THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
By MATTHEW LANE
mlane@timesnews.net
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Regional Planning Commission is recommending a section of the Riverview community be rezoned to Planned Village District — a relatively new zone that allows for mixed-use development including office space, residential and commercial space.
The move is being done in connection with the HOPE VI project, which includes the redevelopment of the Riverview community — 32 new homes built on the old Riverview Apartments site and an expansion at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center.
The Planning Commission also approved the Riverview Master Plan for the project, which serves as a guide for the types of development in the respective sections of the community — the Village Green (the splash pad and park), the Village Center (V.O. Dobbins and the businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) and the Village Edge (the new housing development).
The Kingsport Landing area of town received a similar zoning designation, and city planners say the new zone will help with redevelopment in the Riverview community.
DOUGLASS AUDITORIUM AT LEFT, JAMES STREET IN MIDDLE, NOW CLEARED LOT ON RIGHT
THE FORMER BOOKER STREET
The Planning Commission voted Thursday night to also vacate two roads in the Riverview community — James Street and Booker Street. James Street is located behind V.O. Dobbins and will be used as an access road to a new parking lot, while Booker Street ran between the old Riverview Apartments site.
City planners expect to meet with the entire Riverview community next month to discuss the project.
All of these recommendations are expected to go before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen next month.
