Knoxville City Council Delays Parkridge Overlay Vote: Report

KNOXVILLE, TN -- The Knoxville City Council agreed Tuesday to Mayor Madeline Rogero’s request to postpone the vote on a controversial historic overlay for East Knoxville’s Parkridge neighborhood. The decisions moves the vote, which has caused deep divisions within the community six months ahead and means it will be decided by a council with five new members.

The mayor said that city would examine issues raised by both sides of the issue and, if necessary hire a mediator to facilitate the process. The delay came after concerns were expressed by both the current council member from District 6, Daniel Brown, and the incoming council member, Gwen McKenzie.

Parkridge’s current H-1 overlay consists of 189 parcels. If the changes are approved, another 522 homes will be covered. The concerns include that certification for renovation projects would be needed for exterior buildings and there is a deep concern for what an overlay would mean for the city’s dwindling stock of affordable housing.

See the complete story at the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Image via City of Knoxville