May 14, 2026
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

167 Comments for

4-A-26-OB
Linda (37920), May 13, 2026 at 8:21 AM

Hello Planning Commissioners,
I appreciate the work that the developer of the Kerbela site (South Waterfront) has done to involve the community in their plans. However, more work needs to be done to make it better. This site is too visible and too important to not get this right. I respectfully ask you to please postpone tomorrow's decision to give the developer and the community more time to work together.
Thank you,
Linda R.[redacted]

May 13, 2026
at 8:21 AM

4-A-26-OB

Amy
37920

4-A-26-OB
Amy (37920), May 13, 2026 at 7:22 AM

This project might seem to solve one problem (lack of available housing) but creates more problems. 1) Increasing traffic in an already congested area, 2) Inaccessibility for pedestrians to and by the surrounding community, 3) Lack of equitable access for persons with disabilities (which is especially important in a 55+ community), and 4) Disrespect for the community that thoughtfully planned for the future of South Knoxville. Surely there is another viable plan that doesn't create more issues.

May 13, 2026
at 7:22 AM

4-A-26-OB

Brianna
37920

4-A-26-OB
Brianna (37920), May 13, 2026 at 6:57 AM

We do NOT need any more development, apartments, etc. You all are crowding us who were born and raised in South Knox. I can barely get to work now without sitting in traffic or waiting on construction. All the development is actually ruining nature.

May 13, 2026
at 6:57 AM

4-A-26-OB

Nathan
37920

4-A-26-OB
Nathan (37920), May 12, 2026 at 11:17 PM

I am a life long South Knoxville resident and have watched our little corner of the scruffy city grow immensely the last 10 years. Responsible growth is a net positive for our city. However, I do not believe a 55+ apartment building fits the spirit of The South Waterfront long term goals.
Here is what I would like to see change in the plan:
1. Remove the age requirement. We need a diverse citizenry with young adults, families, and seniors. Age restrictions are a form of reverse discrimination and I do not think we should perpetuate the practice.
2. Require a public accessible overlook area to preserve the amazing view of downtown and the river for all to enjoy.
3. Require residents to use the Kay st access point and do not connect the parking lot to Mimosa or Sevier Ave. We need to continue building pedestrian friendly zones on Sevier Ave. and routing more cars that direction will go against this goal.
4. Limit surface parking. Require a garage or structure to avoid large paved areas that will trap heat.
5. Trees. Plant as many native trees as possible under the guidance of a qualified arborist.
Some of these items are addressed in the plan, but I want to reiterate their importance.
Lastly, in general, this development will be seen by Everyone looking across the river into South Knoxville. Please treat our home with as much care as we do and make it something we are proud of.

May 12, 2026
at 11:17 PM

5-R-26-RZ

Joel and Lisa
37922

5-R-26-RZ
Joel and Lisa (37922), May 12, 2026 at 9:30 PM

We are writing to express our serious concern. We have lived on our property 40 years. Since that time we have watched as development has occurred all around us.
In previous years traffic on Triplett Lane was acceptable. Over the past few years it has increased significantly, causing congestion at the intersection with Kingston Pk, making entry/exit hazardous
First, we experienced the addition of homes added to adjoining property that was subdivided and built on, totally crowding up what was an open space. Most recently we have seen the addition of a 25 unit neighborhood situated on 7 acres built across from our property. While it's a nice development, the added traffic is very noticeable to all of us on this street.
We already deal with persons from up Triplett or coming in off Kingston Pike speeding up and down our little lane like it's an open highway.
The exponential increase in traffic this proposed development would bring causes us great alarm at best and puts all of us in danger at worst. Triplett Lane simply cannot handle any additional load.
In addition, this type of development strays far from the original intent of development for this area, which was to provide open areas of living with sizeable properties. This has already been diminished greatly, and with this proposed rezoning, would be lost completely.
We respectfully submit that our family does not support the application for rezoning, using Triplett Lane as an entry point.

May 12, 2026
at 9:30 PM

4-A-26-OB

Nancy S
37920

4-A-26-OB
Nancy S (37920), May 12, 2026 at 9:01 PM

The Board of Governors of the Island Home Park Neighborhood Association requests that the proposal be postponed to give the developer time to work with the City and the community to make sure the project meets the South Waterfront form based codes as well as the spirit of the Vision Plan. A traffic study is needed, also.

