A developer who spearheaded construction of a mountain bike park overlooking downtown Johnson City is moving forward with plans to build 16 single-family homes on an adjacent property.
Concerned about the legal implications of its current requirements, Johnson City is working on bringing its zoning rules for medication assisted treatment facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
City leaders will soon consider an amendment to the cityâs zoning code that would better align its rules with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and the ADA. The ADA prohibits discrimination in the treatment of mental health disorders, including substance abuse.
In combination with counseling and behavioral therapy, medication assisted treatment involves using drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to treat addiction to opioids like heroin or prescription pain relievers.
The proposal will now go the Johnson City Commission for another round of consideration.
Planning board members voted 6-1 to rezone 11 parcels from a mixture of I-2 (heavy industrial) and R-4 (medium density residential) to R-2 (low-density residential) and MX-1 (mixed use neighborhood). One property, currently home to Church Brothers Family Fun Store, would change from I-2 to B-3 (supporting central business district).
Chairwoman Stacey Wild voted against the request.
City staff, who requested the rezoning, have said the proposal lays the groundwork for some walkable, neighborhood-appropriate goods and services near Founders Park and Mountain Home.
It also eliminates outdated industrial zoning on city-owned property that was in place before the creation of Founders Park.
Public health officials have discouraged travel during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, so people have turned to outdoor activities as an outlet — including cycling.