[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6533471,"mediaKeyId","3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205","parentId",3757859,"title","Council approves IND3 zoning for Development Area 5 at Horizon Center amid questions about radioactive materials and surrounding greenways","audioSeconds",803,"startMs",1306000,"endMs",2109000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205&start=1306&end=2109","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533471/Tennessee/Council-approves-IND3-zoning-for-Development-Area-5-at-Horizon-Center-amid-questions-about-radioactive-materials-and-surrounding-greenways","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533471-8cfdad3cee0b67bbd53b78c79a703608/orig.mp4?Expires=1770569886&Signature=RIMsaMJxn0Qq68lwgknKAtE9KsWkNxh~CiQ0siM3vPQFHY9OfJZ7v60~sow0e78j4mqhowEP2E3yswj-yUYts70FNgRPbu01uJ42L5y1nFGGttI7F3GxRhrAJSd20ZVkngWCwFf7oReZD5gCGp3p26HDSj1aS0cfpmFJFy4wjZv2IdFBqT3W-5C1tavbH9BXSGW32e-BJIBogPvcSjli43FKdIQ~Sna0eC2lpt4W8BNzPBVtRhzFPTORQHiruTetwv83lsyDIZu8AEZcA6oPKBKigYOMZ1cnVbvmEkpzFzB9~guMPLQY-Lv4HknvpD0vhgUO9hmaRfpFJxqSd264LA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Oak Ridge","date","2025-06-09T19:14:00Z","article","Oak Ridge City Council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone Development Area 5 in Horizon Center Industrial Park (approximately 96.5 acres) from IND2 to IND3 industrial zoning. Council considered a staff presentation, public comment and questions about whether the IND3 designation was appropriate for the site, which borders greenway trails and conservation easements.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval. City staff representative Wayne Blasius told council the applicant—represented in the meeting by a company speaker—requested IND3 because of planned future phases the applicant said would not be allowed under IND2.

Council member Smith (identified in the transcript as Miss Smith) raised substantive objections. She said the IND3 district is intended for operations that can create nuisances such as excessive noise, odors and significant hazards; she questioned whether placing another IND3 zone next to greenways, the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement and nearby subdivisions was appropriate. She noted that the presence of radioactive materials alone did not, in her view, justify IND3 and emphasized concern about “significant external radiation” or accident consequences.

A company representative, who identified himself in the meeting as Mike Tessa (program director) and said his company had purchased the land, told council the planned activities are “related to a nuclear work” and would be licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. When asked why IND3 was necessary, he said he did not know the technical differences between IND2 and IND3 and asked for time to provide details by the final reading.

A nearby resident, Doug Cole, told council he had observed heavy day‑use on the Greenway near the site and disputed the applicant’s description of the area as “isolated.” He said he encountered children and multiple parked cars on the Greenway within 30 feet of the property boundary.

Council discussion also noted that TRISO‑X, an adjacent facility, already occupies IND3 property and that the city has begun work on a specialized zoning district for nuclear uses; the city manager mentioned a state grant to hire an expert consultant to help create that zoning category.

Outcome: The council approved the ordinance on first reading. Staff and council asked the applicant to provide more detail before final reading so council could assess whether IND3 was the correct classification or whether other zoning tools should be applied.

