March 5, 2026
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

36 Comments for
X ZIP Code
Elizabeth
37920
3-B-26-SU
Elizabeth (37920), March 4, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, I am one of many residents of Colonial Village that is strongly opposed to the rezoning of 102 Brandau Drive Knoxville, TN. 37920
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260304232756.pdf
Bruce
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Bruce (37920), March 4, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Twenty residents of Gateway Lane and Walmar Drive have signed a paper stating that they oppose the request to expand the project. Bruce.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260304134210.pdf
Dale
37920
3-F-26-RZ
Dale (37920), March 3, 2026 at 1:26 PM
See attached
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260303132649.pdf
Terry
37920
3-B-26-SU
Terry (37920), March 1, 2026 at 9:56 AM
CVNA would like to add this addendum to our prior letter. It has come to our attention that he Commission has denied a prior variance request to build a duplex on this lot. Additionally, the site photo that shows a prior structure on this property appears to be without context. That was an illegally built accessory building that never was permitted nor inspected and approved by Codes. This lot has traded owners over the years, when the owners have discovered their inability to build on it. Furthermore, as indicated in our prior submission, the removal of trees that absorb as much as 20,000 gallons of water an hour will substantially increase flooding on the lower end of Brandau. Trees can add up to 15% to property values and provide shade which reduces temperatures. They also reduce urban noise by 15 decibels, which is vital for a property only 250 yards from the noise of Chapman Highway. Thank you. Our full comments are attached.

View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260301095643.pdf
Terry
37920
3-B-26-SU
Terry (37920), February 23, 2026 at 2:47 PM
See attached submitted by mail.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260223144718.pdf
Terry
37920
3-B-26-SU
Terry (37920), February 18, 2026 at 2:37 PM
CVNA opposes this variance. This lot is on a sloped, blind curve. Its soil is a limestone-rock base that may require blasting. Removal of mature tree will increase stormwater runoff, erosion, and flooding near the Catlett/Brandau intersection. Duplexes reduce property values in single-family neighborhoods. There's also the issue of absentee landlords. Also, Mr. Stinnett has been stalking our members of social media, sending them unwanted PMs about his project. Full comments are attached.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260218143720.pdf
Marianne
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Marianne (37920), February 11, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Date: February 11, 2026
Re: Opposition to File 2-A-26-HPA (3725 W Governor John Sevier Hwy)
From: Marianne Wilson, Homeowner (15 years) at 6316 Gateway Lane
I am writing to OPPOSE the Level II Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 3725 W Governor John Sevier Hwy for the following reasons: Financial Impacts, Peace-of-Mind Impacts, Noise Pollution and Potential Damage to Home and Property.
Please refer to the attached PDF file.
Please OPPOSE the Level II Certificate of Appropriateness to protect my community.
Sincerely,
Marianne Wilson
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260211121322.pdf
Jessica
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Jessica (37920), February 10, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Please see attached letter from the Tree Board.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260210090319.pdf
Ronda
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Ronda (37920), February 11, 2026 at 4:35 PM
My property receives all of the (water) run-off from the southeast half of Gateway Lane. The water drains into the area that has been stripped and filled. Erosion from the exposed slope is filling the drainage ditch behind my house. My back yard already floods when it rains hard. The back of my storage building has rotted from the flooding. I talked to the manager of the site and asked him to address the problem. He said he would look into it but I haven't seen or heard from anyone. If more land is stripped and filled, my back yard will experience major flooding. I strongly oppose allowing additional stripping and filling of the property at 3275 W Governor John Sevier Highway.
Stephen
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Stephen (37920), February 11, 2026 at 11:10 PM
I am the owner and 21 year resident of 3017; Walmar Drive. My north property line shares part of the east property line of the plot under consideration. I am writing to OPPOSE Blalock's request for additional exceptions to the fill site usage. The destruction of forest behind my property has already negatively affected the property value and quality of life of the whole neighborhood, especially my residence. No significant effort has been made to mitigate damage already caused by exceeding the legally allowed usage. I oppose any additional fill usage for this site. Thank you. Sincerely, Stephen W.
