want to preserve the old houses he's found away to make it work but he needs to be able to build a tiny duplex in the backyard next to the alley. I had no idea something as simple as that would require as much paperwork and approvals as the city is making him do. This doesn't seem difficult to those of us who live here--save the historic house, save the mature tree, build a garage apartment to increase housing stock. That's a lot of winning. I urge you to approve this proposal. It's something the neighborhood supports and very much wants.

August 7, 2024
at 9:00 AM

Justin
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Justin (37921), August 7, 2024 at 9:16 AM

I'm a homeowner and resident of Mechanicsville less than a block away. I am a supporter of Mr Marlow's redevelopment the area. No one has worked as hard nor as long to preserve, improve, and cleanup Mechanicsville. Please approve his request.

August 7, 2024
at 9:16 AM

Justin
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Justin (37921), August 7, 2024 at 9:17 AM

I'm a homeowner and resident of Mechanicsville less than a block away. I am a supporter of Mr Marlow's redevelopment the area. No one has worked as hard nor as long to preserve, improve, and cleanup Mechanicsville. Please approve his request.

August 7, 2024
at 9:17 AM

Baylee M.
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Baylee M. (37921), August 7, 2024 at 9:46 AM

I am a resident of Mechanicsville not of OMNI and I live about a block away from this project. This project is not within ONNI's territory so I am shocked to learn that organization has taken a position. I live near to this project and I fully support this proposal. Saving the historic house and allowing a garage apartment style duplex at the alley is entirely appropriate for this neighborhood . In fact many of the houses within OMNI have garages and even garage apartments behind them. I urge you to support this proposal.

August 7, 2024
at 9:46 AM

Scott
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Scott (37921), August 7, 2024 at 10:05 AM

As a resident of Mechanicsville who has also restored a few homes in this neighborhood (and nearby neighborhoods), I urge you to support this request. The fact that Bentley Marlow must continue to jump through all these hoops just to build a garage-like apartment on his property is an indictment of our recently enacted Missing Middle Housing plan... and our City's halfhearted commitment to solving the housing crisis. The entire goal of that plan is to increase density AND save old houses. His proposal does both, yet the city is against it? These roadblocks are not giving the rest of us (who are unable to put forth the time, money, research and commitment like Bentley) much hope to participate and consider to also make plans to better suit current and future residents.

August 7, 2024
at 10:05 AM

Andrea
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Andrea (37921), August 7, 2024 at 11:03 AM

I have resided and worked in Mechanicsville for a few years. I have watched the neighborhood transform from dilapidated, uninhabitable houses on every street to a respectable neighborhood where residents feel comfortable walking their dogs and letting their children play outside. A more than significant part of this transformation is thanks to Bentley Marlow. persistent housing crisis, that has kept Knoxville housing scarce and expensive, can be eliminated if builders were allowed to build according to reasonable, responsible codes and necessary provisions to accomplish housing goals be granted in a timely manner. I believe it is in the best interest of Mechanicsville to approve his request to preserve this historic house, protect the mature tree, beautify a long neglected block, increase housing stock, generate more tax revenue, and continue to make our neighborhood more desirable.

August 7, 2024
at 11:03 AM

Andrea
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Andrea (37921), August 7, 2024 at 11:05 AM

I have resided and worked in Mechanicsville for a few years. I have watched the neighborhood transform from dilapidated, uninhabitable houses on every street to a respectable neighborhood where residents feel comfortable walking their dogs and letting their children play outside. A more than significant part of this transformation is thanks to Bentley Marlow. This persistent housing crisis, that has kept Knoxville housing scarce and expensive, can be eliminated if builders were allowed to build according to reasonable, responsible codes and necessary provisions to accomplish housing goals be granted in a timely manner. I believe it is in the best interest of Mechanicsville to approve his request to preserve this historic house, protect the mature tree, beautify a long neglected block, increase housing stock, generate more tax revenue, and continue to make our neighborhood more desirable.

August 7, 2024
at 11:05 AM

Dustin
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Dustin (37921), August 7, 2024 at 12:10 PM

I am the past president of OMNI and I believe this proposal is good for the neighborhood. I am baffled that OMNI has taken a stance on this property as it's not within the territory of our group. Moreover, within our territory there are numerous examples of alley facing garages, many with dwelling units within them. Even more shocking is that this proposal would be allowed under our historic zoning guidelines as the structure would be behind the original house and not in view from the street. This is another example of a Carriage house style structure that historically was a feature in many historic homes. Moreover, this proposal saves this historic home--a home that is in terrible condition and will cost a lot to save. In the alternative the historic house will be torn down and by right the developer can build a 2 and a half story quadplex on this lot under the new missing middle housing rules. The developer has the right to 4 units--he's not asking for density beyond what he's already permitted. Ironically he's asking for permission to save a 120 year old house and the very same staff that urged him to save the house is now against his efforts to do so. Please save this historic house by approving the zoning request.

