[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,87,99],{"_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",6204092,"mediaKeyId","3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8","parentId",3780583,"title","Council approves planning commission appointments, capital program and multiple routine resolutions","audioSeconds",398,"startMs",1258000,"endMs",1656000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8&start=1258&end=1656","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8/thumbnail_1258000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6204092/Tennessee/Council-approves-planning-commission-appointments-capital-program-and-multiple-routine-resolutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204092-79ac20d5122352fce75a0b405b550f17/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426717&Signature=ddG4nXvm-GFbc3TDWGbBcQknP9t27pWepg69XxJrBbJJ88tBbXImjF4u0WPNYCfFQNgQkNGrJuRfgq0RaKuLSMPOLi2Ls1o8tg79FKNlGJTJpBJvUD2lH6UKRmgYlAy0fsLY3PagceeOY1Or9drkr~n3RPQL-6ovgbH9Srm5mQWunD9nwmyDIfQq0iIQrpnS5bQOOVyYnO5GeKFOwvhAg8oIqviicZ7rn4u-MtCHyL4Vbcl9mVLkGt0kPYdSLapqoLeKIEuGrr3X-TcdeunnbEotRQ~-89QVX9TxQanDDNl9MOPbtx2IzuJudwrbKuDz6fuWGSaIwM~53el~4IVxKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Knoxville, TN","date","2025-06-12T08:26:55.007Z","article","The council conducted a series of votes on consent and legislative items during the meeting. Notable actions included confirmations, small appropriations, and the adoption of the city’s FY2026 capital improvements program.

Appointments and confirmations
- Resolution confirming mayoral nominations to the Knoxville/Metropolitan Planning Commission: Council approved the mayor’s nominations to reappoint Marite Perez and to appoint Margaret Butler, contingent on state approval (item 8D). The motion carried on voice vote.

Ordinances and appropriations
- Automated enforcement: Council adopted an ordinance amending the Knoxville City Code to authorize automated enforcement systems for regulating speeding in school zones and motor vehicle noise at no direct cost to the city (item 9E). The ordinance passed on a voice vote.
- Small appropriations: The council approved several appropriations from the Community Safety and Empowerment budget: $1,500 to support two summer adventure camps for youth (item 9F) and $1,500 donated to 1Knoxville Collective for an East Knoxville Soccer Academy summer program (item 9G). Both carried on voice votes.
- FY2026 Capital Improvements Program: Council approved and adopted the FY2026 Capital Improvements Program, including the capital improvements budget (item 9H). Two speakers opposed the item in public comment; speaker Nzinga Amani criticized the distribution of capital funds and called for more equitable investment in East Knoxville and support for permanently affordable housing. Following council discussion the motion to adopt the capital plan carried (vote recorded on the floor as 8–1).

Other routine actions
- Property transactions and easements: The council approved multiple property and easement actions including a surplus property sale (Moody Avenue listed sale to Michael Seymour for $4,444.44, item 11K), an air rights easement to allow utility features to span an alley on Magnolia Avenue (item 12L), and a quick claim deed under the homemaker’s program (412 Ocala Drive to Gary Chesney for $40,250, item 11M). Members commented these conveyances assist in transferring underused or blighted parcels into productive use.
- Agreements with nonprofits and grants: The council approved annual operational support agreements: up to $50,000 for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (item 11N) and $25,000 for Helen Ross McNabb Center for services to the local sexual assault center (item 11O). The council also authorized a one‑year extension of the Victims of Crime Act grant from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs for $150,546 with no local match (item 11P).

Public comment and next steps
The capital plan vote drew public testimony and was the most contested of the routine items. The council adopted the plan but several members and community speakers asked staff for stronger equity oversight, more community input on prioritization and a public accountability tracker for projects funded by the proposed sales tax measure.

