Kerbela Development Proposal Update

Knoxville City Council member Karyn Adams updates us on the proposed residential development at the site of Kerbela Temple:

“Planning Commission heard the Kerbela Development Proposal at its May 14, 2026, meeting. The South Waterfront Advocacy and Advisory Group (SWAAG) detailed the specific and consistent issues of concern with the proposal. CR Endeavors, the developer, argued that their concept and the site require variances. Planning Commission spent two hours on the case and sent it back to the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) as needing more work. Kerbela Temple proposal

“As of this writing, CR Endeavors has indicated that they will be revising their proposal. No date for next review has been announced. You can view the entire hearing (start at 25:37).

“I’m immensely proud of SWAAG’s contributions, and grateful to the SoKno and Knoxville community for speaking up, coming to meetings, making comments on the Planning site, and dedicating so many hours and so much energy to insisting that the South Waterfront Code be followed.

“I also appreciate the time spent by Planning Commission to really listen and wrestle with this significant case. Please stay engaged and attentive for when the next round of plan revisions is shared.”

The original concept plan for the Kerbela Temple site. The Birmingham-based company would build 200 apartment units on the 7.5 acre site. (CR Endeavors website)

Summer sizzles with city parks & rec

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department went into high gear this Memorial Day weekend to launch into the first of many ways families can stay active and creative this season.

The city’s outdoor pools – Ed Cothren Pool, 1737 Reynolds St., and Inskip Pool, 4204 Bruhin Road – opened for the season Saturday, May 23. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person with splash passes and group rates available.

New this summer: Starting May 26, Ed Cothren Pool will be open 8 -10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for adults-only lap swimming. Admission is $5 per person.

Part-time jobs are available as lifeguards and/or water safety instructors. Contact  aquatics@knoxvilletn.gov to learn more.

Click to learn

Info on the city’s pools and programming, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/Aquatics.

Info on summer camps for kids, visit www.SummerCampKnoxville.com.

Info on art camps in a variety of media and age ranges will be held all summer at the Knoxville Art Center. Learn more here.

Safety City – the miniature Knoxville where second graders learn about safety – will have regular public hours this summer starting with a kickoff event on Friday, May 29, 5-8 p.m. Learn more at www.knoxvilletn.gov/safetycity

Kid A’Riffic – The city’s Office of Special Events will host activities in June and July at different parks across the city. The first event is June 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chilhowee Park, with more than 20 partner groups providing games, activities, giveaways and treats – plus a touch-a-truck area with emergency vehicles, big trucks and more. Learn more at https://www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/KidARiffic.

Budget Address, Legislative Hearings and Second Reading

Karyn Adams introduced Mayor Kincannon for the annual budget message at the end of April at the Gateway Pavilion to the Urban Wilderness. City council will discuss and vote on the second reading of the budget today, May 26, during the regular meeting.

Notes & Quotes

North Knoxville Business & Professional Association will meet at noon on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway, at 8 a.m. A free breakfast, sponsored by East TN Heat & Air, will start at 7:45. Representatives from Centro Hispanol will speak.

Terra Madre – Women in Clay exhibition is opening at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, on Friday, June 5, from 5-9 p.m. This free gathering with the exhibiting artists will feature live music by Nick Marlow. The exhibit will be on display through June 26. Gallery hours are M-F 9-5.

Beaver Creek Flotilla is Saturday, May 30, 2026, launching at 9:30 a.m. at Powell High Landing, adjacent to the PHS baseball field on Brickyard Road. Info and registration here.

Quote: “A good contractor or roofer will not randomly knock on your door. They are busy. Call someone you know.” – Penny Kleinschmidt, State Farm agency owner

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