Charrisse
37920
2-A-26-HPA
Charrisse (37920), February 12, 2026 at 11:47 AM
I reside at 6341 Gateway Ln. I am writing to OPPOSE Blalock's request for additional exceptions to the fill site usage. The deforestation behind my property has negatively affected the property value. There are existing infringements and exceeding of deforestation identified in 2024 recorded. No record of positive effort noted or actioned to rectify for the existing excess loss yet a request to clear more when the initual limit was exceeded, still exists, and not rectified. The area has stormwater drainage negatively impacted by the excess clearing that has already taken place. The area is only minutes of the river and a park which does impact the community surrounding the 3275 W Governor John Sevier Highway. Part of the area is wetland with the missing coverage from exceeded clearing has already adversely affected the properties and communities surrounding the cleared land. Addressing the current and present situation of Reforestation should take the presidence, forefront, and be completed with impactful enforcement of visual long term results for current and future restoration prior to any submission of requesting additional clearing. I oppose any additional fill usage for this site. Thank you. Sincerely, Charrisse
Terry
37920
3-B-26-SU
Terry (37920), February 14, 2026 at 5:09 PM
As a 2nd generation, lifetime resident of Colonial Village, I am in opposition of this variance. The proposed lot is on a blind curve, just off of Chapman Highway, making it difficult for exiting a driveway for a single home, much less a duplex. Also, a duplex is only going to burden our neighborhood with another absentee landlord. Something we don't need. This is a single-family residential neighborhood that is roughly 75% owner occupied. I would urge this developer to be sensible and follow in the footsteps of the previous developer who attempted to build a duplex in Colonial Village. Build a single-family home instead and walk away with the profits. #NoDuplexes
Susan
37920
3-B-26-SU
Susan (37920), February 14, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I am opposed to the proposal to change the current zoning to allow the construction of a duplex on the empty lot at 102 Brandau. My backyard is adjacent to the property. Colonial Village has traditionally been made up of single family dwellings. My concern of having a duplex next door is that it could lead to a revolving door of renters with no commitment to the property or the neighborhood.
Please vote no on Mr. Stinnetts request.
Andrew
37920
3-B-26-SU
Andrew (37920), February 17, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Please let them build this duplex. We need more housing. Do NOT let the NIMBY crowd in Colonial Village win...again.
If we want affordable housing, we need a greater supply. I am completely IN FAVOR of this duplex.
Charles
37920
3-B-26-SU
Charles (37920), February 17, 2026 at 1:48 PM
This is a narrow street in a single family residual neighborhood and strongly opposed to this variation at 202 brandau.
Janet
37920
3-B-26-SU
Janet (37920), February 17, 2026 at 2:18 PM
I would like to express my opposition to this variance. This neighborhood is comprised of single family dwellings and the addition of numerous rentals in the area would be out of compliance with the existing dwellings. In addition there are safety concerns with the numerous residents being able to enter and exit Chapman highway safely due to visibility concerns at this sharp curve.
Thank you for your consideration or maintaining our lovely neighborhood.
Mark
37920
3-B-26-SU
Mark (37920), February 17, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I oppose the variance request. I am a board member of the Colonial Village Neighborhood Association, a licensed Realtor in the state of Tennessee and owner of MTG Properties LLC. The RN1 zoning is crucial to be upheld in our neighborhood in order to protect property values, the long-standing history, and overall character of our neighborhood. There have been only single-family homes allowed in Colonial Village since it was officially established in 1955. The last variance request for a duplex on Magazine Rd was also denied. There is no need to establish a new precedent by allowing this variance request, which would only open the floodgates for future developers. We would, however, gladly accept a new single-family home in our wonderful neighborhood!
Thank you
Whitney
37920
3-B-26-SU
Whitney (37920), February 17, 2026 at 9:14 PM
As a 28 year resident of Colonial Village, I am asking the Planning commission to deny Mr. Stinnetts variance request. Colonial Village is a single family home neighborhood, that does not need a multi-family dwelling managed by an absentee landlord. Again, please deny this variance request.
Kirk
37920
3-B-26-SU
Kirk (37920), February 18, 2026 at 7:40 AM
I am writing as a neighbor who cares about our community and supports thoughtful growth in a growing Knoxville. I support the duplex variance request at 102 Brandau.
Our city is evolving, and while its understandable that some would prefer to preserve a decades-old version of Knoxville, that simply isn't today's reality. We need practical, well-planned housing options if we want Knoxville to remain accessible and livable for families, young professionals, and longtime residents.
This proposal appears to be responsibly designed. The duplex is planned to sit off the road and be shielded by existing trees, minimizing visual impact. It is a small-scale project, not a large development, and represents reasonable infill rather than overbuilding.
Safety concerns should absolutely be reviewed, but driveway access and sight distance will be evaluated under established city standards. If those requirements are met, the project should not be dismissed based on assumption.
We can preserve the character of our neighborhood while still allowing balanced growth. Thoughtful additions like this help address rising housing costs without dramatically changing the fabric of the community.
I respectfully encourage approval of this request.
Kathleen
37920
3-B-26-SU
Kathleen (37920), February 18, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Colonial Village is a wonderful place to live. I chose this neighborhood because I love that there are so many different styles of homes with varying plot sizes. I purchased here BECAUSE there were no condos or duplexes. I wanted a simple middle class neighborhood where people cared about their property and actually knew their neighbors.
Please DO NOT approve this duplex for 102 Brandau Drive. It does not coordinate with established homes. And it is in a very dangerous corner at Chapman Highway. Trying to turn left out of Brandau onto Chapman is a death wish.
