Commission approves Step Toward Home rehabilitation housing plan after brief public opposition

The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on Sept. 11 approved a concept plan (subject to six staff conditions) and a development plan for four duplexes for the Step Toward Home residential program after a brief period of public concern.

Lee Ellis, representing the applicant (the housing provider working with the Lazarus Project service partner), described the program as housing designed for people completing rehabilitation and returning from incarceration. Ellis said the organization is “in the business of helping people” and noted his personal experience with recovery, adding he would not be associated with a program he could not support.

A nearby resident, Gregory Nichols, asked for postponement and said he had received reports (which he had not submitted as sworn evidence at the meeting) alleging fights, drug use and calls to law enforcement at an existing facility on the site. Staff emphasized that the commission’s review concerns land‑use and that any operational or code enforcement issues are handled by other city departments and by the service provider.

Vice Chair Richard Levinson seconded the motions to approve. The commission approved the concept plan subject to the six conditions in the staff report and then approved the development plan for the four duplexes subject to the two listed conditions. Commissioners supporting the approvals noted the city’s need for affordable and transitional housing and that the plan met zoning and design standards for the parcel.

Outcome and next steps: Both motions carried; staff will verify compliance with the stated conditions at the development‑plan and permit review stages. Operational or criminal incidents alleged by residents, if substantiated, must be reported to code enforcement or law enforcement; the planning commission does not oversee program operations.