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Commission approves first reading to rezone 2121 Seminole Drive to allow homes for Hurricane Helene‑displaced families
Summary
By unanimous first reading, the commission moved to rezone 4.81 acres at 2121 Seminole Drive from R‑2 to R‑2C so the parcel donated by Grace Fellowship Church can be developed for up to 11 single‑family lots intended to house families affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Johnson City Commission gave first reading approval on Dec. 4 to an ordinance that would rezone 4.81 acres at 2121 Seminole Drive from R‑2 to R‑2C to accommodate an 11‑lot single‑family subdivision.
Planner Sarah Flyfield told the commission the request (Ordinance 49‑32‑25) was recommended by the Planning Commission on Nov. 11 and complies with the Horizon 2045 growth management plan’s neighborhood residential guidance. The rezoning is intended to allow Grace Fellowship Church to donate the parcel to Appalachian Service Project (ASP) to build homes for families displaced by Hurricane Helene; staff said utilities are available and the concept plan includes sidewalks, a new public road and approximately 1.67 acres of open space.
Public comment: Alf Nelson, executive pastor at Grace Fellowship Church, described the church’s partnership with ASP and said the parcel has been held by the church for more than 20 years. Nelson explained that, under current zoning, about seven homes would be feasible on the buildable portion of the land; changing zoning to R‑2C would allow up to 11 lots and increase the number of homes the church and ASP could offer.
Concerns raised at a neighborhood meeting included density, traffic impacts on Antioch Road and Huffine Circle, stormwater runoff and tree removal; staff noted the development must meet stormwater and FEMA/no‑rise requirements and that a traffic study was not required for the proposed plan.
A motion to approve the ordinance’s first reading passed by unanimous roll call. The second reading is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2025, with the third and final reading on Jan. 8, 2026.
Quote: "Our desire is just to be able to build more homes for more families," Alf Nelson said of the collaboration with ASP.
Next step: The ordinance will return for second and third readings on the posted dates; staff and developer partners will proceed with due diligence and design following those approvals.