May 12, 2026
at 9:01 PM

4-A-26-OB

Cobren
37920

4-A-26-OB
Cobren (37920), May 12, 2026 at 8:52 PM

Hey folks,
Generally, I like development.
I don't want the design to be haphazard.
I think there have been some really important aspects that have not been considered. Especially pertaining to the south water front plans.
Please postpone the meeting so that there is sufficient time to review all the plans.
We can come up with something special, but we need to proceed with care.
Thank you, Cobren

May 12, 2026
at 8:52 PM

5-I-26-RZ

Amanda
37849

5-I-26-RZ
Amanda (37849), May 12, 2026 at 7:08 PM

We have enough bad traffic and congestion with the interstate work. Bringing another shopping center to such a small area will only cause more issues for the people living off Heiskell.

May 12, 2026
at 7:08 PM

5-I-26-RZ

Shannon
37849

5-I-26-RZ
Shannon (37849), May 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM

As a community member, I would not support this re-zoning. Powell has expanded so much in the past few years. Traffic is already an issue with the new housing developments. There are so many buildings in downtown Powell, Clinton Highway in the Powell area and north Emory Road that are vacant. These spaces have been vacant for a long time. It seems ridiculous to continue to leave these vacant buildings vacant while continuing to add new buildings and tear up land. The vacant spaces should be rebuilt/renovated before we continue to re-zone vacant land. I only forsee a time when the community size can't support the businesses it already has and more spaces end up being vacant because businesses can't make enough money.
Living off of Heiskell road, trying to get onto Emory and/or cross onto Central is already congested. Adding another shopping center would only make this worse. Additionally, the community is already building another space beside the library on Powell. Again this will only congest Emory Road worse than it already is. The Schools are already having re-zoning issues as it cant support the number of people in the area. These additional buildings would only compound this problem. Again I implore those with power to look at ways to use spaces already zoned commercial that are not being utilized before re-zoning.

May 12, 2026
at 5:30 PM

4-A-26-OB

Jeff
37920

4-A-26-OB
Jeff (37920), May 12, 2026 at 4:11 PM

I appreciate that the developers are open to adjustments, but we need to go further with this. I like how Gay and Kerns can be connected, but the building itself if so pitifully designed for Knoxville and its position on our city skyline. Break this building up, put a park overlooking the river, or make a tower to give height difference. Anything other than a 5 story mega block stretching the width of that hill. Knoxville has enough of those! Bring us something better that the city can be proud of at this downtown summit. And please be more intentional with the JFG sign if you are planning to utilize it.

May 12, 2026
at 4:11 PM

4-A-26-OB

Stephen
37920

4-A-26-OB
Stephen (37920), May 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM

Attached are comments from City Church, a direct neighbor of the Kerbela development.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260512160324.pdf

May 12, 2026
at 4:03 PM

5-I-26-RZ

Janie
37849

5-I-26-RZ
Janie (37849), May 12, 2026 at 3:57 PM

Vote No to rezoning. See attached.

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260512155730.pdf

May 12, 2026
at 3:57 PM

4-A-26-OB

Marisa
37920

4-A-26-OB
Marisa (37920), May 12, 2026 at 3:34 PM

This new development will add a lot of value to South Knoxville, the waterfront, and the community overall. It seems the developer has even taken the community into consideration throughout this process such as bringing back the iconic JFG sign and providing walkways for easy access to other South Knox developments. I support the proposed development at 315 Kerbela Avenue and believe it would be a great addition to South Knox.

May 12, 2026
at 3:34 PM

4-A-26-OB

Joshua
37920

4-A-26-OB
Joshua (37920), May 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM

Hello, my name is Joshua H. I am a property owner and local developer who has built and owns a number of homes and developments in South Knoxville.
I am in favor of this development. We need to continue supporting new housing opportunities and local businesses along Sevier Avenue.
Adding a senior community will further cultivate the diverse age diversity and sense of community that makes South Knoxville such a special place.
Thank you.

May 12, 2026
at 3:23 PM

4-A-26-OB

Amy
37923

4-A-26-OB
Amy (37923), May 12, 2026 at 3:05 PM

I was so excited to learn about the development of a 55+ community in downtown Knoxville. I respectfully request that the planning commission support this development.
This would allow my senior father the opportunity to downsize while remaining in the vibrant area he loves. He is a retired UT professor, and has invested and lived in downtown Knoxville for 40+ years. There are many like him who have invested in and live in the 4th and Gill and Park Ridge areas, and need to transition.
Regarding comments about increased traffic----this isn't student or young adult housing. Seniors are much less likely to drive. Professionally managed communities typically provide transportation via shuttles / small buses.

