Council asks for input on rezoning former federal parcels in ETTP and prioritizes small-area planning

The Oak Ridge City Council discussed preliminary planning options for multiple parcels in the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) that remain zoned Federal Industry and Research (FIR) after transfer from federal ownership.

Jennifer Williams, planning staff, said the city’s zoning ordinance asks that property transferred from federal ownership be reclassified from FIR to a different zoning. Many parcels are vacant or contain buildings that predate the transfers; staff recommended IND-2 (industrial) for most parcels, with exceptions for deed-restricted industrial properties, the Powerhouse site and the Carbon Rivers property. Williams said some already‑transferred parcels are zoned IND-2 and noted a nuclear overlay district is in process and could sit on top of IND-2 designations.

Council members asked about handling non‑industrial public uses within the FIR area (for example a fire hall and the K‑25 History Center). Williams said public uses are permitted in industrial zones and recommended speaking with property owners before any rezoning. Several councilors raised the idea of reserving some frontage along key roads for commercial zoning to support businesses and services near new industrial employers in the west end and ETTP.

The council also reviewed candidate “small-area” planning priorities to supplement the comprehensive plan. Williams listed five current small-area topics from the consultant contract and proposed additional candidates: 1) the ETTP/Heritage Park area, 2) west-end commercial opportunities, 3) preparation for a potential parcel transferred from DOE (EB-6), 4) Milton Lake waterfront planning, and 5) the Jefferson shopping/commercial area. Staff told the council a stand‑alone small-area plan begins at about $75,000 but suggested alternative procurement options including an RFP for local firms or in‑house work by planning staff.

Council members recommended priorities that would support redevelopment and protect open space: Jefferson shopping area and west-end commercial planning were named by multiple councilors as near-term needs; others urged attention to preserving open space on DOE‑owned ridgelines and identifying commercial frontage where appropriate. The council did not take a binding vote but asked staff to gather input and continue coordination with the planning commission and property owners.

Separately in the work session, Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation executive Mr. McGill briefed councilors on private investment and land-transfer strategy tied to ETTP. McGill said the corridor has attracted roughly $16 billion in announced investment over the last two years and that the corporation is pursuing discussions with the Department of Energy and other partners about transferring surplus reservation land to the community for mixed uses including industrial, housing, open space, and recreation. Council members asked staff to continue those conversations; one councilor asked staff to bring a formal request to DOE to pause a proposed transfer of a portion of ETTP land to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) so the city can evaluate potential conflicts with nearby industrial uses.

Council requested further outreach to property owners and more detailed cost and scope options for small-area plans before adopting zoning changes.