May 9, 2024
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

33 Comments
X ZIP Code
Case Number
Name
Comment
Attachment
On Behalf Of
Date ▼
5-L-24-RZ
Kevin
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Kevin (37922), May 6, 2024 at 10:20 PM
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.

May 6, 2024
at 10:20 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Angela
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Angela (37922), May 6, 2024 at 9:51 PM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 9:51 PM
5-C-24-DP
Jeff
37922
5-C-24-DP
Jeff (37922), May 6, 2024 at 4:25 PM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 4:25 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Lauren
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Lauren (37922), May 6, 2024 at 3:59 PM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 3:59 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Vern
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Vern (37922), May 6, 2024 at 3:16 PM
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!
May 6, 2024
at 3:16 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Jim
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Jim (37922), May 6, 2024 at 12:56 PM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 12:56 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Joe and Paula
37922
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.
May 6, 2024
at 11:15 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Madison
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Madison (37922), May 6, 2024 at 8:49 AM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 8:49 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Nick
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Nick (37922), May 6, 2024 at 8:37 AM
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!
May 6, 2024
at 8:37 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Kelly
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Kelly (37922), May 6, 2024 at 8:32 AM
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.
May 6, 2024
at 8:32 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Christopher
37922
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.
May 4, 2024
at 6:42 PM
5-SE-24-C
Chad
37922
5-SE-24-C
Chad (37922), May 4, 2024 at 9:38 AM
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.
May 4, 2024
at 9:38 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Valerie
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Valerie (37922), May 3, 2024 at 5:43 PM
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.).
May 3, 2024
at 5:43 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Elizabeth
37922
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.
May 3, 2024
at 1:23 PM
5-SE-24-C
Kathy
37922
5-SE-24-C
Kathy (37922), May 2, 2024 at 2:18 PM
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?
May 2, 2024
at 2:18 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Brent
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Brent (37922), May 1, 2024 at 8:43 AM
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.
May 1, 2024
at 8:43 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Alta
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Alta (37922), April 30, 2024 at 7:39 AM
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"😂
April 30, 2024
at 7:39 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Karen
37922
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.
April 29, 2024
at 3:28 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Jill
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Jill (37922), April 29, 2024 at 3:18 PM
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.
April 29, 2024
at 3:18 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Steve and Cyndi
37922
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.
April 29, 2024
at 1:10 PM
5-L-24-RZ
D
37922
5-L-24-RZ
D (37922), April 28, 2024 at 6:29 PM
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
April 28, 2024
at 6:29 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Diana
37922
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?
April 28, 2024
at 6:20 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Shelley
37922
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!
April 27, 2024
at 7:45 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Christina
37922
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).
April 26, 2024
at 11:47 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Ashley
37922
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.
April 26, 2024
at 5:41 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Andi
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Andi (37922), April 26, 2024 at 8:21 AM
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.
April 26, 2024
at 8:21 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Holly
37922
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.
April 26, 2024
at 7:30 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Denia
37922
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.
April 25, 2024
at 7:16 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Bill and Susan
37922
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.
April 25, 2024
at 9:52 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Chanell
37922
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.
April 24, 2024
at 1:58 PM
5-L-24-RZ
Clay
37922
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!
April 24, 2024
at 10:17 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Jeff & Rebecca
37922
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!
April 24, 2024
at 9:31 AM
5-L-24-RZ
Jake
37922
5-L-24-RZ
Jake (37922), April 24, 2024 at 7:26 AM
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.
April 24, 2024
at 7:26 AM