This past Monday the Knoxville City Council met and discussed a potential amendment to the city zoning ordinance related to the construction of an apartment building near the square.

The amendment would allow rezoning of three properties including 401, 409 and 413 East Main street in Knoxville. The rezoning would require a larger setback that the zoning commission felt would best protect the interests of adjacent property owners. Currently the lots are considered C-2, general commercial and the amendment would make the lots C-4, central business district. During Monday’s meeting it was announced proper notice of the public meeting had not been given, and a vote on the amendment could not be held. A public hearing will now be scheduled as part of the next city council meeting on May 15th to discuss the amendment.

City Manager Aaron Adams tells KNIA/KRLS News it’s important for the public understand that the public hearing is just for the rezoning amendment and the city does not have anything to do with the potential project other than the rezoning of the lots. Adams adds, if people feel strongly about the project, it would be better to take the concerns to the developer instead of the city because the city does not have the power to grant or not grant the development. The potential development asking for the rezoning amendment is a private development project for a four story, 27 unit apartment complex that would be paid for by the private developers with no city money or taxes being used for the project.