West Doe Avenue housing development clears second hurdle

By Buzz Trexler Star Correspondent

Rezoning approved on first reading Thursday night by the Elizabethton City Council means developers are one step closer to building 16 single-family residences near a section of the Tweetsie Trail.

The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission, during its regular meeting in December, approved the rezoning and conceptual site plan for three parcels on West Doe Avenue that would allow for the development.

The measure, if approved on second reading and public hearing by the City Council, would “downzone” the properties from Manufacturing-Warehouse (M-1) to High-Density Residential District (R-3). In recommending the rezoning to the Planning Commission, staff members explained that the property directly across the street, where Colonial Arms Apartments are located, is zoned R-3, and the narrow roadway is more suited for residential purposes than for manufacturing.

The 3.33-acre development would be carried out in two phases:

• Phase 1 would involve eight of the lots to be developed where an existing street and public infrastructure are already in place.
• Phase 2 will be where a new roadway is to be constructed, with a sidewalk on one side with a connection to the Tweetsie Trail.

According to the Tennessee Property Assessor database, one of the three parcels is currently owned by Summers Rentals, while the other two are owned by Summers-Taylor, both of 600 Sevier St., Johnson City. The lots are currently addressed 111 W. Doe Ave., 205 W. Doe Ave., and 215 W. Doe Ave., and the request was made by Daniel Lewis, of Highlands Engineering LLC, of Johnson City.

The developers will have to bring a final plan back to the Planning Commission for approval.