KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville City Council met Tuesday evening during a regular meeting to discuss and vote on several proposals.
They approved a new housing project that will build 80 new affordable housing units on Asheville Highway, in East Knoxville. It costs $2,000,000 and the development would be built by The Ammons at Asheville Highway. Funds would come from the Affordable Rental Development Fund.
The development will be built out of an abandoned hotel.
"This is exactly what we hoped would happen after we decided to add more money into the housing redevelopment fund, and now it is happening and we are grateful," said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon.
Tenants will pay rent based on their income. Officials said that they will not need to pay more than 30% of it. Construction on the development will start in the fall, and city leaders say it will take around a year to complete.
The city council also voted on a resolution to make improvements at existing affordable housing developments. They would cost up to $3,781,900 and the Knoxville Community Development Corporation would make sure the improvements are done.
The improvements would be at Austin Homes along Summit Hill Drive, Harriet Tubman Street and Bell Street. The improvements are part of Phase III in the Austin Homes Master Plan. The plan is meant to improve the East Knoxville community, transforming many existing properties into homes.
The Knoxville Fire Department and Knoxville Police Department would also get more equipment, such as hazmat gear and equipment to help with search and rescue operations.
The Knoxville City Council will next meet on Sept. 16 for a workshop meeting.