5-K-24-RZ Lindsey (37920), April 16, 2024 at 1:59 PM
I am writing regarding 2814 Tipton Station Road. I am aware that there is currently a rezoning request from Agricultural to Planned Residential. I am writing to dispute this request as a member of the Tipton Station community as a neighborhood of up to 5 units per acre would not fit this rural community. I greatly appreciate your consideration for preserving our community.
5-K-24-RZ Jennifer (37920), April 16, 2024 at 4:23 PM
Vote no to rezone 2814 Tipton station 2814 Tipton Station across from Galyon Lane for the old Atlas Powder Farm / Alex Shubert property. This property needs to stay Agriculture since it matches the whole area (vote no to Planned Residential). This area does not need to be so densely populated. Traffic count needs to be retested over a longer period with schools in session.
5-K-24-RZ Kianna (37919), April 18, 2024 at 2:11 PM
Deny this rezoning! Keep some of the integrity of south Knoxville yall have already gentrified east Knoxville and have made everything unaffordable. Where you are trying to build these houses, I have grown up riding 4wheelers and running with my dogs through those woods for the past 26 years. This community doesn’t need any more expensive neighborhoods. You’re not doing this for the people who have grown up in Tennessee.
5-K-24-RZ Kolbie (37909), April 18, 2024 at 2:14 PM
My grandparents who live on Tipton station and have lived there my whole life will be deeply affected by this number of houses being built essentially in their backyard. I’m afraid of the affect this will have on my elderly grandparents losing so much, so many memories. Also to do a traffic count during spring break when there’s not as much traffic isn’t right the count should be done during a regular day just like any other. Further more South Knoxville has one school system that cannot handle another 1200 or so students in the area area when they already struggle so much as it is to provide for the students that currently attend the high school middle school and elementary schools in the area. Please do what’s right and consider somewhere better equipped for a neighborhood of this size instead of forcing a community to take on something like this.
5-K-24-RZ Samantha (37920), April 19, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Tipton Station cannot handle that much traffic. I advise you all to do a traffic count NOT on spring break to show the correct numbers. this is ruining all of the land out there.
5-K-24-RZ Lezlie (37920), April 23, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Please do not approve the requested rezoning on 2814 Tipton Station Road. The fact that the landowner would even request this density shows his disregard for our rural community. My family travels this road daily and a development such as requested would make a two lane winding road even more dangerous. Thank you for considering those of us who already live in this area.
5-J-24-RZ Angelia (37938), April 23, 2024 at 7:54 PM
As a resident of Cooper Meadows who lives directly across from this property I highly oppose 5 houses per acre. That is absolutely absurd. I thought their were regulations on how many house that can built per acre. Most of us bought in Cooper Meadows because it was a smaller community and we would prefer it stayed as such. I will be reaching out to our neighbors and passing along these plans so that they to can comment and oppose.
5-J-24-RZ Kelsey (37938), April 23, 2024 at 8:06 PM
No. No. No. No. This plan is absolutely ridiculous and inconsiderate. No need to add 5 houses per acre. Every single occupant would deny this request. All I see is greediness.
The commissions continued poor planning for this part of the county must be stopped. The continued lack of an overall infrastructure, road and services planning while continuing to slam in more home plots is gross negligence on the commissions part. The congestion, already rampant on these corridors, and limited egress from this part of the county is a travesty. The injury, damage or loss of life this will create, is cause to hold your vote of yes as an accountable named party in any lawsuit. As this is being put forward by one of your former cronies Scott Davis it’s assured to be rubber stamped. There is no other zoning of 5 per this doesn’t align with overall planning of this sector, vote no with a max of 2/per acre based on location and surrounding lots.
5-L-24-RZ Jeff & Rebecca (37922), April 24, 2024 at 9:31 AM
Stop granting building permits greater than 1-2 houses per acre. The infrastructure in southwest Knox county is already unsafe and unmanaged. Placing the proposed level of density of 5 dwellings per acre is untenable and would reflect poorly on the judgement of Planning commission. Send a message to all would be developers that anything beyond two dwellings per acre will not be considered!
5-L-24-RZ Clay (37922), April 24, 2024 at 10:17 AM
Traffic is already a nightmare in the Northshore, Choto and Harvey Areas. Two lane roads with no shoulders and no street lights. Any and all future development needs to be paused until current resident safety and infrastructure needs are met. God forbid a resident in this area have a heart attack during rush hour. The quality of life that attracted us to this area is now gone with the onslaught of residential and commercial development in the Northshore/Choto area. Please stop all of this non stop development!
5-L-24-RZ Chanell (37922), April 24, 2024 at 1:58 PM
Feel like this is the norm now, cram as many houses on a few acres just to make some money. This area doesn’t have the density for adding 65 more houses adding at least 120 cars. We do not have the infrastructure on Northshore to support this. Our schools are becoming over crowded as well. I ask you look at this closely. 2 per acre min for this area.
