May 14, 2026
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

56 Comments for

Jason
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Jason (37920), March 19, 2026 at 8:17 PM

We met a few years ago to discuss how the members of the Sayne Lane community do not want any more rezoning to increase population density. This was already granted to a close property that was rezoned. Against the request of the community, Knox county granted an increase of density for that large tract making it into a large subdivision. This is enough. Based on that request, that should satisfy Knox County's desire for population increase. Clearly this is only to benefit the construction company to make more money with added freedom to sell more residences out side of the originally designed zone restrictions that the citizens of the communities found acceptable. STOP SELLING US OUT!

March 19, 2026
at 8:17 PM

Martha
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Martha (37920), March 27, 2026 at 8:41 PM

I own property that is near this proposed rezoning. I am asking you to please consider the lack of road infrastructure, over populated school system before you make this decision.

This is an area I grew up in and know very well. It is very much family oriented.

We would Love to see more shopping and family restaurants come in further down Chapman Highway. Utilizing buildings or empty lots that stand vacant.

March 27, 2026
at 8:41 PM

Brian
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Brian (37920), March 31, 2026 at 1:12 AM

Please the attached PDF for comments I would like to share related to the rezoning request for 0 Tipton Station. Thank you.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260331011248.pdf

March 31, 2026
at 1:12 AM

Paul
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Paul (37920), March 31, 2026 at 10:36 AM

I am against the rezoning for appearance and safety reasons. The attached PDF has explanation and pictures.

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260331103605.pdf

March 31, 2026
at 10:36 AM

Gayla
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Gayla (37920), March 31, 2026 at 2:36 PM

Please see my attached comments regarding 0 Tipton Station, Knox County, TN.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260331143601.pdf

March 31, 2026
at 2:36 PM

4-A-26-OB
Ann (37920), April 5, 2026 at 9:49 PM

Many cities have hills that are pleasant to look at instead of just apartment buildings. This particular hill in Knoxville deserves to be treated specially because of its location at the end of the Gay Street bridge and visible from downtown. Planning needs to insist on SW-5 and SW-6 zoning rules be complied with and WITHOUT VARIANCES. The slopes can be managed with landscaping which is pleasing. The steps should lead up to a park-light public space, not private property. South Knoxville does not need or want another mammoth apartment building on top of one of the few remaining hills that are on the South side. Please do not allow this private seller or developer to have variances to the form-based code that was so carefully planned by the public.

April 5, 2026
at 9:49 PM

Gary
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Gary (37920), April 6, 2026 at 3:13 PM

A proposal of 4 dua at this site is completely out of character with the surrounding properties. The site fronts on Tipton Station Road and Sayne Lane. There is only approximately 190' of frontage on Tipton Station Road. Site distance in this area is not adequate and the distance between any proposed entrance and Sayne Lane will create a traffic problem. Sayne Lane is equivalent to a driveway and is not adequate to support any traffic associated with 4 dua. Based upon my development knowledge and knowledge of this site I am COMPLETELY opposed to this request. A density of 2 dua would be more adequate.

April 6, 2026
at 3:13 PM

Steven
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Steven (37920), April 6, 2026 at 3:27 PM

Please leave this property as agricultural zoning and put preservation over profit. While it is important to set aside land for development, it needs to be the right land. And there is plenty of more suitable land along John Sevier Highway and Chapman Highway. It is equally important (perhaps more-so with so much growth), to preserve land in Knox County. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. The area bordering and south of Tipton Station is home to a diversity of wildlife. Deer, bear, river otter, beaver, muskrat, great blue heron, bobcats, turkey, ducks, hawks, bald eagle and more. This parcel is home to Trillium, Strawberry Bush, Canada Mayflower, Eastern Woodland Sedge, Cranefly and more. It is my understanding that approving the developer's zoning request and developing this property as they wish will add an estimated 303 vehicle trips per day. Approving that request will add strain to an already overburdened infrastructure and further erode the rural nature of our community.

