The Johnson City Board of Commissioners on Dec. 18 advanced a rezoning request for 4.81 acres at 2121 Seminole Drive, moving a proposed R‑2 to R‑2C rezoning through its second reading and public hearing. The rezoning would allow a proposed 11‑lot single‑family subdivision the developer says will be used to house victims of hurricane Helene.

In public comment, Jim McMachen of Grace Fellowship Church said the church organized a fundraising campaign late in 2024 and, "To date, the generosity of Grace Fellowship Church has generated support to build at least 20 homes in our community." Alf Nelson, executive pastor at Grace Fellowship, said the church intends to donate the lot to ASP after subdivision and added that the homes "will be owned by the residents," indicating the plan is for homeowner occupancy.

Staff presented the project materials and said utilities and sidewalks will be provided, noted the site’s 1.67 acres of open space and that the project is within an area served by transit and public utilities. Staff recommended approval, citing compatibility with Horizon 2045 neighborhood residential place types and the city’s growth‑management objectives. A neighborhood meeting was held in November with six attendees; concerns raised earlier included density, traffic on Antioch Road and stormwater runoff.

Commissioners asked whether the homes would be owner‑occupied; staff deferred to the developer present, and Alf Nelson confirmed the intention that residents would own the homes. The commission then recorded a unanimous roll call vote in favor of the motion to approve the rezoning at the second reading and scheduled the third reading per the normal timeline.

Next steps include final platting and subdivision approvals, any required traffic or stormwater study triggered by permit applications and the developer’s coordination with ASP to complete construction and convey homes to residents.