5-K-24-RZ CONNIE (37920), April 24, 2024 at 9:13 PM
I really wanted to add photos to show in real life some of what I am speaking of but sadly that is not possible. Please see my attachment and deny this request of rezoning. View Attachment
5-J-24-RZ Michael (37938), April 24, 2024 at 9:42 PM
As a resident of Cooper Meadows I oppose this current plan. I have concerns about traffic flow and the addition of more houses than the current neighborhood is designed for.
5-J-24-RZ Nicole (37938), April 24, 2024 at 9:48 PM
As a resident of Cooper Meadows, I adamantly oppose this plan. My family chose this quiet no-outlet subdivision 7 years ago for a reason! We strongly oppose ruining it with overcrowding, too much traffic, and noise. It’s sad to see more and more of these types of “neighborhoods” crammed with residences popping up in Knoxville because of pure greediness. Please do not ruin a wonderful neighborhood community with this plan.
5-L-24-RZ Bill and Susan (37922), April 25, 2024 at 9:52 AM
The Harvey, Choto area is so overcrowded and access under the railroad bridge is dangerous with the traffic. The traffic circle at Northshore and Choto is very crowded. These are narrow roads with no shoulders. Pleas consider low density.
5-L-24-RZ Denia (37922), April 25, 2024 at 7:16 PM
As mentioned previously, the concern for high and medium high density construction in this area without any plans to address transit and overloaded roads puts those of us who live in this area at risk. One just needs a small accident in Northshore or Harvey to not be able to get any emergency services to our homes (firetrucks and ambulances can’t use the railroad underpass from Boyd St. Road into Harvey Rd). Adding any high density will significantly increase traffic, risks and will out citizens at risk. As a physician, I worry about my wellbeing and that of my neighbors. Prior to considering any new developments, it is the duty and responsibility of the county to ensure that roads are able to manage the load and that knox county citizens lives are not in the line. Approving this project is a clear hazard to our lives. I wholeheartedly voice my rejection to the plan.
I don’t know where to began I’m heart broken about all of this. It’s right in our back yard my in-laws have owned this house and land since the 1930’s. My father-in-law has always had a garden over the hill and so has my husband we have been married for 50 yrs he’s always planted our kids and grand and great grand kids have helped plant and pick when things were ready this last couple weeks seeing them over here doing the survey I’ve cried so many times we don’t need all of this here we have shared produce with so many neighbor's and friends please please don’t let this pass keep it as it is that’s all I can say please think about this please
5-L-24-RZ Holly (37922), April 26, 2024 at 7:30 AM
Once again in the Choto Peninsula, we are facing the issue of property owner rights versus infrastructure and home owner rights. Please consider how many recent developments have been approved in this area which cannot handle what is already there. If the county is unable/unwilling/cannot afford to add lanes to Northshore, you cannot add cars either. I understand the affect on the land owner, but the affect on ALL the other land owners is much more significant. I hope with the recent influx of comments you have heard that you understand. Every single day traffic is backed up at the ball fields and at The Cove. I understand Northshore is having a shoulder added on part of the road. But, please look and see that this added shoulder is AFTER the ball fields and The Cove. It's right where the traffic begins to clear. It will NOT help the traffic.
I am adamantly against any more new neighborhoods along this area. Traffic, over crowded schools and not to mention the infrastructure is so burdened already. A major incident IS (not when) going to happen on Northshore that will be catastrophic. Farragut has turned into a parking lot at times during the day.
5-I-24-RZ Clint (37806), April 26, 2024 at 2:32 PM
I am against rezoning this area from agriculture, we do not need anymore houses being built on this 1 lane road. It is dangerous enough as it is with all the traffic. Especially don’t won’t more than 1 house or dwellings per acre lot.
5-L-24-RZ Ashley (37922), April 26, 2024 at 5:41 PM
Harvey road is actually CRUMBLING away in front of Bruce Smith Road down to Copperstone, yet we’re gonna add 215+ homes (at least 430 cars) to this stretch of road. If the Choto area of Northshore can’t add another LANE, we can’t add more homes. Our children are not safe on these roads.
5-L-24-RZ Christina (37922), April 26, 2024 at 11:47 PM
I am writing to oppose the rezoning change. This area cannot handle more development without serious infrastructure change. Please listen to the residents who live in this area, many of whom moved here to raise a family in a safe community. I am highly concerned about the increased traffic volume, which adds extra safety concerns (access to emergency care, dangerous driving conditions on narrow roads, etc).
5-K-24-RZ Ramona (37920), April 27, 2024 at 9:39 AM
I am completely 100% opposed to this proposed zoning change. This change will encroach on the peaceful quality of life that we have chosen in this rural area. If I wanted a dense subdivision I would have purchased a home in the city. Furthermore, where is the proposed infrastructure that would accommodate a 1 house per acre subdivision. The traffic on John Sevier Hwy is already congested during the weekdays. Our country roads are already overwhelmed. Fire and Rescue? I’m sorry but a rural volunteer fire department will not be equipped to adequately serve the additional burden to this area. I’ve lived in these subdivisions out west and they are a horrible place to live. I moved back to TN to get away from them. This zoning change really upsets me. The subdivision off of Knight Rd and Highland view are beyond ugly. I feel sick every time I pass them. You can do better than this. Eighty homes is just too many. One house per five acres with several planted trees per house would be a good compromise. Thank you in advance of denying this zoning change.