I STRONGLY encourage you to vote NO on this duplex. What this neighborhood does not need is another absentee landlord. Please. The homeowners of Colonial Village should have their wishes granted over the financial gains of a developer.
Sincerely,
Kathleen M.[redacted]
Cherie
37920
3-B-26-SU
Cherie (37920), February 18, 2026 at 9:54 AM
I support smart building growth in Knoxville and I do not think that a duplex would diminish property values or create any kind of safety hazard.
Knoxville is growing fast and smart affordable options need to be available for our community.
As a resident of this community I recommend granting this permit.
3-B-26-SU
Eli (37920), February 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
I am writing in support of Special Use Permit 3-B-26-SU for Tyler Stinnett and his partners. I am not receiving any benefit or compensation for offering this support.
While I do know Tyler personally, my support is based on the quality of his work and his approach to development. The homes he and his partners have completed in the Colonial Village neighborhood are well-built, thoughtfully designed, and of high quality. I am confident he will bring the same level of care and professionalism to this project.
From my conversations with Tyler, I understand that his intent in building a duplex on this property is to contribute, in a responsible way, to addressing Knoxville's broader housing needs, including the need for more attainable housing options. I am also aware of concerns regarding absentee ownership. Based on my understanding, both Tyler and the property owner are local, and the property will not be managed by an absent landlord.
Finally, I know there are questions about how a duplex will fit within the existing character of the neighborhood. I have full confidence that the design of both the structure and the landscaping will complement and enhance the surrounding homes.
As a resident of Colonial Village, I respectfully support Tyler Stinnett's request and encourage the City of Knoxville to approve this Special Use Permit.
Aricia
37920
3-B-26-SU
Aricia (37920), February 18, 2026 at 3:15 PM
This multi-family rental would be visible from my home. The area, already is not safe entering and exiting Chapman Hwy. In addition, this is a single dwelling neighborhood, and any multi- family dwelling would only harm our community, and lower our home values. We, are very much against this proposal. Thank you
Mike and Aricia W.
Dalton
37920
3-B-26-SU
Dalton (37920), February 18, 2026 at 3:50 PM
My name is Dalton, I bought my first home on Brandau Drive 2 1/2 years ago and I have been working to restore it to its original 1940's character. I plan to live here for most (or the rest) of my life. I am writing to oppose this measure for a duplex at 102 Brandau Drive. Our neighborhood is composed of single family homes and the introduction of a duplex sets a troubling precedent to embolden future developers to continue to build other duplex and multi-plex housing in our neighborhood.
I support multi-family housing in new development areas to address the growing need for housing; however there are many new multi-family developments in Knoxville and many vacant lots in areas that are more aligned with this use. However, this neighborhood has developed a quaint charm, where neighbors know and lookout for each other. Rental units would mean short-term residents with little or no care or investment in the area around them; more traffic and lowered property values for the rest of us. I urge the City to deny this application so we may keep our neighborhood a community of long-term residents and the character of single family homes that we all love and hope to preserve.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Amber
37920
3-B-26-SU
Amber (37920), February 18, 2026 at 8:29 PM
I highly object to this building request for the following reasons.
I have been a resident in Lake Forest since 1999 and the reason I settled here was single family homes established in the 40's. Comfortable neighborhood where many people feel comfortable walking their dogs or just walking for exercise without heavy traffic. Many of the older homes have been renovated and resold at a huge profit so it has added value to our community. The builder can build a single family home that fits in with this established neighborhood. Why crowd into a small neighborhood. Please do not approve this variance.
Brian
37920
3-B-26-SU
Brian (37920), February 22, 2026 at 12:09 PM
I wanted to write in support from a YIMBY rather than a NIMBY perspective. This sounds like a perfectly appropriate variance, and duplexes/multifamily housing are sorely needed in the Knoxville housing market.
Jennifer
37920
3-B-26-SU
Jennifer (37920), February 23, 2026 at 11:19 PM
. This proposal in no way fits or belongs in a community of single-family homes and an approval of said proposal would only open up the opportunity for more such housing. The goal is to keep Colonial Village as it was always intended - a single-family residential neighborhood - the vision of my parents and others that were original landowners. Please help us to preserve the integrity of Colonial Village by voting against this variance proposal.
Peggy
37920
3-I-26-DP
Peggy (37920), February 24, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Several questions.
Will any wooded area be left between existing homes and this proposed development to block the view of this unwanted "housing complex" from the homeowners in the existing well established and peaceful neighborhood?
How will the issue of road damage to existing neighborhood roads from heavy construction equipment be addressed?
How will the issue of safety be addressed with the extreme increase in traffic attempting to enter and exit the existing neighborhood road from and onto John Sevier highway?
