Kerbela Project Update - will be heard by Planning this Thursday
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Janice Tocher
Jun 8, 2026, 10:03:46 AM (2 days ago) Jun 8
to swna@googlegroups.com Woodlawn
Greetings neighbors,
Please see this message from the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group...
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CR-Endeavors (CRE) has submitted a revised proposal for an apartment development on the Kerbela Temple site. The South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group (SWAAG) has been monitoring this proposal. The Planning Commission will hear this revised application on Thursday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room in the City County Building.
Planning commission postponed the proposal in May to allow for revisions based on communication with community stakeholders. But CRE’s new submission was offered for City review without any follow up communication with SWAAG .
Although CRE has made some minor positive changes, the revised plan does not address the major concerns identified by SWAAG and discussed at Planning Commission. This design does not meet the intent of the vision plan, which is to create an engaging, public urban experience. We are in danger of a development on this site that violates the intent of the South Waterfront Code and Vision Plan as well as a project that may set a precedent for other developers that do not want to follow the vision the South Knoxville community created.
Here's a link to the South Waterfront Vision Plan.
It is also important for the community to be well-represented at this meeting. Please try to attend if possible. This item is close to the beginning of the agenda, so you will not have to stay for too long. You can sign up to speak at the meeting if you wish, but please note Planning Commission rules allow only five minutes per side and a SWAAG representative will be speaking.
SWAAG is working on comments to the Planning Commission, but our initial comments to the City are attached.
Thanks!
South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group
===========
CR-Endeavors (CRE) has submitted a revised proposal for an apartment development on the Kerbela Temple site. The South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group (SWAAG) has been monitoring this proposal. The Planning Commission will hear this revised application on Thursday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room in the City County Building.
Planning commission postponed the proposal in May to allow for revisions based on communication with community stakeholders. But CRE’s new submission was offered for City review without any follow up communication with SWAAG .
Although CRE has made some minor positive changes, the revised plan does not address the major concerns identified by SWAAG and discussed at Planning Commission. This design does not meet the intent of the vision plan, which is to create an engaging, public urban experience. We are in danger of a development on this site that violates the intent of the South Waterfront Code and Vision Plan as well as a project that may set a precedent for other developers that do not want to follow the vision the South Knoxville community created.
Here's a link to the South Waterfront Vision Plan.
It is vital for the Planning Commission to hear from the community. You can make your comments on Planning’s website: https://knoxplanning.org/cases/4-A-26-OB. Comments can be submitted up to noon on Thursday, June 11, but should be sent ASAP because Commissioners will be reviewing those in preparation for the meeting. You can also view the revised plan and City and Planning Commission staff reports at that site.
It is also important for the community to be well-represented at this meeting. Please try to attend if possible. This item is close to the beginning of the agenda, so you will not have to stay for too long. You can sign up to speak at the meeting if you wish, but please note Planning Commission rules allow only five minutes per side and a SWAAG representative will be speaking.
SWAAG is working on comments to the Planning Commission, but our initial comments to the City are attached.
Feel free to share this message with any who may have an interest in this development or the South Waterfront.
If you have questions, please contact Rachel Craig at rlc...@usit.net, 865-919-3476.
Thanks!
South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group
PS - if you’re interested, here’s a link to the May Planning Commission meeting. The discussion about the Kerbela project is about 2 hours, so get yourself some popcorn :)
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