5-A-24-RZ Nancy (37918), April 27, 2024 at 5:22 PM
Just a comment --- I had reviewed that property years ago and was told by a couple of couple of commercial brokers that it was unbuildable because it was in multiple flood zones. Has something changed so that the land is now usable for building?
5-L-24-RZ Shelley (37922), April 27, 2024 at 7:45 PM
I strongly oppose adding more houses to this area. We are so overcrowded as it stands. Please reconsider this!!! Our roads and schools cannot handle anymore, traffic is pretty much at a standstill in the afternoons. Add an accident and you are doomed. And you may as well forget about emergency vehicles getting through. Choto area should not be developed any further. Just because there is land does not mean it should be developed!
5-L-24-RZ Nancy (37772), April 27, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Not that I think for a minute any of you will listen to reason, but I am adamantly opposed to this development. Just like the other two. You clearly could not care less about the burden more cars are to the folks who live here, as long as there's tax dollars to be had from hundreds of new houses. So what are you going to do with the property taxes these new homeowners pay? I am quite certain it won't be used to do something about the traffic on Northshore. I shouldn't have to leave an hour early just to go 10 miles to work but that's coming, and yes, that's my problem not yours. Sooner or later Knox county will be known as a miserable place to live because the roads and infrastructure have not kept up. What happens to your property value then? I plan to be long gone before that happens and live somewhere that is more interested in the quality of life in their county than putting a house and cars on every square inch of Knox county.
5-L-24-RZ Douglas (3772), April 28, 2024 at 2:41 PM
I respectfully request the Planning Commission members do not approve the rezoning request unless the property owner agrees to lower the request to no more than two or three homes per acre. I agree with the other comments submitted thus far regarding concern about traffic, safety, school and overcrowding. It is not just Knox County that is seeing rapid growth. Loudon county, which starts just west of Harvey Road, is also seeing many new requests for large subdivisions in the far eastern portion of the county. Much of these homeowners are going to use Northshore, Harvey and Choto Roads to get to the popular shopping and dining of Farragut and West Knox. This too will have detrimental effects on our quality of life and safety. Loudon County Planning Commission is holding off on a lot of larger developments until studies can be made as to infrastructure and school capacity. I really hope you take a similar approach.
5-L-24-RZ Diana (37922), April 28, 2024 at 6:20 PM
Please consider that on all 3 corners of Harvey and S. Northshore intersections, will 3 new developments that will burden the traffic even more on Northshore. It will delay school buses and folks going to work. The roads are not wide enough to permit so many developments around this area. Can we have more green space, places where we can walk and play with our children?
Very much against continued plans for high density neighborhoods in this area. Traffic and over burdened infrastructure is going to result in a serious accident on Northshore. The target density of 5/acre is going to exponentially increase the probability of a major negative event
5-J-24-RZ Jessica (37938), April 28, 2024 at 7:09 PM
I am very concerned about noice and over crowding. This would be more than doubling the neighborhood. I have two kids and they are always playing in the road. I am currently not concerned about them being safe, while doing so. I am not in favor of this. Thank you,
5-L-24-RZ Steve and Cyndi (37922), April 29, 2024 at 1:10 PM
We are against this development, especially at 5 houses per acre. Harvey and Northshore both need to be widened to include shoulders and turn lanes into and out of these developments. The roads are unsafe right now. They'll be worse with all these new developments.
I constantly hear that Knox County needs more housing, but what it needs is smart housing. Everywhere I go, I see the construction of apartments, houses, and townhouses on every scrap of available land. What I don't see are road improvement plans or consideration of increased traffic, school overcrowding, and overburdening of fire and police services. The proposed housing is not consistent with the surrounding areas at the requested number of houses per acre and puts an undue burden on infrastructure. The number of residences needs to be two or less per acre to conform to surrounding development and limit the burden on infrastructure. Also, the developer should be responsible for road widening and road improvements in front of the proposed development. Before you dismiss this idea, the town of Cary NC has been requiring developers to pay for road improvements and widening in front of their developments for years. It has saved the city and county millions of dollars. It is time for the planning commision to plan for smart growth rather than rubber stamp every request that is submitted. Don't let another overcrowded neighborhood be built.
5-L-24-RZ Karen (37922), April 29, 2024 at 3:28 PM
I am writing to bring attention to a matter of significant concern affecting our community - the lack of adequate infrastructure planning in light of the rapidly increasing daily vehicle volume and ongoing rezoning efforts in our area. As a resident invested in the safety and well-being of our neighborhood, I urge you to prioritize this issue and take immediate action to address it. Our community has experienced a noticeable surge in residential development. It has presented challenges, particularly regarding transportation and safety infrastructure. The current roadways were not designed to accommodate the escalating volume of vehicles, resulting in congestion, delays, and, most importantly, safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Without proper infrastructure planning, these new developments will place additional strain on our already overburdened roads, further compromising safety and accessibility. It is imperative that we address these issues, considering not only the immediate concerns but also the long-term impact of continued development on our community's livability and prosperity.
