Latest news with #Knoxville-KnoxCountyPlanning
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knoxville sees ‘modest increase in housing diversity' as people seek more affordable homes
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville had a 'modest increase in housing diversity,' last year, according to a report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning. Housing diversity refers to the so-called 'missing middle' housing that includes homes like townhomes and duplexes that may be more affordable than single-family dwellings. The report defines middle housing as 'housing types between single family dwellings, the lowest intensity type of residential development, and multifamily developments, the most intensive form of residential development.' Knoxville Smokies individual game tickets go on sale Knoxville passed the 'Missing Middle Housing' plan in February 2024, changing zoning laws in the hopes of encouraging developers to build more affordable homes. The new report covers the period of February 6, 2024 (around the time the plan was passed) to January 31, 2025. During this time, the report found that, 'the inclusion of MH forms and standards in the City's zoning ordinance has led to a modest increase in housing diversity through the MH projects that have been submitted.' One year since Missing Middle passed: Where does Knoxville's housing shortage stand? The report states that the city has received 50 applications for projects, and if all of these are built, the city will have 143 new dwelling units. Most of the applications were new construction, primarily on vacant lots. 'Applications have increased steadily, though not consistently, since the MH process began,' the report found. 'Applications have been received for all permissible MH housing types. If this pattern persists, this will eventually lead to a greater increase in the diversity of the City's housing stock.' READ: More top stories on The city has received applications for middle housing in 16 neighborhoods with the most coming from Mechanicsville, the report states. Knoxville leaders' goal is to add 6,000 to 8,000 new housing units. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knox County multi-family housing proposal draws ire of neighbors
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Upset community members along Westland Drive are contesting the development of high-density housing in their neighborhood. A petition has been started to attempt to stop new development in the Westland Oaks neighborhood. We first brought this story to you last week when we spoke to a pair of homeowners about their concerns. A town hall was held with dozens in attendance to talk about the ongoing problems and what their concerns with the project are. Neighbors raise concerns over Westland Drive development in Knox County 'The traffic is horrible especially in the mornings trying to get out on Westland to try and take the kids to school,' Andover Court neighborhood resident Becky Kowan said. 'It's terrible in the afternoons during rush hour traffic trying to get out and take the kids to practices. There are wrecks that happen quite frequently in the bend just down the road from our neighborhoods. It is concerning, adding more housing and more cars.' Among those concerned residents is Joseph Marotta who lives in the Westland Oaks subdivision. When he bought his house two years ago, he was under the assumption the homes built would be single-family homes. Marotta told 6 News he is also concerned about the traffic which has only gotten worse. 'We've seen it, just in those two years, grow exponentially where traffic is backed from Pellissippi Hwy all the way past Ridge Climber Road, actually in both directions from Northshore all the way down,' Marotta said. 'You're talking anywhere from a quarter to half a mile upwards of a mile.' I-40 reopening date set as nation's 'most expensive emergency relief project' continues According to the subdivision's original covenants, only single-family homes would be constructed. The Knoxville-Knox County Planning approved an amendment last year to allow multi-family housing in the neighborhood. Neighbors shared their concerns with the new development saying they were blindsided by the decision. 'It is frustrating because I think it's a total lack of regard for us. We built our homes. We purchased our homes and we work hard everyday,' Serese Marotta said. 'Then we are going to do something that could very well impact our property values, that's not fair to us as homeowners. We basically had the rug pulled out from under us.' Those we spoke with said they want Ball Homes, the developer of the subdivision, to do what the initial agreement said and build single-family homes like the rest of the neighborhood. ▶ See more top stories on 'We're asking Ball Homes to step up and do something. You know this is not what you promised us. You pulled out the rug from under us.,' said Serese Marotta. 'You didn't consult us as residents that's not right. We want Ball Homes to step up and do what's right.' We have been told the group of residents has obtained legal counsel in the event they want to start a lawsuit. At this time, development of those multi-family homes has not started. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