April 6, 2026
at 3:27 PM

SUZIE
37920

4-L-26-RZ
SUZIE (37920), April 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM

I am opposed to any rezoning until the concerns regarding infrastructure are addressed. We are a rural community. We do not need more Commercial development or Residential Development at this time. And we do not have the resources to support it. We have so much development and proposed development going on at this time we have lost the appeal of the area.

April 6, 2026
at 4:02 PM

NORMAN
37920

4-L-26-RZ
NORMAN (37920), April 6, 2026 at 5:06 PM

Please deny this request.Sayne Lane is a one lane dead end road with NO TURNAROUND.Anyone wanting to turn around are using private drives and property to do so mine included.The proposed zoning would only make a bad situation worse especially when they start logging that parcel and all the missed turns.My recommendation is DENY DENY DENY.Thank You Norman.

April 6, 2026
at 5:06 PM

4-L-26-RZ
joe (37920), April 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM

I do not agree with this. We do NOT have the roads or the infrastructure to more development!

April 6, 2026
at 6:34 PM

John
37920

4-L-26-RZ
John (37920), April 6, 2026 at 8:35 PM

I simply ask that the commission please give the people living in the local area priority over a few elected officials and inconsiderate builders who are only looking for a quick way to make a buck with no consideration of the people already living in the area who want no part of the many problems (congestion, drainage, air pollution, traffic, security, etc.) extra housing would present for Sayne Lane residents and the adjacent area. Sayne Lane is just that, a lane and not a two-way street. As I understand the owner sold the property with the promise by the buyer that only one house would be built. I have since learned that the proposed plan is to build 22-28 housing units. What happened to the promise?
Thank you for your kind consideration of the neighborhood's request and of the local homeowners. I ask that you please leave the property zoned Agricultural as is. Thank you for a common sense approach!!!!

April 6, 2026
at 8:35 PM

Bradley
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Bradley (37920), April 6, 2026 at 10:44 PM

I, my family and my neighbors strongly oppose the proposed re-zoning request for 0 Tipton Station. Several have already noted the lack of infrastructure on Sayne Lane to accommodate the proposed housing development. The location on Tipton Station is also problematic as increasing traffic and development is inconsistent with current traffic capacity and safety. Furthermore, the proposed re-zoning is not consistent with the natural topography and land use in this region of South Knoxville. A prior re-zoning request on an adjacent property was denied in the past couple of years, providing local precedence for zoning considerations in our community. We ask that the planning committee continue to serve our local committee by rejecting this request from a developer from outside of South Knoxville. Thank you.

April 6, 2026
at 10:44 PM

Teri
37920

4-A-26-OB
Teri (37920), April 7, 2026 at 8:49 AM

Please do not build any additional housing units at this location. We have so many "student" housing already in place in this vicinity and the traffic on Chapman Hwy -Henley Bridge is horrid. Since the Gay street bridge is only pedestrian-the traffic is a nightmare trying to get into the city or onto I-40. Knoxville is growing-we understand-but there are so many other places that can fit more housing units and it's not at this location. What an eyesore the riverfront has become with dozens of cheaply built, overpriced apartment complexes. When did Knoxville become a College with a city built around it instead of a City with a college? Money hungry out of town businesses are sucking the beauty out of our town.

April 7, 2026
at 8:49 AM

Paul
37920

4-L-26-RZ
Paul (37920), April 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM

The attached will be used as part of my speaking opportunity for Case # 4-L-26-RZ today.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260409100024.pdf

April 9, 2026
at 10:00 AM

Kathleen
37920

4-A-26-OB
Kathleen (37920), April 11, 2026 at 11:31 AM

As a home owner and business owner in South Knoxville, I vehemently disagree with the plan to build that complex at Kerbela shrine. They are asking for height and size variances. The South waterfront codes were written precisely to protect South Knoxville. There should be NO EXCEPTIONS TO THESE STANDARD STANDARDS. The corner of Chapman Highway/Henley and Blount Streets already have enough housing. The traffic alone from this complex will turn Chapman Highway into more of a death trap. People exiting their complex at Mimosa Avenue we’ll have to squeeze their way into northbound traffic to go over the Henley Bridge. There is currently a no left turn sign at mimosa and Chapman so there will be no way for residence of this complex to turn left. The southbound traffic coming over the Henley bridge will have to move into the center turn lane and then cross through two lanes of traffic to enter their complex at mimosa Avenue this entrance/egress cannot afford that kind of traffic. The Henley Street bridge is the only north south tributary that we have since the Gay Street bridge is closed.