5-L-24-RZ William (37772), April 29, 2024 at 3:46 PM
Have any of you folks driven down North Shore Drive at rush hour lately. Maybe then you might have some empathy for the taxpayers that have to use it everyday. The road is dangerous at the best of times. Yet you keep approving more construction without commensurate infrastructure. Shame on you
5-L-24-RZ Christi (37772), April 29, 2024 at 7:36 PM
As a mother of two who drives her children to and from school daily, I implore you to consider the danger you are creating for families already driving on congested roads. As Jake stated on his April 24 comment, âThe congestion, already rampant on these corridors, and limited egress from this part of the county is a travesty. The injury, damage or loss of life this will create, is cause to hold your vote of yes as an accountable named party in any lawsuit.â As a citizen of this wonderful city, I implore you to consider what type of place you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in. Do you want your children and grandchildren driving on northshore with more traffic than is already there? Do you want them to have less of creation to awe over? You have the power to preserve what is beautiful about this area or to contribute to its demise. For the safety and sanctity of the families like mine, who you have a responsibility to protect, vote no.
I oppose this rezoning. 1)This was formerly land owned by Atlas Powder Company, a dynamite manufacturing and storage company, and likely contains toxic chemicals that will be unearthed and released into the environment upon demolition of the powder magazines and excavation of the soil on this tract. 2) There is no neighborhood of this character nearby. Comparing this neighborhood to the subdivision being built directly on John Sevier Highway, near Government Farm Road, is comparing apples and oranges. John Sevier Highway is a major east-west corridor in South Knox County. The portion of Tipton Station this land sits near is more like a county road.
We have lived in the Farmington subdivision for 29 years. Back when only the Kroger was at Northshore! We have seen tremendous amounts of growth. Most of it was good for our little side of West Knoxville, until the last 6 or 7 years. Now the traffic is sooo much on Northshore and the spill off to Ebenezer that we cannot hardly take a right, and most definitely not a left out of our subdivision most times of the day without risk of life and limb. Seriously, Farmington with all 500 homes in it, doesnt warrant even a turn lane! How backward and criminally negligent is that? The turn lane stops right at the bottom of the hill, right before our neighborhood. I say this to bring attention to these same Negligent and Cowardly developers, whom are rampant in Knoxville to this day. The zoning board has the power, through the voters, to make Knoxville a better place to live and Drive!! Please do not let Knoxville be made a laughing stock to other cities and counties whom are watching this fiasco play out and learn from it themselves. Be forward thinking in preserving Some of our natural beauty, whats left... Knoxville used to be known as, "The land of green. Now it's known as, "The land of Scapped Clay"ð
5-L-24-RZ David (37772), April 30, 2024 at 9:19 AM
In review of USGS topographic maps, a blue line stream runs the length of this property that feeds into Little Turkey Creek and then to Fort Loudon Lake. Blue line streams are protected and are very difficult to develop around. The developer would have to gain jurisdictional approval and culvert most of this stream. The stream currently drains the entire property and surrounding area. The environmental impact could be significant. As a civil engineer, it is my opinion that this property may not be suitable for further development and should be studied before a zoning change is granted.
5-L-24-RZ Russ (37772), April 30, 2024 at 11:14 AM
I am 100% against the zoning change and the proposed development. The previous comments on traffic, infrastructure and housing density issues are accurate and should stop the rezoning by themselves. I will add that the proposed development would potentially flood the houses on Crescent Oaks and Spring Oaks. The blue line stream through the property is already at capacity during any significant rain events.
5-L-24-RZ Thomas (37772), April 30, 2024 at 9:41 PM
Knox County Planning commission, I am against the changing of this land to residential. This property should not even in consideration by the planning committee. Infrastructure on the roads and schools are just the start of the problem. This is a low lying land, and is mainly run off from rain from the roads and subdivisions that are near the property. Flooding of properties in The Oaks would affect residents from Spring Oak Lane and Cressent Oak Lane, plus Harvey and Northshore would have less drainage during the rain. The only expansion possible would be through The Oaks subdivision and the end of Cressent Oak Lane, because that is the only land semi suitable to build on. This would cause traffic issues in that subdivision, because there is not way to readily connect to Harvey Road. This land is more of a wet land, and has two creeks going through it. The creeks drain into our lakes and rivers, and if they are not able to drain properly, it will cause major flooding on the roads and in property owners back yards. I also don't understand why these approvals are for 5 lots per acre? The max should only be 2 lots per acre. This land is more of a wet land anyway, and should be falling under the state of Tennessee and not Knox county. Thank you
Our beautiful community is being changed for the worse due to land being sold and developed into dense housing neighborhoods. We all live here because we love the beauty of this area. Constant traffic on our backroads is making our community much less enjoyable to live and much less safe to commute to work and school every day. I grew up in Farragut and raised my children in Farragut. Our roads look almost the same as I remember them growing up. Unfortunately, there are exponentially more cars on the road and the problem is getting worse with each new residential development.