May 12, 2026
at 3:05 PM

4-A-26-OB

Cohl
37920

4-A-26-OB
Cohl (37920), May 12, 2026 at 2:55 PM

I am in full support of this development. For decades the property itself has provided little benefits to the general public and generated little revenue for the city, but that is about to change. This developer has clearly taken the South Knox community, and Knoxville as a whole, into consideration when designing these plans. The developer redesigned their project after 3 public meetings with the community (how many other developers in Knoxville have done that?). They have agreed to bring back the JFG sign, work with the city to provide walk ways leading to Kerns bakery (Kern's bakery owner has publicly states he is in full support of this development) and reduce the scale and size of the buildings after hearing public feedback. The site has serious topo and rock challenges that limit what a developer can do with the property which is why variances are needed. The shriner organization could have sold to a student housing developer or any other typical apartment developer but instead chose this buyer because they are building housing for seniors. The city has spent serious tax dollars on the bridge and sevier avenue street scape project. This project can help generate the revenue needed to pay that back.

May 12, 2026
at 2:55 PM

4-A-26-OB

Kevin
37920

4-A-26-OB
Kevin (37920), May 12, 2026 at 2:49 PM

I would like to share my support for the upcoming project at 315 Kerbela Avenue. I have called South Knoxville my home since 1981 when I started the 4th grade at Giffin Elementary School. I went to Giffin Elementary for 4th & 5th grade and then later on Graduated at South Young High School in 1989 while living on Earl Avenue.
I left for the United States Navy in 1989 and at that time South Knoxville was on the decline. Walking or riding a bike along Sevier Avenue was very dangerous , homes were not being maintained, and the area that I loved and called home had a very bad stigma. I would always here conversations of "stay out of South Knoxville".
Seeing the growth over the past 10 years and being able to be a part of the revitalization has brought me much joy and now seeing that South Knoxville is one of most desirable areas in Knoxville is amazing. I love going to Sevier Avenue to enjoy food & entertainment and I know that this new development will add so much value to South Knoxville, the waterfront, and the community overall.

May 12, 2026
at 2:49 PM

4-A-26-OB

Maggie
37920

4-A-26-OB
Maggie (37920), May 12, 2026 at 2:14 PM

I do not support the redevelopment in this proposed capacity and urge you to consider the viewscape. This architectural plan will not flow with the current vision for sevier ave and extends the already overly generic multistory development of the area to the west through chapman highway. Please consider requesting multi-use and multi-height development plans rather than two big tall blocks on this prominent Knoxville skyline location.

May 12, 2026
at 2:14 PM

4-A-26-OB

Aaron
37917

4-A-26-OB
Aaron (37917), May 12, 2026 at 1:43 PM

See attached.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260512134309.pdf

May 12, 2026
at 1:43 PM

4-A-26-OB

Kat
37920

4-A-26-OB
Kat (37920), May 12, 2026 at 1:39 PM

I have sweet memories of sitting in the Shriners parking lot in the early morning of summer with my friends to watch the sunrise.
I love South knoxville. I think it's great that our community is expanding and so is the infrastructure to accommodate the community.
I love to see more spaces where all kinds of people from different walks of life can walk and bike around and enjoy nature and local businesses. This is the type of community and growth is something I want to be a part of.
This building plan seems squirrelly when it comes to working around city ordinances and has missed the mark of checking in with and hearing the voices of actual community ideas and opinions that will create the type of future we hope for in south knox.
Please don't sequester off this beautiful lot and turn it into something that keeps its residents separate. Please create a space where we can get to know residents and frequent local establishments and enjoy the view together.

May 12, 2026
at 1:39 PM

4-A-26-OB

Ann
37920

4-A-26-OB
Ann (37920), May 12, 2026 at 1:13 PM

I request that this proposal be delayed for additional input from the community and revised plans from the developer. I appreciate the South Waterfront zoning and vision and this proposal does not meet those requirements. And we should have learned from several ugly buildings on the south side of the river that variances are bad.
This hilltop is an important part of downtown Knoxville and the booming South Knoxville waterfront area. I would like to see something that reflects the uniqueness and artfulness of the Knoxville community rather than another huge apartment building. Surely there can be a plan that includes a welcoming feel to the public rather than a private secluded area. Other cities have such prominent hills be an asset for all citizens. Please work with the developers to be more creative. Thank you.

