R-1 creates road block for project
Ducktown planners have agreed to move forward with a zoning change that will open the door for the continued revitalization of the old Kimsey Junior College/Ducktown Elementary School property.
Members of the city’s Municipal Planning Commission gathered in regular session Thursday, November 18, to discuss rezoning the old school from R-1 Low Density Residential zone to a Mixed-Use Overlay district.
The property’s new owners, Jason and Laura Collis, have been working around the clock with big plans for the building and the community at large. But they recently learned their plans are jeopardized by R-1 zoning restrictions.
Planning commission members learned the obstacle in changing zoning to a Mixed-Use Overlay district is that no such zone or district currently exists in Ducktown.
Sarah Murray, regional planner with the Southeast Tennessee Development District, said that “the best thing moving forward is having a Mixed-Use Overlay district. But with this, that’s also going to be creating a new amendment to the zoning ordinance, which is something that takes about two months to do because we have to have a planning commission recommendation to the board, and then the board approves it.”
While rezoning the property will be the first priority, Murray also said that other ordinances or regulations would also have to be created for the planned short-term rentals and RV and camping sites. She said these will take more time to write and approve because no current ordinances or regulations exist in Ducktown.
The Collis’ submitted their plans to the City of Ducktown, which include things like “opening a restaurant, hair salon/yoga studio, office space rentals, small doctor’s offices, merchant shops and a conference center. We are planning to host youth retreats, concerts, community events, etc. The gym will be capable of hosting sports tournaments. The auditorium is being set up so it can be used as a theater as well.”
There are also plans to use the second floor for short-term vacation rentals as well as having RV and camping sites for rent on the grounds of the property.
Planning commission member Jody Nicholson said, “On a personal level, I appreciate what you are doing. I moved over here three years ago. I wouldn’t move for anything. I love Ducktown. Anything I can do to help, all you have do is reach out to me and ask. And I know a bunch of these other guys feel the exact same way. So I just want to say thanks and I appreciate your vision.”
“It’s good to have some people on your side that kind of share your vision. That’s very encouraging,” Jason Collis said.
Although members were in agreement to make the changes, the commission must vote to approve any changes, and then the city council will have to vote whether to approve or deny the recommendations.