For record: several other street/ alley closure ordinances, zoning code tweaks and rezonings were considered on the consent or legislative calendar and passed by voice vote where no speakers were present to oppose; specific items included multiple alley closures (items 12U–12X) and several zoning map amendments (items 12Z–12AE).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council R 265 250610","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a series of routine and substantive items including appointments to the Knoxville/Metropolitan Planning Commission, an automated enforcement ordinance, small appropriations for summer youth programs and grant extensions; the FY2026 capital improvements program was adopted after public comment.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, Knoxville City, Knox County, Tennessee","taxId",69361,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6204097,"Residents, immigrant advocates urge council to protect families from federal immigration actions",0,7733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8&start=7733&end=7733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8/thumbnail_7733000.jpg","/articles/6204097/Tennessee/Residents-immigrant-advocates-urge-council-to-protect-families-from-federal-immigration-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204097-edb47cb993093114fdb97866d8f3c582/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426675&Signature=GqL~bc9Q-urbS1tr0xyUNTOyjoGhyoYzS5Dk7tUJWtK4ZwKkMVdnhbWEKo-SsLIs5DrVLSnnsLMSmbkn~ZrLCkBh1PVZjRwuPq4ttgtc6NMMutqEuPlfNUciDWBqARp9Knsy5LUnovFGWNslYgm66DRqkbh34G681losm-n0VlI~91z-gnBhzR-7JA-YousRMzb0KPBHMtMpEPnuRCBYk0OI~24MZ~-zIPFkVFvLhlKTRlyuhEMAv8p8Ysa~M4KkuTdK6X6pZEJGPwDMtnU7cTN2J~R3xtsh7xaylPOWOvcvMGKn-390sdmynngyfEPr3Ylo1KVoSXm1PP-m~81LsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of speakers filled the council chamber during public forum to press the Knoxville City Council for action or stronger public posture on immigration enforcement and its local impacts.

Speakers included immigrant residents, faith leaders and representatives of Centro Hispano and other service providers who said families in Knoxville are living in fear of detentions and deportations. Several speakers described increased calls for legal help, a rise in mental‑health crises among immigrants and that some families were avoiding public benefits or medical care because they fear immigration consequences.

Centro Hispano director Claudia Caballero told the council her organization has seen referrals and demand for legal and social services spike in recent months, with immigration questions now constituting a large share of calls. She described families delaying medical care, skipping benefit applications and facing housing instability.

Other speakers called on the city to increase transparency about any local cooperation with federal immigration authorities and to develop local policies to limit municipal participation in federal immigration enforcement. Paul De Leon, retired teacher and community member, framed the debate as a civil‑rights and democracy issue and urged the council to stand with immigrant neighbors. Steven Nabb, a property owner who spoke earlier on a different agenda item, said the city should consider protective measures now to prevent family separations. A number of speakers specifically urged noncooperation with ICE, legal defense funds, and public reporting of requests from federal agencies.

Council members heard testimony but noted limits on municipal authority over federal immigration policy. Several council members, including Council member Thomas and Vice Mayor Smith, expressed sympathy and emphasized the need to explore what the city can lawfully do — from local legal aid and emergency assistance to measures that increase transparency of law enforcement interactions with federal agencies. Some also suggested convening a cross‑departmental staff review to identify practical, lawful steps the city can take to support vulnerable families.

Centro Hispano and other advocates asked the council to investigate options including: stronger public reporting when federal requests occur, expanded legal assistance funds, a municipal policy limiting information shared with federal immigration authorities where lawful, and a public outreach campaign to counter misinformation and encourage safe access to health and social services.

