Johnson City planning staff presented two linked ordinances Jan. 8 to change the Horizon 2045 place type from Employment Flex to Compact Residential and to rezone a parcel at 0 Princeton Road to R-3 (medium-density residential) for a proposed 16-townhome development.

Planning Manager Whitney Hodges told the commission the applicant had met prior conditions, updated the site plan and would provide a new sidewalk on Nave Drive. Staff said R-3 zoning would allow up to seven units per acre (up to 18 units on this site) and the applicant is proposing 16 units. The updated site plan also provides 38 parking spaces where 32 were required, which staff said addressed a prior neighborhood concern about on-street parking.

Hodges said staff recommended approval of the place-type amendment and rezoning; planning commission members had previously recommended approval with conditions, and staff said those conditions had been met. Commissioners approved the first reading; a public hearing will be scheduled at the next meeting before final action.

Neighbors’ concerns discussed at outreach included lighting, traffic and construction quality; staff said four neighbors attended the neighborhood meeting and the applicant attempted to address concerns through added landscaping and screening.