OR Council to discuss Special Recreation District on Tuesday
Oakridger
Oak Ridge City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday with just one item on the agenda: discussion of a possible “Special Recreation District” zoning category for zoos, amusement parks, sports complexes and motorsports parks.
The proposal comes in response to developer H.E. Bittle of Hardin Valley Land Partners’ request to build a motorsports park in west Oak Ridge adjacent to, but not in, the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement (BORCE). If the zoning category is approved, the city could then approve the development for any 25-acre parcel of land in the the city.
Work session possible on Special Rec District zone
Oakridger
Absent from the agenda for Monday, March 8 s Oak Ridge City Council meeting is any mention of a new zoning category for large “Special Recreation District” areas.
However, even though it’s not on the agenda for March 8, citizens may still comment on it or any other item not on the agenda during the “Appearance of Citizens” time.
The Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission recently recommended a proposal for that type of district which City Council could later approve for any 25 acre parcel of the city. The proposal comes in response to a proposal by developer H.E. Bittle to build a motorsports complex on several parcels of the Horizon Center near Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement.
Oakridger
An Oak Ridge city board is sending the proposed new zoning district for amusement parks, zoos and motorsports parks to City Council, but with one change protecting the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement with a wider setback.
Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission approved the Special Recreation District zoning category on Thursday for the second time, conducting a re-vote for technical reasons. Planning Commissioner Phil Yager made the motion, although he later voted against it. Planning Commissioner Greta Ownby seconded.
There’s still more steps to go before the district is added to the city’s zoning code, if it is added. For that to happen, City Council will next need to approve the change to the zoning codes.
Special Recreation District returns for vote
Oakridger
The Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission will consider a Special Recreation District at its 5:30 p.m. business meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18.
The meeting will be virtual-only. Access to view the live stream can be found at: oakridgetn.gov/online/streaming. Citizens are now able to register to speak on a particular agenda item during the meeting.
The district proposal was in response to a proposal by developer H.E. “Rusty” Bittle to create a motorsports park in west Oak Ridge.
However, adding the Special Recreation District to the zoning code as proposed will not immediately allow for the motorsports park. It would instead allow for land owners to ask city officials to rezone parcels of land for Special Recreation Districts on any 25 acre parcel of land in the city. Then, Planning Commission and City Council could vote on it.
Vote on ‘special’ zoning Thursday
Oakridger
The Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission will vote on a proposed new zoning district, setting regulations for zoos, amusement parks and motorsports parks.
City Community Development staff came up with the proposal. If recommended by the Planning Commission, the proposal will next go to Oak Ridge City Council for two separate votes before it is enacted.
The proposal was inspired by a request from developer H.E. “Rusty” Bittle to build a motorsports park complex on several currently vacant parcels at the Horizon Center in west Oak Ridge. However, as with any zoning district, the proposed zoning isn’t specific to one piece of land or to one business. After the zone is on the books, Planning Commission and City Council could vote to approve it for any area in the city of Oak Ridge.