The council took no immediate binding action during the meeting but members signaled they will review legal options and potential local programs. Several council members asked staff to return with options the city could legally implement to increase protections and supports for immigrant residents.","During public forum, multiple speakers — immigrants, community organizers and service providers — urged the council to take steps to protect immigrant neighbors, increase transparency about local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and expand legal and social supports.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6204103,"Council upholds BZA denial for variance at 137 West Anderson Avenue; appeal by Everett Hirsch denied",799,1764000,2563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8&start=1764&end=2563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8/thumbnail_1764000.jpg","/articles/6204103/Tennessee/Council-upholds-BZA-denial-for-variance-at-137-West-Anderson-Avenue-appeal-by-Everett-Hirsch-denied","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204103-13648e53d961a4c8eba971dae7fefa59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426665&Signature=JFFy3qZuTqEL8sgZ-YXydkeKr6mmrBK1KnFnkU-xby3T1qDrPT~W-3~Ff4ywLokQxnCOC6uRWQFH1zvudiwxvNKJFTEsQjFk2u-4oJr3xSlp21r0QMFSGZ1mNxtQi81zJV6K440gr2Yx5EPfXRtcxa8fICqlsN7Rbxo24MS0OmsP6t2c~U0UNsWv3Rf3zh~XJxIuF13qzLbujdZutSBvmWXzNY7CwIM2rKW6~HD~6sm0u6F7u6337AN4aXISnMGD-DD~hiTWJPI5GBCMN6tHf4Sds90U386EwEwsJqZrdTfNjwNydMBGFCKCo0pYQ1DiGDergMA5abjkjORQa4izNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Knoxville City Council voted to deny an appeal by property owner Everett Hirsch seeking a variance from the build‑to zone requirement in the IMU zoning district for a narrow lot at 137 West Anderson Avenue.

Hirsch and his attorney, Benjamin Mullins, asked the council to overturn the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision and grant a variance that would allow a second principal residence on the 25‑foot‑wide lot. Mullins argued the lot’s “exceptional narrowness” and the property’s existing configuration created practical difficulties and deprived the owner of reasonable use of the land. Architect and neighborhood supporter Logan Higgins also addressed the council in favor of the variance.

City staff and the Board of Zoning Appeals said the ordinance standards require all criteria to be satisfied for a variance. Peter Ahrens, director of Plans Review and Building Inspections, read the ordinance standards in full and explained that variances “will be granted only where special circumstances or conditions such as exceptional narrowness, topography or siting…are such that the strict application of the provisions of this code would deprive the applicant of any reasonable use of his or her land,” and that “mere loss in value does not justify a variance.” Rob Frost, representing the law department, noted the BZA found the applicant did not meet the required standards and recommended upholding the denial.

Council members asked about alternatives, such as accessory dwelling units or a connected breezeway that would create a single principal structure. Ahrens confirmed that accessory buildings are treated differently under the build‑to zone rules and that owner occupancy and other code requirements would apply for accessory dwellings.

After discussion, Council member Reider moved to deny the appeal. The council voted to deny the appeal; the BZA denial was therefore upheld and the variance request was refused.

The applicant indicated he had sought RN 4/RN 3 relief in similar neighborhood cases historically and said his intent was to build a modest second house to keep family together. Council members who opposed the appeal cited the code’s requirement that all variance criteria be met and expressed concern about setting a piecemeal precedent for rezoning narrow lots without a neighborhood‑wide plan.

Outcome: appeal denied; no change to the build‑to zone requirement on the lot.","Council voted to deny an appeal seeking a front‑setback variance in an IMU zoning district for a narrow lot in Happy Holler, rejecting the applicant's request to allow two principal residences by overturning a build‑to zone requirement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6204107,"Knoxville to ask voters to approve half-cent sales tax for neighborhood investments; groceries exempted",819,2921000,3740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8&start=2921&end=3740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780583-fc761f07fa43c0084fb4bbda0bec67d8/thumbnail_2921000.jpg","/articles/6204107/Tennessee/Knoxville-to-ask-voters-to-approve-half-cent-sales-tax-for-neighborhood-investments-groceries-exempted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204107-6e257da2910aa44400b1b839f6178ed5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426674&Signature=Hr3IqfAW0yZekEb9iAivbZZnyMegQoSCXVGXp3DMG8~6ZDhURDJ59LnkUrhB0gQaytyX8br77SJxzVNZjvVxKBWlq~vmoi87x-OEkk1kmj2h-rt84UmpqmY6EdaIJX6ObJjyVrGWhWDYXecTBTYjbLhq6wG3ZgkqYjjTmjm-6nwdtEiJKt8VJH8OG3Je9faRT-FQQSjm8SdV~ryI2hF1NRh-j2a4pQxLJ22kIBs1h4THZ8jjbUWbpPFKZtKdVbiecpjkkG00Olb3BdxO1bjYSTMBFN9h4jQ3ArnTrutCOG34Jlr06-WtftSnQi-Fax-HX8gr9g~Ej~yy5IqLe8xnUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Knoxville City Council voted to ask city voters this fall to approve a half‑cent increase in the local option sales tax to fund a five‑year Neighborhood Investment Plan targeted to sidewalks, greenways, parks, community facilities and affordable housing.

