Planning staff backs East Bend downtown subdistrict; commission defers for further review

Metro Planning staff presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 17.37 of the downtown code to establish an East Bend Subdistrict for an industrial East Bank site. The presentation outlined a form‑based regulating plan, a 75‑foot public greenway buffer along the river, a proposed street grid, tower spacing and floor‑plate standards, and requirements for infrastructure coordination with Metro Water, NDOT and other agencies.

Harriet Brooks said staff calibrated standards to precedent in nearby Central Waterfront and the 2024 downtown market study. The plan is intended to recenter the river as a public asset and to require developer contributions for sewer, stormwater and a public realm network. Staff recommended approval with conditions and deferral to Feb. 12 to allow additional work on the major/collector street plan and infrastructure details.

Property owners and developers who addressed the commission said collaboration across Metro departments and with state agencies (TDEC, TDOT, Army Corps) has already occurred and expressed support. Commissioners praised the public‑realm emphasis and asked for additional information about parcel shapes, step‑down heights toward the river, and ensuring long‑term public access without privatization.

Commissioners voted to defer to Feb. 12 with direction that staff and the applicant address pedestrian connections across Korean Veterans Boulevard, tower heights and spacing, public access and long‑term maintenance of proposed public‑realm spaces, and coordination with Metro Water on sewer upgrades required by an existing 2009 EPA consent decree.

Because the item will return to the Feb. 12 meeting, staff will supply more detailed exhibits and infrastructure phasing for the commission and the public.