May 12, 2026
at 1:13 PM

4-A-26-OB

Mary Beth
37920

4-A-26-OB
Mary Beth (37920), May 12, 2026 at 1:01 PM

This is one of the most important sites in Knoxville and absolutely no variances should be allowed. The code is in place for a reason and this site, above all others, should be held in 100% compliance.

May 12, 2026
at 1:01 PM

4-A-26-OB

Colton
37920

4-A-26-OB
Colton (37920), May 12, 2026 at 11:38 AM

I have concerns about the project's potential impact on parking availability and traffic flow in the surrounding neighborhood. With over 200 residential units and approximately 228-235 parking spaces proposed , I am concerned that the on-site capacity will not adequately meet demand, which could lead to overflow parking on nearby streets. Additionally, the increased vehicle traffic may place added strain on already constrained roadways and affect the safety and character of the neighborhood.

May 12, 2026
at 11:38 AM

4-A-26-OB

Nancy S
37920

4-A-26-OB
Nancy S (37920), May 12, 2026 at 11:07 AM

It is very important that this project comply with the South Waterfront codes. Since there are deficiencies in the proposal, this project should be postponed for the developer to work with the City and community groups to create a compliant project for such a prominent place.
I oppose including the use of the historic 'ghost steps' in any way. The steps should be preserved as an important beloved relic as they are. The property owner could/should apply for inclusion of the "steps to nowhere" on the National Registry of Historic Places. That would be a win/win because the property owner/developer would not have to include non-code compliant steps in the project while mollifying the citizens who demand that they be included.
Please postpone this.

May 12, 2026
at 11:07 AM

4-A-26-OB

Melanie
37918

4-A-26-OB
Melanie (37918), May 12, 2026 at 11:05 AM

I am writing in support of residential development at 315 Kerbela Ave, while raising specific concerns about the adequacy of the parking and traffic flow provisions in the current proposal.
The plan proposes 228-235 parking spaces for 217-223 residential units, approximately one space per unit. This ratio does not appear to account for visitor parking or real-world usage patterns, and the plan does not include a traffic or parking demand study to support these numbers. The shortfall in on-site parking will likely push resident and visitor vehicles onto the surrounding neighborhood streets.
This is a particular concern for Dawson St., where City Church Knoxville operates a parking lot that serves families with young children on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. The entrance to that lot is on Dawson St., and increased cut-through traffic or competition for street parking in this area would directly affect safe access for families dropping off and picking up children.
The transportation diagram also does not clearly address how traffic will flow to and from the site during peak hours, nor how delivery vehicles, moving trucks, and emergency access will be managed given the grade changes and limited street widths in this corridor.
We would ask that the planning commission require a traffic impact study and parking demand analysis as conditions of approval, with particular attention to the impact on Dawson St. and adjacent residential streets.

May 12, 2026
at 11:05 AM

4-A-26-OB

Davis
37919

4-A-26-OB
Davis (37919), May 12, 2026 at 8:56 AM

I support this project. i think it will be great for Knoxville at large & South Knoxville specifically.

May 12, 2026
at 8:56 AM

4-A-26-OB

Martha
37920

4-A-26-OB
Martha (37920), May 12, 2026 at 8:07 AM

From a design standpoint this could be improved by taking the west wing of the building (motel 6 design), moving it to the west and make it a tower which is allowed in the SW-6 zone. This would allow for a public plaza aligned with the Gay street bridge. The building could include a community room that can be open to the public on occasion like the Kerbela is now.
I like that this is geared to seniors but some seniors might prefer to live in a tower. It alleviates the monotony of the plan as presented. Most importantly it allows for a plaza with a sweeping vista of downtown that could be a showpiece for the city.

May 12, 2026
at 8:07 AM

4-A-26-OB

Alan
37920

4-A-26-OB
Alan (37920), May 11, 2026 at 9:35 PM

Please don't ignore or amend the rules set forth by planners for the South Waterfront. Allowance of a gated development with ignored setbacks is especially distasteful'

May 11, 2026
at 9:35 PM

5-R-26-RZ

Karen
37922

5-R-26-RZ
Karen (37922), May 11, 2026 at 8:12 PM

I am a resident of the Woods at West Valley subdivision located off of George Williams Road. I am submitting this in opposition to the development being planned off George Williams rd. This area is already saturated and the roads cannot handle more traffic. It is becoming a safety issue with the amount of vehicles on George Williams and Fox roads.

