During this week’s Kingston City Council meeting, the mayor began by reading a proclamation honoring April 17th as Patriots’ Day, in conjunction with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Next on the agenda, the council heard from Pete Schweigerht, who represented Pivotal Housing Partners from Ohio. He presented the company’s proposal to build a Workhouse Development apartment complex on a 3.4-acre parcel of property that the city purchased from Calvary Baptist Church early last year. The city had originally considered building a recreation center on the site but later decided to sell it. Pivotal Housing Partners then expressed interest in purchasing the property for the apartment development.

The representative informed the council and the public that his company has been in business for 35 years and currently operates apartments in 12 states, with the closest location in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If the city council and Pivotal Housing Partners reach an agreement, the company would purchase the property—though at this point there is only an intent to do so.

According to the representative, the company plans to build 80 to 90 units of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on the property located on Roane Street, running off Greenwood Street. Several nearby residents attended the meeting, and a representative for the group stated that most residents in the area oppose the apartments due to concerns about increased traffic. Kevin Mays also spoke against the development, suggesting that his property on Lawnville Road would be better suited for this type of project, though it has not received approval at this time.

Pivotal Housing Partners is still awaiting final planning approval but is eager to move forward with construction on the Roane Street property. It appears the council is in favor of the proposal.

Under new business, the council gave first reading approval to an ordinance revising the policies and procedures for the Board of Waterworks and Sewage. The changes would assist customers with their water and sewer bills in the event of a catastrophic occurrence.

Finally, the Kingston City Council passed, on first reading, an ordinance to amend a section of the city charter titled “Intoxicating Liquors.” This amendment will lift restrictions on the number of liquor stores allowed to operate within Kingston.