City Commission Approves Townhomes, $275K Rotary Park Upgrade

The park project is $125,000 more than the city's initial budget allocation.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Johnson City commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning ordinance for a new 16-unit townhome development and a $275,000 project to resurface the playground at Johnson City Rotary Park. The townhome development will be built on a vacant lot on the corner of Princeton Road and Nave Drive, while the Rotary Park project will replace the existing turf with a new rubber surface.

Why it matters

The townhome development aims to address the city's need for more affordable housing, as a recent study found that a majority of renters in Johnson City earn less than $50,000 annually. The Rotary Park resurfacing project will improve safety and durability at one of the city's most popular parks.

The details

The townhome development, proposed by Proper Properties Investment Group, will be designed around the lot's existing terrain to create a natural buffer between the homes and surrounding roads. The project will include a retention pond and an internal walking trail. The Rotary Park resurfacing project will cost $275,000, which is $125,000 more than the city's initial budget allocation. The extra funds will be pulled from the city's unallocated general fund capital.

  • The city commission approved the rezoning ordinance and Rotary Park project on February 6, 2026.
  • The Rotary Park resurfacing project is expected to be completed by May 2026.

The players

Proper Properties Investment Group

The developer designing the new 16-unit townhome development on the corner of Princeton Road and Nave Drive.

Joe Wise

A city commissioner who commented on how the townhomes will help address the city's need for more affordable housing.

Todd Fowler

A city commissioner who initially voted against the developer's rezoning request but now fully supports the project after changes were made.

April Norris

The Johnson City Director of Parks and Recreation who spoke about the Rotary Park resurfacing project.

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What they’re saying

“The key to housing affordability is more housing. This is 16 more units that adds to the necessary supply.”

— Joe Wise, City Commissioner (johnsoncitypress.com)

“I voted against the last [rezoning request] and I voted for this one because I think [the developer] did a great job at redoing what we had talked about, what the problems were — making parking and all that — so I am very much behind the new one.”

— Todd Fowler, City Commissioner (johnsoncitypress.com)

What’s next

The developer can now move forward with site plan approvals and the permitting process for the townhome development.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates Johnson City's efforts to address the need for more affordable housing options, while also investing in the upkeep and safety of its popular public parks.