Mayor (name not specified) told the council the proposal is designed to accelerate projects residents have long requested, saying, “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” The council approved placing the measure on the ballot after several hours of public comment and debate among council members over priorities, equity and process.

The ballot measure would raise roughly $47 million a year for the city if approved, and the council separately adopted an ordinance to exempt the retail sale of food and food ingredients from that increase as allowed by state law. The grocery exemption was presented to reduce the burden on low‑income households; Judith Pilow of CAC testified that even a small monthly increase would strain older adults on fixed incomes.

Supporters who spoke at the council meeting included residents, greenway and walking advocates and business owners. Brandon Bruce, a North Shore resident, said the tax would accelerate infrastructure projects that currently take decades to complete. Hannah Kidderman of Bike Walk Knoxville praised the plan’s emphasis on sidewalks, safe routes to school and greenway connections.

Opponents and critics urged more safeguards to prevent the revenue from fueling displacement or prioritizing tourist amenities. Community organizer Nzinga Amani told the council that the plan’s allocations, as drafted, favored already invested neighborhoods and would “fuel gentrification” unless the city ties spending to equity guarantees. Amani pointed to the five‑year capital plan’s distribution of park and neighborhood funds as evidence and asked for stronger protections for naturally occurring affordable housing and community control over priorities.

Council members debated several procedural and policy issues: whether the five‑year list is fixed or subject to council amendments; how the city will ensure the projects are completed within five years; whether the city has the staff capacity to deliver a heavy construction schedule; and how to protect low‑income households from the regressive nature of sales tax. Vice Mayor Smith and other council members said the list can be refined after voter approval and proposed drafting a resolution to add accountability measures — such as a public tracker and biennial progress reports — before the measure appears on the ballot.

Council members also sought to reassure residents that the increase would be dedicated to locally driven capital projects and not shift existing commitments to the school system; staff explained that the additional half‑cent, if approved only by city voters, would be retained by the city and would not reduce the current countywide allocation to Knox County Schools.

After the public hearing and lengthy council discussion, a motion to place the half‑cent increase on the November ballot and to exempt groceries from that increment passed.

Votes at a glance: the council approved placing the sales tax increase on the ballot and separately adopted the grocery exemption ordinance; the council also accepted a council request to adopt the five‑year Neighborhood Investment Plan as the spending framework to present to voters.

The mayor said staff will return with language, accountability details and a proposed voter information plan to explain how the revenue would be used and monitored if voters approve the measure.

Community members and advocacy groups signaled they will keep pushing for stronger equity protections and for mechanisms that would steer dollars toward permanently affordable housing, not only capital construction projects.","City Council voted to place a half‑cent local option sales tax increase on the November ballot to fund a five‑year neighborhood investment plan that includes sidewalks, greenways, parks and affordable housing; the council also approved a separate ordinance to exempt groceries as defined by state law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves planning commission appointments, capital program and multiple routine resolutions

Residents, immigrant advocates urge council to protect families from federal immigration actions

Council upholds BZA denial for variance at 137 West Anderson Avenue; appeal by Everett Hirsch denied

Knoxville to ask voters to approve half-cent sales tax for neighborhood investments; groceries exempted