May 11, 2026
at 8:12 PM

4-A-26-OB

Josh
37917

4-A-26-OB
Josh (37917), May 11, 2026 at 7:49 PM

I am not a resident of south Knoxville currently, and haven't been in about 15 years. I have lived in Knoxville since 2005, and have seen quite a bit of change in this city. Much of this change has been good, but much has not. A trend in the past several years has been to allow developments like this, and I do not believe this has been positive. I have been relatively pleased by the sprucing up Sevier Ave has received, and I believe this development would NOT be a positive addition, in fact quite the opposite. As such, I hope that this variance is not approved and that this project is not approved.

May 11, 2026
at 7:49 PM

5-R-26-RZ

Mark
37922

5-R-26-RZ
Mark (37922), May 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM

My comments are attached. It includes commentary of both the Staff Recommendation and the new Applicant Correspondence submitted today.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260511194704.pdf

May 11, 2026
at 7:47 PM

5-R-26-RZ

Deborah
37922

5-R-26-RZ
Deborah (37922), May 11, 2026 at 7:11 PM

I am unable to attend this meeting but feel strongly that this application be denied. George Williams has already taken on much more traffic in recent years and this development would be very dangerous. George Williams road is narrow and hilly making it unable to take on a development of this size. There is very heavy traffic during school hours as it carries traffic to West Valley Middle school. I live right next to the proposed site and it is very difficult to make a left during school morning hours as well as when school lets out. Environmentally, the loss of the vegetation is concerning. All the new developments in the nearby area has made the traffic on the Pellissippi Parkway audible from my home. Removing all of the trees on this beautiful property would only make this worse.
Thank you so much for considering my concerns!

May 11, 2026
at 7:11 PM

5-J-26-RZ

Applicant

5-J-26-RZ
Applicant Correspondence
May 11, 2026 at 3:42 PM

Attached please find correspondence regarding 5-J-26-RZ.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260511154226.pdf

applicant

May 11, 2026
at 3:42 PM

4-A-26-OB

Lindsey
37920

4-A-26-OB
Lindsey (37920), May 11, 2026 at 3:31 PM

The South Waterfront Vision Plan was created through extensive public engagement, and projects on major gateway sites like this should uphold that vision.
This development is too large and exceeds the intended block size. Its setbacks and gated design isolate it from the surrounding community, conflicting with the connectivity and accessibility goals of the Vision Plan and form-based code. The project also lacks pedestrian engagement. There is no ground-floor retail, and large blank walls and parking garage frontage create an inactive and potentially unsafe pedestrian environment at night.
Additionally, there has been no traffic study presented for a project of this scale, and there appears to be little meaningful public access to the property. I urge the Planning Commission to seriously consider the concerns and recommendations of the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy group before approving this project.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260511153142.pdf

May 11, 2026
at 3:31 PM

4-A-26-OB

Kent
37918

4-A-26-OB
Kent (37918), May 11, 2026 at 1:47 PM

I love that South Knoxville continues to grow through commercial and residential development. However, from what I've seen, it does not appear that there is anywhere close to adequate parking allotted for this particular development. Until someone can solve that issue (which is already a massive issue along Sevier Ave), I am not in favor of the development.
Further congestion without solutions is not a net win for the Old Sevier community.

May 11, 2026
at 1:47 PM

5-R-26-RZ

Applicant

5-R-26-RZ
Applicant Correspondence
May 11, 2026 at 1:31 PM

Attached please find correspondence regarding 5-R-26-RZ.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260511133151.pdf

applicant

May 11, 2026
at 1:31 PM

5-B-26-SU

James /Kelly
37909

5-B-26-SU
James /Kelly (37909), May 11, 2026 at 1:22 PM

We live behind the back of the church and their parking lot. Our only request would be the lighting used for the new lot would the type that directs light more downward. The lights in their parking lot now are very bright and visible to us and our neighbors. Also, there is a large LED light on the carport for the church vehicles that "aims" directly out at our house.
All of this became much more evident after a sub contractor for KUB cut down a large swath of trees that protected us from church lights and interstate noise. The church is a good neighbor and never causes noises.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260511132214.pdf

May 11, 2026
at 1:22 PM

4-A-26-OB

Kevin
37918

4-A-26-OB
Kevin (37918), May 11, 2026 at 1:11 PM

Knox Community Planning Alliance agrees and concurs with the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group request to postpone so they can continue to work with the developer on this project.

