Although leaders expect to reach an agreement, repairs are paused at the Ashe Street Courthouse as Johnson City and Washington County resolve an impasse over the future of the building,
Although nearby residents raised concerns, Johnson City has advanced a rezoning request that would allow a developer to build a coffee shop and bakery by Founders Park.
A rezoning request that would allow a pair of local property owners to construct a 2,000-square foot coffeeshop and bakery by Founders Park will make its first appearance in front
Although the proposal has garnered opposition from some nearby residents, Johnson City commissioners will decide this week whether to rezone a series of parcels in and around the Mountain Home neighborhood.
On Thursday, commissioners will vote on third and final reading whether to rezone 10 parcels from a mixture of R-4 (medium-density residential) and I-2 (heavy industrial) to R-2 (low-density residential), B-3 (supporting central business) and MX-1 (mixed-use neighborhood).
Five plots would change to MX-1, which allows small-scale goods and services. The changes would remove outdated industrial zoning on city-owned property near Founders Park and create the potential for infill growth and reinvestment in and around the neighborhood.
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It also eliminates outdated industrial zoning on city-owned property that was in place before the creation of Founders Park.