I live a neighborhood adjacent to this property and am looking for more information about the proposed development. I was able to find documents from 2020 regarding this location and two others in the area. Am looking for answers about: 1) What has already been approved for the 68 lots development (Unit 3 of the 2020 traffic study)? 2) With already increase traffic on Westland Drive, will the traffic study be revisited since Unit 1 is complete & Unit 2 is in progress? 3) What will be reviewed at the meeting on May 9, 2024?
Stop with the development until you improve driving and safety on the roads! You are putting residents at risk for developer’s pockets once again. The voters will notice unless you start listening to the residents.
5-L-24-RZ Elizabeth (37922), May 3, 2024 at 1:23 PM
I have lived in the Choto area for over 13 years. I completely understand the need and right for owners to develop their property. The problem is that we need controlled growth until there is some improvement to infrastructure. We do not need multiple unit complexes or to squeeze as many houses/units in each acre as possible. Our roads can not take that many added cars. It is getting very difficult and dangerous to drive in this area. Unless you are heading to Lenior City, there are 2 ways out of Choto. Under a narrow train tressle or out Northshore. If one of those ways out is blocked, it is a real problem for emergency vehicles and regular traffic to keep moving. There is typically a constant stream of cars and I personally have witnessed multiple accidents on Northshore in the last 2 years. PLEASE be diligent in keeping the lots sizes large and only approve single family residences to lessen the additional traffic.
Please carefully consider the very serious concerns of myself and my neighbors with the proposed rezoning and expansion under 5-L-24-RZ. I appreciate you taking the time to read the concerns of this longtime community resident in the attached PDF. View Attachment
I am writing to oppose the rezoning change. This area cannot handle further development without required infrastructure change. We are highly concerned about the increased traffic volume, which adds extra safety concerns (i.e., narrow roads, dangerous driving conditions, emergency care access, etc.).
This project needs to be revisited with another traffic impact report. This area of Westland Drive is extremely congested in the peak AM and PM hours. In addition to the added traffic disruptions the build plan is terrible in the fact that they are planning to have an entry road that cuts through a subdivision with a very active child population. Our neighborhood kids are constantly in the streets playing games with each other and adding this road will create safety hazards for our community. The entry way should be moved to come directly off of Westland Drive to prevent this impact to our community.
5-L-24-RZ Christopher (37922), May 4, 2024 at 6:42 PM
I will keep this short. The traffic situation out here in Choto is ridiculous. Adding more homes is the very definition of insanity. But, with that being said, we all know that any project that a developer proposes will be rubber stamped in the name of "progress". Nevertheless, I strongly oppose any new development of the Choto area. Shame on everyone involved in completely ignoring the voices of the people and I sincerely hope everyone is voted out.
5-L-24-RZ Sandra&Ken ( 3792), May 5, 2024 at 5:13 PM
Knox Planning,
Our family, neighbors and community have stressed the concern of overbuilding iin the Choto/Northshore area for a very long time. We need solid representation to stop the out of control development. I’m scared and worried for what will happen to our area.
It’s difficult to get police, ambulance and even a bus to our area. As it is we pay extra for some services yearly.
Now there are 3 neighborhoods in different stages coming to the area. Developers after the commission gives the ok can do anything. Example Cook Construction won’t even tell the community “the plan”. Are we going to get townhouses?? If the commission oks anything out in Choto the developer has free rein.
We have narrow streets. We can barely make a right out of Falcon Pointe. Streets are unsafe. Northshore is a traffic jam if there’s an accident or emergency.
I’ve read my neighbors input and they are spot on. What’s going to happen to this area if we keep building it up?
Another big concern is the build up in Lenoir City, TN. Choto is gridlocked now and with the free rein in the area we are stuck.
So many builders, lenders, realtors are on the Knox City and county Commission and other committees it’s become a huge concern for regular residents and taxpayers.
I respectfully send this to you and hope you can see the gravity all the new builds are causing the Choto area.
Yet again another development potentially going into the area. There are 3 developments being requested for space out of the 4 corners at Harvey & Choto intersection... This is absurd. The traffic is already horrible and the safety of the current residents is a gross negligence by our elected officials. The infrastructure is NON EXISTENT and needs addressed before any more homes are built in the area. I urge and request you to NOT allow this development to occur. Please look at the development that's already been approved attached at the 3 areas on this ssmall littlat this corner for a massive housing increase, as well as the two currently being requested at this corner. Imagine if this was where you lived and you or your children had to commute through this... I tried attaching an image to show you however nothing but PDFs are allowed to be attached. Nonetheless, the 3 corners of the 4 is a too much for the 2 lane road, nevertheless the overcrowded that is already in that precise area.