May 11, 2026
at 1:11 PM

4-A-26-OB

Melissa
37917

4-A-26-OB
Melissa (37917), May 11, 2026 at 11:13 AM

A comment critique of public engagement on development projects is that it fails to engage potential residents who would benefit from the project, biasing against the project. I would love to live in this area in a 55+ community (I'm currently eligible and very interested!) that is designed for pedestrian, bus and bicycle transportation. I would go car-free if I lived there. I am a potential future beneficiary of a Yes on this. I disagree with the comments that raise the issue of traffic or assert no more multi-family housing should be built.
However, I agree with the points raised in many of these comments about the visual prominence of the site and its importance to future designs according with the VP. I support the statement submitted by the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group on May 10.
I want to live here, but I want it to be as good for the community as possible because I want my future neighborhood to be strong, knitted together, and appreciative of the building where I live.

May 11, 2026
at 11:13 AM

4-A-26-OB

Kathleen
37920

4-A-26-OB
Kathleen (37920), May 11, 2026 at 10:16 AM

Please heed the South Knoxville community's plea for a slowdown on this process. The code was created for a reason, and many citizens worked very hard to help us plan for the future. This undue haste is a slap in the face to all those citizens. We're pleased that the developers have (upon prodding) been willing to meet with residents and adjust plans somewhat. More needs to be done. Thank you! Katie H.

May 11, 2026
at 10:16 AM

5-S-26-RZ

Maddi
37849

5-S-26-RZ
Maddi (37849), May 10, 2026 at 9:29 PM

I seriously cannot believe you/they whoever is trying to put more neighborhoods and businesses in Powell when it takes me over 30 minutes to get to places that used to take me about 7 minutes. Wasn't there a rule about leaving Powell drive alone? Powell needs areas to breathe and untouched and at least part of a road that doesn't have traffic and that's Powell drive. Do you live in Powell? Do you have to deal with the traffic EVERYDAY that's bound to cause accidents? No?? Then you should experience it. Just because you don't deal with it shouldn't mean we the people in Powell have to. I miss my small town Powell and now I'm starting to feel like I live in California which is crazy because this is TENNESSEE. Just because you see a piece of land you shouldn't look at it and see money from building. You should see what's left of the beautiful creation God made because we all know there ain't much of it left around here. Nature heals. Neighborhoods and businesses don't. I'd rather see a new Powell elementary school built here that you all claim Powell doesn't have the room for. Well here you go there's the room! NO MORE NEIGHBORHOODS OR BUSINESSES IN POWELL!!!!!

May 10, 2026
at 9:29 PM

5-S-26-RZ

Natasha
37849

5-S-26-RZ
Natasha (37849), May 10, 2026 at 4:28 PM

This is absolutely 100% unacceptable. Powell is not a huge community and we like to have the small town feel. I personally live in the neighborhood that is immediately off of the round-a-bout you propose to build off of and this would be an incredibly horrible inconvenience. This would drastically increase traffic, create more noise and remove the peaceful county setting that those of us who live in this neighborhood greatly love.

May 10, 2026
at 4:28 PM

4-A-26-OB

Connie
37920

4-A-26-OB
Connie (37920), May 10, 2026 at 2:26 PM

As a resident of South Knoxville, I urge you to postpone this item to allow for more time for conversations and collaborations between the community and the developers, CR-Endeavors. More time for meaningful negotiations will contribute to making sure this extraordinary property is developed in a manner that conforms to and honors the South Waterfront Vision Plan.
Please carefully the review and consider the recommendations of the South Waterfront Advisory and and Advocacy Group. This group has done the "hard lifting" representing and listening to the community's concerns.
Thank you for your service to our community.

May 10, 2026
at 2:26 PM

4-A-26-OB

Tim
37920

4-A-26-OB
Tim (37920), May 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Please do not allow this building to be built at this site. As a lifelong south Knoxville resident who grew up in Island Home and still lives here, South Knoxville is extremely important to me and the city of Knoxville is as well. I believe that this plot of land would serve the city much better as a park, art center, community center, over-look botanical garden etc..ANYTHING but another apartment building. We have way too many apartment buildings going up in south Knoxville and it is ruining the place that I have called home since the 60's. I ask again that you please reconsider what can be built at this site, as this has the potential to help and benefit the community if the right decision is made. Thank you for your time.

