The Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval for rezoning to allow a complex for UTC fraternities and sororities at the old Cavalier property at Central Avenue near 10th and 11th streets.
Developer Roy Williams, a 1973 UTC graduate and Pi Kappa Alpha alumni, said he plans to spend $3 million to $5 million at the site.
Approval still must be gained from the City Council and the city Variance Board.
Mr. Williams said he has been trying since 1978 to find a home for the UTC fraternities and sororities.
He said an effort to locate the project on McCallie Avenue in 2000 was denied.
Mr. Williams said three Greek societies are planning to occupy buildings at the site, and others may move there also. He said it could include up to five two-story units with each including from 5,000 to 6,000 square feet.
Officials of the MLK Neighborhood Association asked for a delay until a MLK plan can be completed. It is due within a month.
However, the majority of the commission voted to send the case on.
Mike Langley said the site is at the fringe of the MLK neighborhood.
Vance Travis, another planning commission member, said it is difficult to find a tenant for a site bounded by railroad tracks, a manufacturing site and a busy road like Central Avenue.
The property now belongs to the Southeast Tennessee Local Development Corporation.
Joe Guthrie said the group gradually assembled the property, buying houses he said were used for drug sales and prostitution.