Why it matters: The rezoning places a high‑hazard industrial classification adjacent to conservation land and neighborhood greenways and prompted council and residents to request more technical documentation from the applicant and to accelerate work on a possible new nuclear zoning district.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge City Council Meeting - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Oak Ridge City Council approved on first reading a rezoning that changes roughly 96.5 acres in Horizon Center from IND2 to IND3, a higher‑hazard industrial classification, prompting council questions about proximity to greenways and conservation easements.","taxTitle","Oak Ridge, Anderson County, Tennessee","taxId",62219,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6533461,"Council awards recreation and parks master‑plan contract; proposal to require DOE reservation greenbelt overlay withdrawn",477,4891000,5368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205&start=4891&end=5368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205/thumbnail_4891000.jpg","/articles/6533461/Tennessee/Council-awards-recreation-and-parks-masterplan-contract-proposal-to-require-DOE-reservation-greenbelt-overlay-withdrawn","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533461-902b92b5b3d8029efcfcd6185cf98b6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770569886&Signature=WQsx5w1iIhVfT~vQFyDQEN6bQ~tglTwGNqyawZiXZWNZXeziAT-60hDX0FGORmf8pv549xNiqjxfYP5~mhCy4~pINoBPz1MtpsVSL0PfkYqUyzH0UyAIUXPRMY70md16wSETw9aBNd9cMXjDu5eXVn76ecTIYkXCgSHiOo0OUuaxDmNfbgVyauHpq2Onog935Qazu14af1pXkn7SNxgJeEfVChoHUC2M4Y4hgeKA0~64wgLfHVgzWlEFdc00Yakh0ibZONhBqak0wlz3jqxTT7LznRClnim9qwKc~Rudrq9t6a2pwejklCTnC9Fxazrl9rF6LTrVsn8~OJjRMg2IDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Ridge City Council authorized a professional services agreement with McGill Associates, P.A., of Knoxville for a recreation and parks master plan at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

During discussion Council member Hensley proposed an amendment to the resolution that would have required the consultant and the master plan to include a “recommended greenbelt overlay on all the DOE reservation open space waterfront and forested area” and specified several parcels and easements to be covered. Staff and other council members objected to embedding prescriptive land‑use direction into the consultant’s contract.

Parks and city staff advised the council that the consultant’s scope is to develop a parks and recreation plan and that policy determinations about a greenbelt or comprehensive‑plan land‑use changes are matters for the comprehensive‑planning process and public vetting. Staff said the planning and parks processes could consider the DOE reservation lands during public input, but they recommended against contract language that would prescribe the consultant’s final recommendations in advance.

Council member Hensley withdrew the motion and asked that the topic be scheduled for further discussion in a work session; staff and other council members agreed that the broader question of the city’s approach to DOE reservation lands and possible greenbelt protections should be addressed in planning or work‑session settings. The contract with McGill Associates was approved by the council with the vote recorded as unanimous (6–0 at the vote recorded in the transcript).

Why it matters: The contract starts a public process to update the city’s parks and recreation priorities. The exchange highlighted an ongoing council interest in the large DOE reservation lands within the city limits and disagreement about whether a directive about land transfers or overlays should be included in a consultant contract rather than vetted in the comprehensive‑planning process.","Oak Ridge Council approved a professional services contract up to $100,000 for a recreation and parks master plan but rejected placing a prescriptive greenbelt directive for DOE reservation lands into the consultant contract.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6533464,"Council backs comprehensive‑plan amendment and PUD rezoning at Lafayette Drive and South Illinois despite neighborhood traffic concerns",886,2174000,3060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205&start=2174&end=3060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205/thumbnail_2174000.jpg","/articles/6533464/Tennessee/Council-backs-comprehensiveplan-amendment-and-PUD-rezoning-at-Lafayette-Drive-and-South-Illinois-despite-neighborhood-traffic-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533464-7ed33cea4e071365c3e62da66f51de70/orig.mp4?Expires=1770569886&Signature=YD-WH4dM~TwjJXkLsop3E4dXR4u8rp5VhjPO1D9GFOHTodQdQxihHTuvenm2CcMHMJVP43YoSm1q-bp-dHnK1YKmljk4QF9TEgyW0S35SQHTrKiO5XsV33amcc05ummRUXLJc-UmzHD3P241R3qAA~gqPbQ9RSf2eBkR~TW9T7eHjKF4UWjkYARZ0YUC3jLTVAZE2rj6zZc0bJV3oJKUouc47z5HHPvvo5r1dSws2udO-sJ4rGkXMfy8ymBvjF9vi3R4fyRESyCptbOpSV6IpuZKJVxd~V5ROQhVFuWv~Yk2ZAL1YMeooJZI2IP5X0exbyHSr8611-sz04~oiSB8~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge City Council on first reading approved two related ordinances to change the land‑use designation and rezone about 3.79 acres at the corner of Lafayette Drive and South Illinois Avenue from single‑family residential (R1) to UB2 with a Planned Unit Development overlay (UB2PUD). The planning commission recommended approval.