August 7, 2024
at 12:10 PM

Dustin
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Dustin (37921), August 7, 2024 at 12:15 PM

I am the past president of OMNI and I believe this proposal is good for the neighborhood. I am baffled that OMNI has taken a stance on this property as it's not within the territory of our group. Moreover, within our territory there are numerous examples of alley facing garages, many with dwelling units within them. Even more shocking is that this proposal would be allowed under our historic zoning guidelines as the structure would be behind the original house and not in view from the street. Carriage houses were historically correct, and their are many examples of these. Moreover, this proposal saves this historic home--a home that is in terrible condition and will cost a lot to save. In the alternative the historic house will be torn down and by right the developer can build a 2 and a half story quadplex on this lot under the new missing middle housing rules. The developer has the right to 4 units--he's not asking for density beyond what he's already permitted. Ironically he's asking for permission to save a 120 year old house and the very same staff that urged him to save the house is now against his efforts to do so. Please save this historic house by approving the zoning request.

August 7, 2024
at 12:15 PM

RaeAnn
37921

8-E-24-RZ
RaeAnn (37921), August 7, 2024 at 12:17 PM

As a resident of Mechanicsville, less than a block away from this site, I urge you to approve this request. Mr Marlow's plan is to save a historic home and to build a garage apartment behind it at the rear of the house. This is the best of both worlds historic preservation and increased affordable housing options. This is exactly the kind of options the recently enacted Missing Middle Housing program was designed to do.

August 7, 2024
at 12:17 PM

Angela
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Angela (37921), August 7, 2024 at 2:51 PM

I am a home owner and live on Callaway Street in Mechanicsville. Bentley Marlow has been doing a lot to try and improve this neighborhood. The rezoning would allow him to provide more affordable housing while still keeping the neighborhood historic.

August 7, 2024
at 2:51 PM

Applicant

8-E-24-RZ
Applicant Correspondence
August 7, 2024 at 3:06 PM

See the Staff Report from the rezoning last year of the property next door. Everything stated therein is 100% applicable to this property. "There is an increased need for medium density housing. This proposal will provide an opportunity to meet this need." "The proposed amendment is not expected to adversely impact the surrounding area because the adjacent area consists of a mix of residential uses consistent with those allowed in the RN-4 district" "The proposed RN-4 zoning is consistent with the TDR (Traditional Residential Neighborhood) land use classification of the Central City Sector Plan and The City of Knoxville One Year Plan, which allows a mix of detached and attached houses on smaller lots."

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240807150600.pdf

applicant

August 7, 2024
at 3:06 PM

Franco
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Franco (37921), August 7, 2024 at 3:07 PM

I support the zoning as it will allow the preservation of a historic home while increasing density with a garage apartment at the alley that is appropriate for the area.

August 7, 2024
at 3:07 PM

Applicant

8-F-24-RZ
Applicant Correspondence
August 7, 2024 at 3:08 PM

Please see the attached Staff Report from the rezoning of the lot next door last year. Everything stated there applies to these two lots. "There is an increased need for medium density housing. This proposal will provide an opportunity to meet this need." "The proposed amendment is not expected to adversely impact the surrounding area because the adjacent area consists of a mix of residential uses consistent with those allowed in the RN-4 district." "The proposed RN-4 zoning is consistent with the TDR (Traditional Residential Neighborhood) land use classification of the Central City Sector Plan and The City of Knoxville One Year Plan, which allows a mix of detached and attached houses on smaller lots."
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240807150811.pdf

applicant

August 7, 2024
at 3:08 PM

Jean
37921

8-F-24-RZ
Jean (37921), August 7, 2024 at 9:36 PM

I am a homeowner adjacent to 1214 Callaway Street. My home at 1212 Callaway Street and 1214 Callaway are on the historic register. Bentley Marlow has agreed to maintain the historic status of 1214 Callaway according to the required specifications of the Planning Commission. He has also requested RN-2 zoning be changed to RN-4 to accommodate a standard tiny house along with a garage. These 2 additional structures will serve as a property upgrade and further advance the appearance of the community. Mr. Bentley has already proven his skills in property care and redevelopment. This challenge will align with what he has already done. His zoning request should be a positive consideration for the Planning Commission.

August 7, 2024
at 9:36 PM

Annette
37921

8-E-24-RZ
Annette (37921), August 8, 2024 at 10:13 AM

I have lived in my house for 24 years. I really appreciate the improvements of the dilapidated houses Bentley refurbishes. It makes the neighborhood look much nicer, and gives opportunities to more people to live in this community. I think it is a great idea to rezone the neighborhood so Bentley can continue on his mission of rebuilding Mechanicsville, one house at a time.

August 8, 2024
at 10:13 AM