A 216-unit apartment complex is proposed to be built at 500 Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN. The property is owned by the Johnson City Washington County Chamber of Commerce and houses a large vacant flour mill. To build the apartment complex, the developer, Evolve Development LLC, needs the property rezoned.
The adjoining neighborhood, Walnut Street business owners, some members of the Johnson City Commission and Regional Planning Commissions, and the Johnson City Press editorial board have all spoken out that this isn’t the right development for this vital connecting point between ETSU and Downtown Johnson City.
We are asking to not rezone the property until a new corridor study can be performed on this important piece of property.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 20, 2014
March 18, 2014
The numbers keep ticking up which feels wild but we are actually nearing that two hundred and fifty mark and I really think hitting that goal today would make a huge statement to the commission during their planning session. If everyone here just links this to one friend who actually lives in the city limits we could definitely push right over that threshold before the sun goes down.
March 12, 2014
I have been staring at the maps for the old mill site all morning trying to figure out how they think this fits when the traffic is already a nightmare. It is wild to see how many people in town agree with us that another massive complex is just not the right move for that specific corner.
Reached 100 supporters
March 10, 2014
March 9, 2014
I was just looking at the count and we are almost at a hundred which is honestly wild since I just started this on a whim because I was so annoyed while walking past the mill. If you know anyone who actually cares about the future of that corridor please just send them the link right now because I really want to hit that triple digit mark before the day is over.
102 Comments
This is not the right development for this important property. A comprehensive corridor study is essential. Planning for the proper long-term development of this corridor is needed.
The Tree Streets Neighborhood has done so much to improve and revitalize over the past 20 years. This would be a step backward for this wonderful, family-friendly neighborhood.
Appalachian Art School, high end lofts, something to generate positive cultural experience along with revenue, Appalachian Museum, something brining a positive reflection of our area. Not yet another cheap apartment complex housing several suitcase students, they leave and with them goes $.
This is an important piece of property that deserves a higher use than student housing. The mill needs to be preserved to inform future generations how Johnson City was developed.
No one yet, city planners, city leadership, Chamber of Commerce or the proposed developer has provided any compelling argument as to how a stick built, rent by the room apartment complex will improve this property or enhance the ETSU to downtown corridor.
I understand that Johnson City needs to make smart business decisions for our community but I am concerned that this is not the type of development that we need in this area. I believe this is a short term fix to this problem that will have lasting consequences.
Red Flags! Developer Renigs: Developer misrepresents project to lure in businesses, residential neighbors and city leaders; developer requires major concessions required to avoid the desirable and much--needed "mixed use" of the property; out of town developer pattern shows history of build it, sell it off and move on to next community; commissioners made to appear prey to political pressure & short-sightedness by choosing "quick-fix" solution, "only" viable option; Commisioners put in squeeze play to make wrong decision resulting in current commissioners leaving a legacy to further diminish Johnson City progress and heritage; Chamber of Commerce desperate to dump property and urges commissioners to ignore red flags and "save" them; Citizens of Johnson City finding it necessary to stop and speak out against a possible mis-step and help illuminate issues and urge city leaders to help further the progress of Downtown revitalization efforts and support quality, well-planned sustainable projects and developments. Johnson City residents care about the long-term future of our town and count on our elected city commissioners and appointed leaders and planners to make well-studied, long-sighted decisions on behalf of the people. Please take note of the recent, very positive public response to many, progressive projects and decisions made by this board of commissioners and city leaders...this affirming and validating response from the people is a good indication of well-researched plans and wise decisions that include the very important component of longevity and "vision" on the part of commissioners for our entire commmunity. All around town, people are talking about Tupelo Honey, The Tweetsie Trail, Founder's Park, Water Retention/Flood Water Retention Projects; Lady of the Fountain; Landscaping and Beautifcation projects and more. We're excited to see what's next. People are excited and proud about the promise of these ideas, decisions and projects. The
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A 216-unit apartment complex is proposed to be built at 500 Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN. The property is owned by the Johnson City Washington County Chamber of Commerce and houses a large vacant flour mill. To build the apartment complex, the developer, Evolve Development LLC, needs the property rezoned.