The zoning change accompanies a preliminary master plan for a small shopping‑center style development. City staff and the planning commission included conditions related to site access, screening and sidewalks that became part of the PUD preliminary approval.

Residents and several council members raised traffic and safety concerns. Acting city engineer Brian Mills and other engineering staff said they had not required a traffic‑impact study but were discussing access design (right‑in/right‑out vs. full access) with the developer and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Mills said the city favored intersection improvements such as deceleration and acceleration lanes where feasible, but expressed concern about sight distance on the South Illinois approach down a hill.

Council member (identified in the transcript as) Smith and other speakers described the Lafayette–Illinois–Scarborough Road area as a complex intersection with heavy traffic and limited sight distance when vehicles speed downhill. Residents warned that allowing commercial access could drive customers down Woodland Terrace and Paris Lane—small residential streets—not designed for increased cut‑through traffic.

Rick Chen, representing the property owners, said the applicant has a prior full‑access right for the corner dating to 1983 and told council the development team will work with TDOT and the city to modify access details; he said if TDOT declines right‑in/right‑out access, that movement will not be installed. Several residents objected to commercial development on land they said had been treated as a residential buffer in earlier corridor planning.

Outcome: Council approved both the comprehensive‑plan amendment and the rezoning on first reading. The vote on the comprehensive‑plan amendment carried on reading by roll call; the rezoning passed on reading with a 4–2 recorded vote. Council and staff directed further work with engineering and TDOT on access design, sight distance and potential traffic‑mitigation measures; planning conditions accompanying the PUD require specific access and screening measures to be addressed in later design phases.

Why it matters: The change converts a residential corner into commercial zoning with a PUD overlay that will govern site‑specific design details. Council and staff emphasized that final approvals and construction will require additional engineering review, potential traffic modifications and TDOT sign‑off on state‑route access.","The council approved on reading a comprehensive‑plan amendment and rezoning for roughly 3.79 acres at Lafayette Drive and South Illinois to permit a UB2 PUD development; residents and several council members raised traffic, sight‑distance and neighborhood cut‑through concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6533476,"Oak Ridge police describe changes after May 25 Scarborough shooting; city plans foot patrols, on-call mobilization",310,178000,488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205&start=178&end=488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205/thumbnail_178000.jpg","/articles/6533476/Tennessee/Oak-Ridge-police-describe-changes-after-May-25-Scarborough-shooting-city-plans-foot-patrols-on-call-mobilization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533476-33a49aff3a73bb78944265bb8c48fcfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770569886&Signature=K6zZCyXcMxzr1nPQu~QrRY89uXfJHK0bwOsIbViowWFbjgc4SUdSpcBjxiSAwz4KZuCMuJZO0VFfBSMNEuSFJc-drk2Ju5yboE5seZ6bMQKesw2dZcYZfSV2dm6PBnC0SXPgmw7~JJ4fJ5DITMk3PTIYhMNayqrX3B1pJovQgSL3IFIgdF33NnRE6Pdg1ef1irkz252CqIsESZUz0w0F5t3YRVzG4rDBbNXOmvxle0ZMIYPlpq7v7wgN3wYutBJ-x4nmSO~il8gR1sTk6nV1DVTXzq15XT6yMq3kC23WfzvWoqfYqP2YUHHIM9Gbudr3UZ8L9hQB1PmAsOGU0S7y4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Police Chief Robin Smith told Oak Ridge City Council on June (reading) that the department has changed how it will respond to rapidly assembling crowds after a May 25 incident in the Scarborough neighborhood that left nine people shot and one person cut.

