June 12, 2025
Planning Commission meeting
Planning Commission meeting
Public Comments
19 Comments for 10-D-20-RZ and 10-C-20-SP
Lori September 2, 2020 at 4:12 PM
I am a longtime resident of Choto Fields Community. My property backs up to Northshore. Please vote NO to rezone the property at the Choto Northshore roundabout. We do not want a Beer Garden there, especially with live music! As it is now I can hear the music from Don Gallos into the evening and also the sanitation services dumping dumpsters either very early in the am or very late in the pm. Northshore can't handle the traffic we have now. This has been a slippery slope since Weigels was approved. We live our here for a reason and you are taking away our peaceful surroundings with every expansion since Weigels. IT'S ENOUGH! Sharon September 2, 2020 at 4:32 PM
I am a resident of Choto Fields subdivision. I have just learned that there is a proposal to place a Beer Garden on the vacant lot at Northshore and Choto. I consider this to be detrimental to our property values and to our family-oriented neighborhood. I urge you to vote against it.James September 2, 2020 at 9:06 PM
I write to you all in reference to the proposed rezoning/use of a now vacant lot at the intersection of Choto Road and Northshore Drive in West Knox County.My home/property is located in the Choto Fields subdivision across Northshore Drive from this lot. 12625 Coral Reef Circle to be exact I have lived here for eleven years. I've seen the area grow quite a bit In that time with new businesses. I believe those businesses have had a mostly positive impact to our community, although traffic and noise do at times pose issues for nearby homes and neighborhoods. Especially those working and raising families with small school-age children like myself.
I cannot express strongly enough my desire to keep a "beer garden" out of my community. I work in a field where I see the carnage alcohol metes out in communities (I am a criminal defense attorney and have handled thousands of cases involving alcohol). Everyday people are killed and maimed as a result of drinking and driving. Sadly, it all too often victimizes those innocent people that never had the choice to drink and drive. They are the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, and grandparents going about their day, until someone makes the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. By allowing this type of establishment to be placed there, the danger will be realized soon enough. Unfortunately, the planning commission and county commission won't be involved then. It will be left to the first responders, hospitals, funeral homes, and courtrooms.
It scares me to death to think that my children may have to grow up with a bar behind their home. Wondering when someone may plow through our backyard because they had a few too many at the beer joint next door. Or maybe we'd be in a position to try dodge a drunk driver coming home from school or karate that evening. This thing would be in an area where the roads are still on the smaller side. There is no where to go from any direction for miles on these roads should you meet head-on a drunk driver. Other than to a trauma center at the end of the ordeal. I hear it is a proposed that the establishment be operating on Sundays well into the evening. Someone may get the chance to take out whole families on their way to or from church. I also really look forward to the fact that these places really don't start to get good and loud until well into the night (and when school aged children are asleep). I can't wait wait to stay up until the early morning with live music blaring a couple hundred feet away from my house. Wondering when it will end or will my children be able to sleep through the night. Maybe that's the point of putting something like this in a community filled with homes: you create enough anxiety with its presence and some may seek refuge in the bottle it peddles.
This proposal paints quite the picture. I pray it is vivid enough to make the right decision. Do not allow his lot to be zoned for an establishment that's sole purpose is to sell alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption.
Greg
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Greg (37922), September 3, 2020 at 8:33 AM
I am a resident at 12525 Coral Reef Circle. I am writing to express my opposition to the zoning request for the southwest corner of Choto and Northshore. I am opposing this for the following reasons:The type of business being considered presents a significant noise concern for the surrounding neighborhoods. The open air type environment of a beer garden with music into the late night hours will be a nuisance for all of those residents that choose to live in this area for the peace and quiet.The added traffic in the area is not well supported by the infrastructure. Traffic is already stretched to the limit in this area with too many developments being added with no improvements to the traffic flow.Diana September 4, 2020 at 12:40 PM
I almost lack the words to say how much I oppose a beer garden with live music at the Choto roundabout.Please act in the interest of the families in the area and veto this. The idea of loud music and over-the-limit folks driving home chills my blood. Diana Joubert
Kim September 4, 2020 at 4:00 PM
I would like to ask you to please vote again the Rezoning of the lot at the end of Choto Road at the roundabout. We feel this would have a very negative impact on the current residents of area. This area is a very family friendly residential area. Thank you for your help in this matter.Anthony September 4, 2020 at 4:13 PM
I am opposed to the suggestion of a beer garden at choto.I live in Lewisbrooke. Residential areas surround the empty lot at choto and I do not support the additional traffic, alcohol distribution business or late operating hours of such a business.