Please vote NO on this development (or any others in the vicinity of the Choto/Harvey/Northshore area. The infrastructure is lacking for current residents and the amount of requests in existence for developing at the corner of Harvey and Northshore is too much. 3 or the 4 corners at Harvey/Northshore has case requested or already approved. I urge you to zoom in/out on the map so you too can see the whole picture of the little area. Please vote NO on this development and consider getting the infrastructure to support existing residents up to par!
Please say NO to anymore development in the Harvey/Northshore corner area. I understand the right for owners to sell/develop their property. The problem is that we need better improvement to the infrastructure there. We do not need multiple unit complexes or to squeeze as many houses/units in each acre as possible. Our roads cannot take that many added vehicles. It is getting more difficult and more dangerous to drive in this area. Unless you are heading to Lenior City, there are 2 ways out of Choto: under a narrow train tressle or out Northshore. If one of those ways out is blocked, it is a real problem for emergency vehicles and regular traffic to keep moving. There is typically a constant stream of cars and I personally have witnessed multiple accidents on Northshore in the last few years. (I have recently started taking pictures of these accidents because of being at a dead standstill.) PLEASE vote NO on this and forbid more developments until the infrastructure exists to support current residents.
5-L-24-RZ Joe and Paula (37922), May 6, 2024 at 11:15 AM
We are opposed to rezoning this parcel to 5 units per acre because:
1) Extremely narrow 4-way stop intersection & railroad underpass are the only access to these neighborhoods.
2) Increased wrecks in this area.
3) Difficulty of getting firetrucks & ambulances to wrecks & neighborhoods in medical emergencies.
4) Dangers for school children getting on and off bus.
5) Other infrastructure problems including roads, schools, utilities and water drainage.
6) Three properties listed for rezoning at a narrow, dark, 4-way stop intersection that has had no road improvements.
The county said that there would be infrastructure improvements before development occurs. Growth will come but it needs to occur wisely considering less density, infrastructure improvements before building, & the safety of current and future residents.
5-L-24-RZ Michael (37934), May 6, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Approval at a density above 2 du/acre is not consistent with the Knox County Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan (CLUTP as required by the Growth Policy Plan (GPP). This inconsistency is a violation of TCA 6-58-107(a). As well, the GPP, Section 5 does not allow for grandfathering requests received prior to implementation of the GPP and CLUTP.
The reasoning regarding both issues is provided in the attached .pdf file. View Attachment
The applicant’s request to rezone the Harvey Road parcel with a proposed density of up to 5 du/ac should be denied. I have lived in the Choto area (1/2 mi south of the Choto/Northshore roundabout) since 1978 and have observed the changes in land use that occurred since then. The sprawl in housing that has occurred in the Choto area over the past 30 years has impacted safety, education, and the environment. Limiting the density of new home to 2 units per acre, as the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission staff recommends, seems to be a necessary and appropriate action to minimize further impacts. I support that recommendation.
Frankly, considering the other developments have been considered and approved disregarding area residents concerns, this development is beyond ridiculous to even be considered. Disregarding the valid concerns regarding infrastructure in this area of Harvey and Choto, I consider to be reckless on the part of the Knoxville Planning Commission. Be responsible please!
I oppose the rezoning change. This two-lane country road was never meant to have the number of cars using it as it stands today. Adding even more traffic is just dumbfounding. The pitiful excuse for road “improvements” will improve nothing and were obviously a ploy to check a box and move along with further greediness. I can tell you in the years I’ve lived out here, it takes longer to get where you’re going (only 2 ways in/out) and we’ve seen a huge increase in car wrecks…some of them fatal. The more developments you keep adding out here the more we all sit at a standstill, walkers/bikers are in danger, kids getting on/off buses are in danger, and the number of frustrated/road raged drivers will only increase. As a mother, I also have serious concerns about school overcrowding…all these kids in Choto, all the kids in the 2 new developments at McFee, the new apartments at Farragut Junction, all the kids in the new Biddle Farms complex – they have to go somewhere and the promise of a new elementary school in several years just doesn’t cut it. Understand that all the Northshore/Choto voters are watching and taking notes for those of you who have higher government aspirations. Y'all can do better.
According to site plan, there are several areas marked as common area. Will all the trees be cleared from these areas? It would be useful to keep the trees as a buffer with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Please limit the zoning request to 2 units per acre for all of the reasons outlined by the planning department. In addition, Northshore is quickly approaching the recommended capacity of 18,300 average daily trips per the Highway Capacity Manual (6th edition). Thank you.
I believe this is now the third corner of Northshore and Harvey Rd to have a new development planned. These are rural roads out in this area and they feed into the small roundabout at Northshore and Choto Rd or the small railroad underpass which is always a white knuckle driving experience.
Five units per acre is just totally unrealistic and the developer should know that. Please do not add more traffic than this rural area can tolerate. It is a big negative to all the people who already reside here.
Here we go again......... without sounding like a broken record, I strongly urge the Planning Commission to stop granting building permits greater than 1 - 2 houses per acre. The corner of Harvey and Northshore will be the next intersection needing a roundabout. Adding a foot on each side of Northshore, along with two foot shoulders will do little to solve the safety concern of people traveling to and from work daily. Dense saturation of land, with little change to roadways is a recipe for disaster.