Smith said patrol supervisors observed “an unusual stream of vehicles coming into the city on South Illinois Avenue” the night before the shooting and later verified by drone footage that “a significant number of people carrying weapons” had gathered. The department received multiple 911 calls about the growing crowd, she said, and staged officers nearby rather than engaging from vehicles because only six officers were on duty that shift.

The chief said officers entered the crowd after shots were fired shortly after 3 a.m., and that officers “immediately drove into the crowd, loaded 3 gunshot victims into their police cars, and drove them to where paramedics were waiting to give emergency care.”

Why it matters: Council members pressed for details about who formed the crowd and how the department will avoid similar outcomes. Chief Smith described procedural changes that the department says are already in use on recent weekends: mobilizing additional off‑duty officers, placing officers on foot patrol to engage crowds in person, using drones and criminal investigators for community outreach, and staging mutual‑aid support from neighboring agencies.

Specific steps announced: Smith said the department will
- increase on‑foot patrols when social media indicates a planned assembly;
- establish an on‑call system with standby pay to mobilize off‑duty officers quickly;
- set up a digital notification process to call in off‑duty officers;
- call on Anderson County Sheriff, Knox County Sheriff, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for mutual aid when needed; and
- activate and stage the department’s SWAT team and conduct refresher training in crowd control and incident command.

Council members asked how the department planned to restore and preserve community relationships in Scarborough. Smith said city investigators and criminal investigators have been “out in the community on several afternoons just to talk to people,” and that those visits have been “very well received.” City Manager Randy Hayman said the city is arranging a public forum to give residents a chance to ask questions and offer ideas; he said an earlier meeting had to be moved at the community’s request and officials were working to reschedule it.

Council follow‑up and interagency work: Smith said she has scheduled a meeting with Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, TBI and the state attorney general’s office to coordinate planning for the June and the July 4–5 holiday period. She said the sheriff’s office offered deputy support for prisoner processing and transport, THP offered additional patrol personnel, and TBI offered criminal‑intelligence support.

What the department would not discuss: Smith declined to discuss investigative details she said were part of an active criminal investigation, including whether the wounded or suspects were local residents.

Community reaction: Council members and community speakers pressed for regular updates and clearer public communication. The council directed staff to schedule a forum for Scarborough residents and to coordinate interagency planning for upcoming holiday weekends.","Police Chief Robin Smith told the Oak Ridge City Council the department will increase on-foot patrols, set up standby pay and formalize mutual‑aid arrangements after a May 25 crowd‑related shooting in the Scarborough neighborhood that wounded nine people.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6533456,"Votes at a glance: key ordinances, budgets and contracts approved by Oak Ridge City Council on first reading and final readings",0,4553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205&start=4553&end=4553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3757859-6a3675c8ab1be2779b8b8b2bfd6a4205/thumbnail_4553000.jpg","/articles/6533456/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-key-ordinances-budgets-and-contracts-approved-by-Oak-Ridge-City-Council-on-first-reading-and-final-readings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533456-b5840941f1b674863e09b26cb5e2fbb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770569886&Signature=NsbnScPQ2FM9-xgczgFOyd3fsvXrg~5P15vXbIUPltwoyMwYw5iBWxi8qsN0i4-M-CzjYB9no6rDrpDziX-5~h5e-q5HxrcupKuEOzSefe8bfvgyGJ0ruudpftiLjrx5hELT4T8yRDADOOToU29vh4YUBE8py-UJtiaj-~EOTC0Ib4-xqzF3yYXRwK85zeWRSqxvhyKTOnylOQ3cemnnThxTDhqeKr4VWzTBlqUvo~4KgcvXt4befQbN15AWnREQI6Wk0J89ilw5nvqkdvphubLu9Z-HLVpgcis6ukQNXqg6Bfn~zqAmdOgRv2JzY8Ml~D7VDfIutFfqbh889SkGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its regular June meeting Oak Ridge City Council recorded a series of votes on ordinances, budget items and professional services contracts. The meeting included first readings on multiple rezoning requests, final adoptions of several ordinances including the FY2026 budget, and approvals of contracts for city services and capital work. Below are the items with the votes and short notes.

