KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knoxville nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness will remain at its current location after a key vote by City Council.
Council members on Tuesday denied a resolution that would have overturned a previous decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals. That earlier decision exempted CareCuts from certain zoning requirements and allowed the organization to continue operating on Clinton Highway without relocating.
The appeal was filed by a Knoxville resident who raised concerns about safety in the area, pointing out that the stretch of Clinton Highway where CareCuts is located lacks sidewalks and could pose a risk to people accessing services.
Despite those concerns, City Council ultimately sided with the nonprofit, determining that CareCuts qualifies for an exemption under religious land use protections.
CareCuts representatives said they are aware of the safety challenges and are actively working to address them for those who use their services.