We have concerns about 68 townhomes being built behind our home. This area was supposed to be single family homes. We paid a lot for our home which would bring the value down. On top of that there is already so much traffic. My daughter went Farragut High School. She had to leave the house at 7:30 when school did not start until 8:30 due to traffic. Pulling out onto Westland at 7:45 was dangerous. I have witnessed so many accidents right out in front on Westland and Ridge Climber. You add another 68 town homes it's going to be a disaster. These small little roads and the fact there are only 2 exits into this neighborhood are not built for this. If there is a car parked in the street it's hard to get around it and causes cha-os. With that said all of the equipment needed would be a nightmare for all that live in this community. A current Traffic study would need to be done as I believe the last one was done in 2019/2020. Most of the people did not even live here then as the houses where being built.
We are also concerned with the flooding as we have a drainage area in the back of our house. Putting homes up on a hill has not worked out very well in this neighborhood as there has been a lot of problems with flooding. There is also a lot of wildlife back there.
I truly hope that you will take in all of our concerns as this would be a nightmare for every person living in this community.
Will it take a major catastrophe for you to accept the reality that there is too much development going on.? Traffic is dangerous already. There are no sidewalks or shoulders on the roads making it deadly to walk anywhere. Children cannot leave their neighborhoods without endangering their lives. Schools are becoming overcrowded and medical care services are impossible to access without waiting weeks. Emergency services are often delayed. This is not the way we wanted to live when we moved here!
Please stop approving high density projects in this area. The lack of infrastructure improvements has led to considerable dangers to current residents if someone was to have a medical emergency during rush hours, never mind the overall inconvenience of traffic that is continually getting worse by the day due to the over building in this area. Even with the planned widening of Northshore, the roadways are overburdened at peak travel times and when the ball fields are being used the amount of traffic increases exponentially. I ask that all building permits be denied until the roadways and other infrastructure in this area be improved to handle the volume of vehicles that travel this area daily. At the very least do not approve density's that exceed 2 homes per acre.
5-L-24-RZ Jennifer (37922), May 7, 2024 at 11:39 AM
If there are to be more housing developments considered for the Choto area, then the county needs to FIRST address the necessary infrastructure changes that MUST happen in order for traffic and life to flow in and out of this tight bottlenecked peninsula. Adding 60+ new homes to an already congested area with no addition of the infrastructure to support said homes is nothing short of horrific planning. No group likes to look foolish after the fact, so please do your research and take into consideration the current homeowners' (in the area) wishes.
As an important side note, most of the schools in the Farragut area are already overcrowded, so much so that a new school is being built to help with the large and growing population. Adding even more homes and more cars and more traffic simply seems like a really bad idea. Busses are already only able to access this area via Northshore. They are too tall to pass under the bridge at McFee. This causes massive congestion and traffic issues, especially if there is an accident on Northshore. Adding more homes to this area is not the answer.
Maybe instead of homes, invest in some small businesses in the area. A small market type grocery store would hugely benefit the community. A few more small restaurants. A liquor store would do extremely well.
The panning department recommendation is sound because it is based on safety concerns and infrastructure needs of the area. They are looking at the facts. Please vote to uphold the recommendation of the planning department as it is in the best interests of both the current and future residents because it is designed for responsible growth.
The proposed development on Harvey Road with 65 units is going to over-load the area with cars/pedestrians and kids in the schools to more than the area can handle. The buses are already over-loaded with kids sitting 3 per seat and on laps and the traffic on Northshore Rd is beyond ridiculous already. The infrastructure of the roads on Harvey and Northshore cannot withstand that much more traffic and it's a safety concern with no shoulders on the roads and anytime there is an accident, traffic is backed up for miles. Even when not an accident, there are too many cars on the road that backs up the traffic circles and stop lights/signs so far back. The area by Concord park and ball fields is a safety hazard due to the traffic. This area cannot handle the cars, backups, and amount of people this will bring. Please consider doing this in a more open area than jamming this many houses off the side of a road with minimal space.
I oppose this request to rezone 2814 Tipton Station Road. I have lived on Tipton Station Road for 25 years. If anyone of you have went to Bonny Kate Elementary School or contacted and the principal, you would know they do not have any more room for more students and South Doyle High is overcrowded also. We already have an overflow of traffic from the other two subdivisions you approved just a few short miles from Tipton Station. Whoever did the traffic survey needs to come back out and redo it while school is in session and talk with the schools directly impacted. Tipton Station is a two-lane curvy road that can't handle that much traffic not including all the wildlife you will be displacing and cars killing. You also have a plan to rezone off of Tarklin Valley Road which will impact Bonny Kate Elementary and South Doyle High School also. Before you allow any more housing to be built you need to expand on to the schools that will be affected /or build a new school and hire more teachers so are children will have the education they deserve and not sit in a classroom where they may fall behind in their learning because someone wants to make money over what's best for our children and community!!!
Please DO NOT allow 5 units per acre to be built on the proposed site. This dense housing development is not in keeping with the surrounding area, and should not set a presidence for future development.
