Metro Council Considers Rezoning Proposal for the Final Time on Tuesday Night

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Jim Hawk

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Apr 20, 2026, 10:22:54 AM (4 days ago) Apr 20
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The information offered below is provided solely by myself and is neither endorsed or opposed by Historic Edgefield Neighbors. You are encouraged to make your own informed decision regarding your own support or opposition to these amendments.


The Metro Council is considering for a final vote a major, two-part rezoning proposal (BL2026-1273) for the "East Bend" area (formerly PSC Metals) on the East Bank this Tuesday night. 

The legislation aims to rezone the old PSC Metals scrap yard to create a walkable, mixed-use district along the Cumberland River, often cited as a "once-in-a-generation" development opportunity.

Councilmembers are scheduled to review amendments (including 18 last-minute changes) focusing on height restrictions, parking, and traffic impacts. 

During our most recent neighborhood meeting, our District 6 Councilmember Clay Capp urged us to reach out to our At-Large Council Representatives to urge their support on the following amendments as the vote is anticipated to be very close:

AMENDMENT 3 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo):  Restricts hotel uses within the East Bend subdistrict to parcels located entirely between the Linear Green Space and Korean Veterans Boulevard, with at least 200 feet of continuous frontage on Korean Veterans Boulevard or the north side of East Bank Boulevard.

AMENDMENT 4 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo): Limits surface parking lots as a principal use in the East Bend subdistrict to days when events are held at Nissan Stadium or the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Also limits automobile parking as a stand-alone use to 20% of the total developable area and phases out stand-alone parking after June 30th 2031.

AMENDMENT 5 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo): Modifies maximum building heights in the East Bend subdistrict. The River Gateway property can reach up to 40 stories if it meets certain policy and design standards, subject to review and appeal.

AMENDMENT 6 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo): Prohibits stadium/arena convention center uses within the East Bend subdistrict.

AMENDMENT 7 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo): Requires a transportation infrastructure analysis for the East Bend subdistrict every five years, starting December 31, 2026, to inform recommendations for improvements based on demand and multimodal hierarchy.

AMENDMENT 8 (Capp, Benedict, Evans, Vo): Increases the required depth of habitable liners for above-ground parking structures and strengthens requirements for structured parking to ensure active-use liners and architectural integration.

Substitute Ordinance No. BL2026-1315 (Capp): Establishes a permit prioritization program for affordable housing and day care projects, providing expedited review for qualifying projects and codifying the process and standards for prioritization.

AMENDMENT 9 (Benedict, Evans): Clarifies and expands the process for modifications to Downtown Code standards, including appeals, review committees, and timelines for building permits. Establishes the East Bank Design Review Committee and outlines its composition and procedures.

AMENDMENT 10 (Benedict, Evans): Updates diagrams and height regulations for the East Bend subdistrict, including provisions for exceptional height and civic uses, and replaces referenced diagrams in the Downtown Code.

AMENDMENT 11 (Benedict, Evans): Incorporates the Shelby’s Bend East Bend Subdistrict into the Downtown Code and sets conditions for planning staff coordination and terminology updates.

AMENDMENT 12 (Parker, Benedict): Requires that any Major and Collector Street Plan (MCSP) amendment for the East Bend subdistrict receive advisory recommendations from the Bicycle Advisory and Pedestrian Commission and the Vision Zero Advisory Committee before Planning Commission consideration.

These summaries attempt to provide a concise overview of each amendment sponsored by Clay Capp, Sean Parker, or Emily Benedict, highlighting their focus on urban design, transportation, parking, building height, and procedural improvements for the East Bend subdistrict and related ordinances. Please double-check each description and compare it to the actual proposed amendment.


CONTACT INFORMATION FOR AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Again, you are encouraged to make your own informed decision regarding your own support or opposition to these amendments.


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