The Oak Ridge City Council held a special meeting on September 22, 2025, to discuss the zoning of parcels in the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) area, specifically focusing on the FIR (Federal Industry and Research) district rezonings. The meeting began with Ms. Williams presenting background information on the topic, noting that the Planning Commission had previously discussed the matter and was seeking additional input from the City Council.

Ms. Williams explained that several parcels, highlighted in yellow on a provided map, had been transferred from federal ownership but remained zoned FIR. Many of these parcels are either vacant or contain buildings that predate the transfer, resulting in little motivation for a zoning change. However, according to the city’s zoning ordinance, a change in zoning designation is required when properties are transferred from federal ownership.

The Council was asked to provide input on potential zoning designations for these parcels. Ms. Williams noted that previously transferred parcels, shown in green on the map, had already been rezoned to IND 2, with some subject to deed restrictions for industrial use. She mentioned that the powerhouse site would be discussed later in the meeting and that a nuclear overlay district was in process, which would likely overlay IND 2 zoning.

During the discussion, Council member Ms. Smith raised concerns about specific properties, such as the fire hall and the History Center, which do not fit the industrial designation. Ms. Williams acknowledged that public uses are permitted in industrial districts but did not have a specific recommendation for those properties, suggesting that public zoning might be appropriate.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions and comments from the Council, emphasizing the importance of their input in determining the future zoning of the ETTP area. The City Council will continue to deliberate on these zoning changes in upcoming sessions, aiming to align the zoning designations with the community's needs and future development plans.