The adjoining neighborhood, Walnut Street business owners, some members of the Johnson City Commission and Regional Planning Commissions, and the Johnson City Press editorial board have all spoken out that this isn’t the right development for this vital connecting point between ETSU and Downtown Johnson City.
We are asking to not rezone the property until a new corridor study can be performed on this important piece of property.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 20, 2014
March 18, 2014
The numbers keep ticking up which feels wild but we are actually nearing that two hundred and fifty mark and I really think hitting that goal today would make a huge statement to the commission during their planning session. If everyone here just links this to one friend who actually lives in the city limits we could definitely push right over that threshold before the sun goes down.
March 12, 2014
I have been staring at the maps for the old mill site all morning trying to figure out how they think this fits when the traffic is already a nightmare. It is wild to see how many people in town agree with us that another massive complex is just not the right move for that specific corner.
Reached 100 supporters
March 10, 2014
March 9, 2014
I was just looking at the count and we are almost at a hundred which is honestly wild since I just started this on a whim because I was so annoyed while walking past the mill. If you know anyone who actually cares about the future of that corridor please just send them the link right now because I really want to hit that triple digit mark before the day is over.
102 Comments
Walnut Street needs more small businesses, not apartments. We have the residential that we desire within our Tree Street neighborhood already. More small businesses will draw more of the neighborhood out to strengthen the community. Thanks.
This is not the right development for this important property. A comprehensive corridor study is essential. Planning for the proper long-term development of this corridor is needed.
The Tree Streets Neighborhood has done so much to improve and revitalize over the past 20 years. This would be a step backward for this wonderful, family-friendly neighborhood.
Appalachian Art School, high end lofts, something to generate positive cultural experience along with revenue, Appalachian Museum, something brining a positive reflection of our area. Not yet another cheap apartment complex housing several suitcase students, they leave and with them goes $.
This is an important piece of property that deserves a higher use than student housing. The mill needs to be preserved to inform future generations how Johnson City was developed.
No one yet, city planners, city leadership, Chamber of Commerce or the proposed developer has provided any compelling argument as to how a stick built, rent by the room apartment complex will improve this property or enhance the ETSU to downtown corridor.
I understand that Johnson City needs to make smart business decisions for our community but I am concerned that this is not the type of development that we need in this area. I believe this is a short term fix to this problem that will have lasting consequences.
Red Flags! Developer Renigs: Developer misrepresents project to lure in businesses, residential neighbors and city leaders; developer requires major concessions required to avoid the desirable and much--needed "mixed use" of the property; out of town developer pattern shows history of build it, sell it off and move on to next community; commissioners made to appear prey to political pressure & short-sightedness by choosing "quick-fix" solution, "only" viable option; Commisioners put in squeeze play to make wrong decision resulting in current commissioners leaving a legacy to further diminish Johnson City progress and heritage; Chamber of Commerce desperate to dump property and urges commissioners to ignore red flags and "save" them; Citizens of Johnson City finding it necessary to stop and speak out against a possible mis-step and help illuminate issues and urge city leaders to help further the progress of Downtown revitalization efforts and support quality, well-planned sustainable projects and developments. Johnson City residents care about the long-term future of our town and count on our elected city commissioners and appointed leaders and planners to make well-studied, long-sighted decisions on behalf of the people. Please take note of the recent, very positive public response to many, progressive projects and decisions made by this board of commissioners and city leaders...this affirming and validating response from the people is a good indication of well-researched plans and wise decisions that include the very important component of longevity and "vision" on the part of commissioners for our entire commmunity. All around town, people are talking about Tupelo Honey, The Tweetsie Trail, Founder's Park, Water Retention/Flood Water Retention Projects; Lady of the Fountain; Landscaping and Beautifcation projects and more. We're excited to see what's next. People are excited and proud about the promise of these ideas, decisions and projects. The
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Walnut Street needs more small businesses, not apartments. We have the residential that we desire within our Tree Street neighborhood already. More small businesses will draw more of the neighborhood out to strengthen the community. Thanks.