Our current infrastructure in the Choto/S. Northshore area has become very congested and unsafe for all residents that currently live in the area, and for anyone using these roads. Please keep the zoning to 1 or 2 units per acre. Thank you
Harvey and North Shore roads are extremely dangerous now. The stop sign at the two roads intersection is is difficult to see oncoming cars. It's very narrow roads and highly traveled. Please adjust an implement a road safety improvement plan before you vote for any more subdivisions that would be using this highly dangerous road. I encourage you to vote no on the development. Thank you.
First of all this farm land (agriculture) should never have been re-zoned to residential.
However 5 units per acre is too dense for this area that abuts the very dangerous 4way stop sign Harvey Rd./Northshore intersection.
Please, if you must approve, ONLY Approve 2 units/acre.
But first improve this intersection by wideing it, straightening the narrow curvy westbound approach to the intersection, install flashing stop signs at all approaches to the intersection, and install cameras to capture tag/vehicle make model of the numerous vehicles "rolling Through". The development in Loudon County has greatly increased the East/West and reverse traffic flow on Norhshore.
On behalf of the residents of the Westland Oaks Subdivision, I am submitting comments to object to the Concept/Development Plan. Our comments are attached as a pdf, with individual names, emails, and addresses of residents who have signed onto the comment letter. View Attachment
I am requesting the planning commission follow planning department guidelines and reduce the zoning to 2 units per acre for a total of 26 units. There is already so much congestion in the area, and trying to more than double the recommended units will only make it worse.
I think it is essential that this project be limited to two units per acre. Not only for the obvious reason of reducing future congestion, but for aesthetics. Why do developers insist on maximizing their profits? I get it. But at a certain point, just take the money and run.
5-L-24-RZ Jennifer (37922), May 8, 2024 at 9:41 AM
As a resident off Harvey Rd. I strongly agree with the planning dept. on using the 13 acres for only 2 units per acre. Traffic is already congested and even trying to widen Northshore will not help with the amount of traffic commuting in the morning/evenings
The planning department recommended the zoning be reduced to 2 units per acre for a total 26 units. Please stop the over-development and adhere to this recommendation.
Regarding the proposal to rezone the 13.47 Acres at Harvey Road, please follow the planning department guidelines. Northshore Drive is not capable of supporting the additional traffic.
Our main roads, mincluding Northshore, are a major problem and need attention. I have no faith that this will be done in a way that is favorable to the current residents. Our community infrastructure needs to be addressed before approving these developments, and cutting into an existing neighborhood for construction vehicles and ongoing traffic is poor planning at best. Listen to what the locals who lives in the area have to say about all of this construction in west Knox County. VOTE NO for this
It is my understanding from the STAFF REPORT that the recommendation is for approval of 9 duplexes/acre to be developed by MESANA INVESTMTNTS, LLC.
I am asking for clarification on the following:
1. Timing of site excavation and installation of the utilities.
2. A plat of the placement of the duplexes and any amenities.
3. Target average sales price of the dwellings.
The entry from Lyons Bend Rd onto Northshore Drive is often congested in the morning between 7:30 and 9:00 and in the evening between 4:00 and 6:00. It would be a mistake to place 72 units near that intersection unless it were accompanied by a merge lane and a traffic light.
Mr Smith's attorney mentioned in his scanned letter regarding this case that, and I quote " traffic and environmental conditions can and will be studied and potentially mitigated at the time a special use application and site plan is proposed". I have personally spoken with the Planning department's Traffic planning personnel multiple times and they informed me that while "it would be ideal to have the Lyons Bend Intersection with Northshore Drive be a timed light with dedicated turn lanes ,however , there are no actual plans at this time nor are funds earmarked for upgrades to this intersection beyond how it is today". That needs to be known for all parties involved.
Northshore Drive, where Mr. Smith's attorney references a higher zoning, is what the Planning department defines as a " Major Arterial Road". Capable of handling higher traffic where Lyons Bend is classified as a " collector road'. A collector road of consistently 1 home per acre (or more acreage) ,which is what the combined 14 neighborhoods under the Riverbend Peninsula Homeowners Association consist of. Any zoning higher than 1 home per acre is NOT CONSISTENT with the existing neighborhood and communities, which section 9.3 states "ENSURE THAT THE CONTEXT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ,INCLUDING SCALE AND COMPATIBILITY, DOES NOT IMPACT EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES". I state again. Any zoning above 1 home per acre is not compatible within our neighborhoods... City or County.
4-N-24-RZ Jeffrey (37931), April 6, 2024 at 7:37 PM
As a homeowner who lives near the property that is being asked for rezoning, the idea of 5du/ac is crazy. Blacks Ferry is already a tight road, adding this amount of vehicle traffic to this road without significant road improvements should not be allowed. The intersection of Blacks Ferry and West Emory Road is also very bad. Turning east on West Emory most of the time is simply not safe because of the blind curve. As a home owner near here, I beg the planning commission to not allow any more than 1du/ac. Thank you and I hope each of you have a great day!