May 10, 2026
at 12:30 PM

4-A-26-OB

Louise
37920

4-A-26-OB
Louise (37920), May 10, 2026 at 9:52 AM

I respectfully request to postpone so that the community can keep working with the developer on design elements that don't meet the objectives and intent of the Vision Plan and SW code.

May 10, 2026
at 9:52 AM

4-A-26-OB

Katherine
37920

4-A-26-OB
Katherine (37920), May 10, 2026 at 9:50 AM

I want to request that you postpone the next step in the process of deciding what to do about the Kerbela Temple site and its eventual fate. More time is needed so that the community and the developer can continue working on proposed design elements that currently don't meet the objectives and intent of the Vision Plan and the southwest-Knoxville code.
Thank you,
Katherine H.

May 10, 2026
at 9:50 AM

4-A-26-OB

Stewart
37920

4-A-26-OB
Stewart (37920), May 10, 2026 at 8:07 AM

The applicant was fully aware of the South Waterfront Form Based Code when they developed their plan. They chose to ignore that code. Hours of work by many community members went into developing this code. Once we allow variances it will be harder to deny the next request. Soon the code will not matter at all and the next time the city asks for community input it will be met with little or no response.
Please deny these variances for the Kerbela site.

May 10, 2026
at 8:07 AM

4-A-26-OB

Debbie
37920

4-A-26-OB
Debbie (37920), May 10, 2026 at 6:48 AM

This area does not have the infrastructure to support more housing. With the location and the closure of the Gay Street Bridge, 90% of traffic created by this development will use Henley Street. Henley Street is already a source of extreme traffic congestion. This will make that substantially worse.

May 10, 2026
at 6:48 AM

4-A-26-OB

Rachel
37920

4-A-26-OB
Rachel (37920), May 10, 2026 at 12:32 AM

Attached are comments from the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group. Individual signatures are the end of the document.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260510003227.pdf

May 10, 2026
at 12:32 AM

4-A-26-OB

Mike
37920

4-A-26-OB
Mike (37920), May 9, 2026 at 11:39 AM

See attachment
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260509113914.pdf

May 9, 2026
at 11:39 AM

5-F-26-RZ

Janis
37918

5-F-26-RZ
Janis (37918), May 9, 2026 at 7:59 AM

This change in zoning to 4.7 du/ac is not supported by the roads adjacent to the development. Bishop and Tate Trotter are narrow roads that will have difficulty supporting this additional traffic. Additionally, what are the enrollment capacities of the schools affected? Are the schools at capacity or is there room for these additional students. This should definitely be taken into account given the problems with the Bell Town development and it's impact on Powell Elementary School which resulted in the rezoning situation.

May 9, 2026
at 7:59 AM

4-A-26-OB

Annabel
37920

4-A-26-OB
Annabel (37920), May 7, 2026 at 11:02 PM

I reside and work in South Knoxville and traverse the area around the proposed apartment site daily. The Sevier avenue corridor has been through a lot of changes over the past few years, but the proposed apartment complex on the Kerbela temple site is beyond overwhelming in the many ways it does not follow the South Waterfront plan. Additionally, the lack of consideration for the community is quite concerning. The sheer size of the complex in and of itself is the most distressing part of the proposal. The additional vehicle traffic it will bring to an already overwhelmed area is potentially crippling to the community. And there is no benefit that I have seen for the community.
Please put the brakes on this and encourage the developers to follow the code, follow the recommendations of the South Waterfront Advisory Group and have some consideration for our community. Thank you

May 7, 2026
at 11:02 PM

5-D-26-PA

Mary
37849

5-D-26-PA
Mary (37849), May 7, 2026 at 10:39 PM

We the owners of the property at 7629 Heiskell RD are very much OPPOSED to this rezoning for a shopping center. Our property line is only a few feet from 7625 where this rezoning ends. We do not wish our property to be connected to a shopping center. Not only will it decrease our property but will raise our taxes and bring more crime and safety issues. Heiskell Rd can not handle the traffic now with residents having difficulty getting out of their driveways and area subdivisions that exit onto Heiskell. This would create more of a traffic congestion as it is only a 2 lane road. Heiskell Rd has always been a residential area and we wish it to remain Residential. No shopping center should even be considered past 500ft from Emory Rd.
PLEASE SAY NO TO THIS REZONING!!!!