A story from WATE with more from a resident and employee.

I have represented Dover for many years. I just want to point out that Knoxville High was ALWAYS independent apartments. Every unit has a full kitchen..full size fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Because of the food service we had people there who needed to be in assisted living, which was never our intent. To suggest they are now becoming apartments is just not right. You might still be opposed to it, but I wanted you to have correct information. Also, services like cleaning are still offered. Many did not use those services to we made them ala carte. Everyone's rent was significantly reduced as well.

needs, nor lots of other needs, like safe trains...

I never understood how a (local, this time) government could rationalize giving him more money.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Deny the sector plan amendment to the CI (Civic and Institutional) classification because it does not meet any of the criteria for a change to the land use plan.

I’ve also heard there is at least one individual interested in buying the facility and continue as senior living.

“This whole thing doesn’t quite make sense to me, trading out a senior center for a drug rehabilitation center right next to not only an elementary school but the Cecil Webb [Recreation] Center behind it,” he said.

Potential rehab facility’s location raises concern from South Knoxville residents

Knox County Planning Commission approved the rezoning of the old [South High School] building, which has been a senior living facility for 3 years.

Next the rezoning application moves to the Knoxville City Council.

"According to Sbordone [a nurse at South High], the community does not want the sale to happen and there was a petition with more than 1,000 signatures, which was not addressed in the commission meeting."

In other news, "In North Knoxville, the Knox County Industrial Development Board removed a provision from the contract he (Dover) had with the board [for the old Knoxville High School], requiring him to lease apartments to people age 62 and older. "

Here is the Change.org Save South High Petition.

Here is the Save South High facebook page.

Looks like McNabb has backed out.

"The McNabb Center is ending its efforts to purchase South High Senior Living in Knoxville in order to turn the assisted living facility into a drug rehabilitation center."

Looking at commercial property listings there are a lot in Farragut area. With Parkwest and Tennova hospitals in the area. They could focus on that area for the rehab facility.

"The property is owned by the city's Industrial Development Board under a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, which gives the recipient a break on property taxes and requires instead a consistent annual payment. A Dover Signature Properties spokesperson told Knox News the PILOT has 20 years remaining and would have expired upon a sale to McNabb."