The intersection with John Sevier highway is already tricky if you are attempting to go east onto John Sevier and turn into the neighborhood off of John Sevier when traveling west.
Tylor
37920
3-B-26-SU
Tylor (37920), February 24, 2026 at 4:04 PM
I'm 21 years old and live just a few minutes away from this lot, in a double wide with my grandparents, mom and stepdad, and 5 brothers... because housing is too expensive for us to consider moving out. Rents and home prices are too high for the Knoxville population to keep growing like it is, and wages for many industries in our city don't allow someone like me to consider renting on my own, let alone even consider buying a house. We're a tight family, but I'd love some breathing room, in my home area of South Knoxville. From my viewpoint, the only way to help correct our expensive housing market is allowing some exceptions just like this. He's not asking for a hundred unit apartment building... and I'm sure this duplex will look nicer than most of the houses around it. I may not even be able to afford a unit like the one he is trying to build, but if it brings more housing, not in the way of a $700k new single family, someone like me may eventually have a chance to rent a decent place. Thanks for your time. I strongly urge approval of allowing this structure.
Travis
37920
3-B-26-SU
Travis (37920), February 24, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I don't understand why anyone would be against a duplex going into a large vacant lot. I live in the house my dad left me a few minutes away, and thank the good Lord he did because I can't believe how high home prices have become, especially for even a 50-year old house that needs a lot of work. In my 37 year old view, we need less $800k single family homes and more reasonable options, especially in beautiful South Knoxville. Please approve this!
Andrew
37920
3-I-26-DP
Andrew (37920), February 24, 2026 at 5:32 PM
There is a reason this property has not already been developed. Like much of South Knoxville, it is littered with sinkholes. The proposed development will require filling in existing sinkholes (in fact, they have already filled in several of them, which, from what I understand, is illegal).
The property will require extensive modifications in order to build this many units. This will cause all sorts of issues with run off and will severly impact the people that live along Gondola avenue. Not to mention the additional traffic that will occur and the number of people turning onto John Sevier Avenue at a rather dangerous point in the road where vehicles are traveling in excess of 50 mph.
At the end of the day, this property is just not suited for this many units.
Paul
37920
3-F-26-RZ
Paul (37920), February 25, 2026 at 9:34 AM
This development represents a logical expansion of an identical project right next door. The transportation infrastructure is immediately available and will not be adversely affected. Utilities are readily available and there is a level, graded lot next door already zoned for neighborhood commercial development. A majority of the members of Crosswalk Community Church voted in favor of selling this property for development. There is no logical reason for opposition to this rezoning.
William
37920
3-F-26-RZ
William (37920), March 1, 2026 at 1:20 PM
We, the neighborhood , other than builder D R Horton home owners , that recently starting selling homes (approximately 10-15 homes sold of 145 homes being built) ,who are property owners within 1/4 mile of this development ask for the support of Knox planning commission to deny this density from 5 units per acre to 1 1/2-2 units per acre. A petition is now being signed from home owners and available to commission prior to meeting. Thank you for your support.
Sharon
37920
3-F-26-RZ
Sharon (37920), March 1, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Please deny the density of 5 units per acre to no more than 2 units per acre. All of my family including 7 grand children are driving and pull out on French rd several times daily. I have already had an accident with one of my grand daughters and my car was totaled, this exit is within 50 feet directly across Governor John Sevier highway from French road. Just recently D R Horton started building 145 houses and neighborhood rejects density ,entrance placement on dangerous curve , and minimum view of sight.
Rebecca
37920
3-F-26-RZ
Rebecca (37920), March 2, 2026 at 9:41 PM
I, Rebecca D., am asking that you deny D.R. Horton from changing our community. Please deny this density of 5 units per acre to 1 1/2-2 units per acre! We have spent our livelihoods on building our homes here and do not want our property value to decline in any way. Also, more importantly, the traffic in this area is already at a maximum. The there is a curve on John Sevier Highway that is greater than 90 degrees and my child has been in an accident there. There have also been several deaths in this curve of the road. Please help us by protecting our neighbors and family! Thank you!
Tyler
37920
3-F-26-RZ
Tyler (37920), March 3, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Dear Planning Commission,
This email is in reference to file #3-F-26-RZ. As a family living close to this proposed rezone, I would like to share some concerns regarding this potential development. First, I would like too strongly urge the commission to think about the traffic congestion and safety along this stretch of John Sevier Hwy. This proposed development sits withing a curve on John Sevier hwy. that has seen many accidents due to its location. In addition, this development sits directly across from the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. The East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery is a well-maintained site that honors those who have served in our armed forces. Having a neighborhood with 5 dwellings per acre would take away from the beauty of this sacred environment and could invite potential issues like vandalism and littering. My request is that you keep this development at 2 dwelling per acre to minimize the impact of stated concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration.