Dispute over non-profit’s zoning dividing Falling Water

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Neighbors in the Falling Water area of Soddy-Daisy are disputing over a zoning request from a non-profit.

The owner says she just wants to continue serving those in need while some of her neighbors say her request could lead to unintended consequences.

Gail Ward-Holden says she just wants to help those in need with her “4theloveofgod” charity.

She says with her non-profit, they engage with the elderly and underprivileged children to provide them with fellowship and activities.

A key to her work she says is a building she calls the “prayer house” that she has built on her property.

She was notified that the building is currently seven feet too close to Roberts Mill Road according to the A-1 residential zoning policies.

She has applied for the property to be changed into an O-1 office property, which would render the issue obsolete, but some neighbors say that opens the door for unwanted businesses to come into Falling Water.

One neighbor, Jake Floyd argued, “The O-1 District could allow a five story office building, if it’s there, there’s nothing to stop that.”

The area in which this property sits on in Falling Water is very residential, in fact all of the property surrounding the primary property in question are residential. 

Another neighbor, Patricia Craft, said, “There is absolutely nothing personal about this, but a rezoning of that property would significantly impact our community, and we prefer to keep it residential.”

However, Ward-Holden maintains this was the only option given to her to avoid having to remove this building.

“They’re thinking I’m going to build an office complex and have a parking lot, and Dollar General, and all of this crazy stuff, and all of that is just not true,” she said.

She also alleged those opposing this aren’t giving her charity a chance, saying, “They don’t know any of (what we do), they don’t care to know it. I’m sorry I’m being blunt but respectfully they don’t care to know it. They aren’t going to stop me from being who I am.”

Some of her supporters also reiterated the help she gives our community.

One neighbor and supporter, Edward Easter, said, “I love Ms. Gail and her family because I get to help her with the elderly and the handicap and stuff and I just enjoy it.”

Some commissioners seemed to indicate there is only one solution.

“It doesn’t have water. It doesn’t have power. It doesn’t have sewer in the building, all she has to do is move to building seven feet,” said Commissioner Chip Baker.

The Commission will vote on this potential zoning change in two weeks.