April 11, 2026
at 11:31 AM

Lynette
37920

4-A-26-OB
Lynette (37920), April 13, 2026 at 8:31 PM

One set of the stairs up the steep North site of the hill facing the river needs to be converted into a long ramp. I'm a fairly active senior but if I lived there and were to cross the Gay street bridge to town and was counting on the elevator to get me back up the hill and I came back to find it not working.....believe me, I have been there and seen it when there is only one elevator....I would be up that proverbial creek without a paddle. A ramp I would be able to handle slowly but surely.

April 13, 2026
at 8:31 PM

Marie
37920

5-J-26-RZ
Marie (37920), April 15, 2026 at 3:41 PM

My concerns regarding the building of single-family homes on 7611 Sycamore Breeze Rd.
South side of Tipton Station Rd, east of Sycamore Breeze Rd are the following:
-Schools: Can South Doyle Middle School, South Doyle High School and Bonny Kate Elementary School support the new influx of children? If not, what is being done to make sure there is no overcrowding to these schools?
-Roads: John Sevier Highway is already overcrowded. What are the plans to accommodate the traffic that this new community will create?
Our small area is already overcrowded. We do not need new housing in an area that cannot support the influx of hundreds of new people.
Thank you

April 15, 2026
at 3:41 PM

Joyce
37920

5-J-26-RZ
Joyce (37920), April 15, 2026 at 5:22 PM

We need more infrastructure,-- schools, roads- before we get more houses. Too much traffic now. Do more planning instead of building.

April 15, 2026
at 5:22 PM

5-J-26-RZ
Pat (37920), April 15, 2026 at 7:44 PM

We do not need any more housing development in South Knox county-especially in that area! We don't have any infrastructure to support this development. The South Doyle High School is already over crowded and the traffic is bad now.
Quit selling out South Knoxville!

April 15, 2026
at 7:44 PM

Mark
37920

5-O-26-RZ
Mark (37920), April 21, 2026 at 3:17 PM

please assess property before approving rezoning. please have traffic study and also school capacity at mt olive
property has large pond ? environmental study would need to be looked at for safety of neighbors. ? run off ? retention pond.

April 21, 2026
at 3:17 PM

Spenser
37920

5-J-26-RZ
Spenser (37920), April 29, 2026 at 11:05 AM

To address those who have commented on this for clarification: this is an additional request for higher density on a development that is already happening right next to SDHS. It seems like it will add 6 more houses to the 70ish already approved. I live directly behind this and have to drive through it.
The problem is not that 6 houses is a huge difference or added pressure to the community in and of itself. The problem is when you approve a few 10 different times it takes a toll. This also seems like a work around in the system through which CMH approached the community with a plan which almost no one liked or wanted. It was approved despite about 90 negative public comments and provable deference to the previously voted on sector plan for south Knox. We continue to approve development while skipping needed infrastructure. Then after what was seemingly a good faith attempt to make us feel better about the development we didn't want here we are 2 years later asking to up the number even more. It's a bad look to sit before a community and say here's what we are doing and then go back on it because there was a marker downturn and your margins went down.
Commissioners, we are not anti-growth as a community. We are anti-irresponsible growth. 6 houses won't break anything. Blindly approving the requests of privatized money projects will.

April 29, 2026
at 11:05 AM

Jillian
37920

5-K-26-RZ
Jillian (37920), May 3, 2026 at 6:43 PM

See Attached.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260503184320.pdf

May 3, 2026
at 6:43 PM

5-O-26-RZ
Jan (37920), May 5, 2026 at 10:36 AM

I am concerned about the increased traffic load and the nasty pond.
Please check for environmental hazards from the pond which is covered in scum.
Thank you

May 5, 2026
at 10:36 AM

4-A-26-OB
Dan (37920), May 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM

See attached pdf for comments
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260507135253.pdf

May 7, 2026
at 1:52 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

Linda
37920

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