Votes at a glance (selected items recorded in the meeting transcript):

- FY2026 Budget (final adoption): Motion to approve substitute ordinance adopting the FY2026 budget passed on final reading; recorded as 6–0 (\"I‑six, no nays\").

- Ordinance to amend zoning at Horizon Center Development Area 5 (IND2 → IND3): Approved on reading; recorded as 4 ayes, 2 nays on reading (final reading pending).

- Comprehensive plan land‑use amendment for parcels at Lafayette Drive and South Illinois Avenue (R → B): Approved on reading (Planning Commission had recommended approval 8–0); vote recorded on reading as 4–2 on subsequent items.

- Rezoning to UB2PUD and preliminary master plan for Lafayette/South Illinois corner: Approved on reading; council adopted Planning Commission conditions related to access, screening and sidewalks (reading vote recorded 4–2).

- Code amendments and ordinances approved on reading or final reading (selected):
- Administrative organization (title and department name changes) — approved on reading, recorded 6–0.
- Slum clearance property maintenance ordinance (title 13, new chapter 7) — approved on final reading to provide additional enforcement tools; recorded 6–0.
- Personnel plan / name changes to Human Resources — approved on reading; recorded 6–0.
- Amendments to FY25 appropriations (two items discussed in Budget & Finance committee) — approved on reading; recorded 6–0.

- Contracts, professional services and procurement actions:
- Recreation and parks master plan: Contract awarded to McGill Associates, P.A., not to exceed $100,000 — approved by council, vote recorded 6–0.
- Animal shelter veterinary services: Professional services agreement with Dr. Matthew Jenks, not to exceed $111,300 — approved, recorded 6–0.
- Amendment for traffic signal timing (Phase 3) engineering and TDOT grant extension — resolutions approved and extended through October 2028; vote recorded 6–0.
- Wisconsin Avenue elevated water tank rehabilitation: Contract awarded to Viking Painting LLC, not to exceed $537,200 — approved, recorded 6–0.
- Vegetation management (tree pruning/removal/brush control) – awarded to Dark Horse Vegetation Management LLC, not to exceed $1,147,428 for FY26 — approved, recorded 6–0.
- Electric local retail rate adjustment (2.75% increase effective Oct. 1, 2025): Approved as recommended by staff and consultant; recorded 6–0.
- Compensation and classification plan updates (including minimum 3% COLA and police/fire reclassifications): Resolutions approving compensation and classification plans included in the FY26 budget were approved, recorded 6–0.

Meeting notes: Many items were approved unanimously by the six council members recorded present. Items that required further technical review were approved on first reading with conditions (notably the Lafayette/South Illinois rezoning and the Horizon Center rezoning), and staff were directed to return with additional information (traffic studies, applicant technical materials, TDOT responses or final plan details) before final readings or implementation.

Where to find more: Council directed staff to work with applicants and state agencies on access and safety designs, and planning staff will return to council with follow‑up reports. Several items approved on reading will return for final readings at future meetings.","Council recorded multiple approvals on June reading, including the FY2026 budget adoption, several ordinance readings (rezonings), code updates, contracts for animal shelter veterinary services and parks planning, and infrastructure contracts. Vote tallies where recorded are listed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves IND3 zoning for Development Area 5 at Horizon Center amid questions about radioactive materials and surrounding greenways

Council awards recreation and parks master‑plan contract; proposal to require DOE reservation greenbelt overlay withdrawn

Council backs comprehensive‑plan amendment and PUD rezoning at Lafayette Drive and South Illinois despite neighborhood traffic concerns

Oak Ridge police describe changes after May 25 Scarborough shooting; city plans foot patrols, on-call mobilization

Votes at a glance: key ordinances, budgets and contracts approved by Oak Ridge City Council on first reading and final readings