Mary James, a Johnson City resident, spoke during the Jan. 2 public comment period to urge the commission to reconsider placing the proposed "Heidi's Hope" affordable housing project adjacent to existing homes on Watauga Road.

"I just ask that you consider whether or not you would be okay if this was going in your backyard," said Mary James, who gave her address as 1701 Eighthorn Court. James said she supports more affordable housing but asked commissioners to think about the views, farmland and children’s access to outdoor space that current homeowners value.

"I think it's a wonderful thing. It's not that I'm against this. I think that we need more affordable housing," James said. "I just would like to see it be put in an area that's not so close to people's backyards."

City staff told the meeting that public comment was limited to those who had signed up at least 12 hours in advance and that comments must address actionable items on the agenda; James had signed up to speak on the item listed in the agenda as "Heidi's Hope." The meeting record does not show any commission action on the project at this session.

James’s remarks were part of the public comment portion of the meeting; no formal vote or direction on the project was recorded on Jan. 2.