We occasionally walk from our home to don gallo to eat and the thoughts of a business so close that solely operated to sale alcohol has potential safety threats to my family.
Please vote NO to Rezone for a "beer garden"
Seth September 6, 2020 at 5:14 PM
I am writing to strongly oppose the rezoning of the area on concord road to allow for high density low income apartments. I am also strongly against the beer garden. We have young children in the house and we are very close to the intersection. Low income apartments and bars are a terrible idea for that area and would be a tremendous nuisance to say the least. This is a residential area and should remain that way.Charlotte September 7, 2020 at 10:42 AM
as a nearby resident of the area at choto & northshore, I am asking you please do not rezone this area for the bar being proposed. This area is a nice, residential, family homes area.There are three restaurants nearby that provide alcohol, plus convenience stores. There is no need to put a bar that will not only increase traffic but dangerous traffic and loud music in a normally quiet area.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jane September 7, 2020 at 11:14 AM
Our family would like to express opposition to the rezoning of said property in our community. Those who live in our community have paid thousands and millions of dollars to build or buy homes in this rural area. We did so because we wanted a rural setting to raise our families. If we had wanted a commercial life for convince we would have chosen property around the Kingston pike or Northshore/Pellissippi area.Currently we have 2 family restaurants within 100 yards of this property requesting rezoning that sells beer plus a market that sells beer. Then a mile further down Choto Rd.is a family restaurant that sells alcohol. About 3 miles down Northshore we have the beautiful Lakeside Grill and Bar. For the area we have plenty of opportunities to buy alcohol if desired. This property sits right on top of Choto Mills and several new small subdivisions.
Please consider our families and our investments we have made in our rural area. This is totally not a business we need in our community.
John September 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM
I respectfully ask that you vote against the rezoning of the lot located at the corner of Northshore Dr. and Choto Road. Below are several reasons for my request.As you know, this property still falls under the covenants of the adjacent neighborhood, Choto Mills, and is considered part of the neighborhood.
Given that there is an intent to build a beer garden, the location is within the 300ft restriction of being located too close to residential homes. A beer license would not likely be approved. This opens the property back up to other options. One would be the pain clinic that we were against in the past.
The traffic is very dense already in the area. Since this is a beer garden that will not be serving food, I would be concerned with impaired drivers in this residential area.
Thank you for your service. I do, again, ask that you vote against the proposed rezoning of this property.
Marc September 12, 2020 at 12:09 PM
I'm writing this email to let you know my opposition to the rezoning request for the roundabout at Northshore and Choto. I'm sure you've already heard all the reasons to vote against this request so I won't belabor the point or take up more of your time. Please vote No on this request. Donald
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Donald (37922), September 22, 2020 at 2:19 PM
We live in the Shady Glen subdivision on S. Northshore Dr. We use S. Northshore Dr. and Choto Rd. and the roundabout every day.We are opposed to the rezoning of this property at the corner of S. Northshore Dr. and Choto Rd. for the Following reasons:
A beer garden is not an appropriate business for this residential area.
S. Northshore Dr. needs widened or expanded before there is any more development in this area. There is already too much traffic for the size of the roads in this area.
The Greenway needs extended from the Cove at Concord Park all the way to Harvey Road before there is any more development (residential or commercial) in this area to remove bicycles and pedestrians from the S. Northshore Dr. roadway.
A beer garden is not an appropriate business for this residential area.
Please vote no on this request.
Jill September 24, 2020 at 6:13 PM
I live in Lake Cove Subdivision very close to this property up for rezoning. I have some concerns about traffic, suitability, and noise. This parcel is adjacent to a family neighborhood and the proposed use does not fit in with a family friendly environment. Traffic backs up at the traffic circle on Choto and Northshore now and I believe that an influx of drivers will exacerbate the situation, especially if the drivers are all exiting an establishment at the same time, i.e., closing time. As there are many families in this area, outdoor music is not compatible to the welfare of residents who wish to sleep at a reasonable hour or even watch television or listen to their own choice of music without constant interference from an uninvited source. Jack October 5, 2020 at 10:33 AM
This letter serves as our formal notice of objection to the proposed zoning and use submission for the property at the SE corner of the roundabout adjoining Northshore and Choto roads.It is our understanding that the proposed zoning and use for this property is for an establishment that will operate in similar fashion to the "Bearden Biergarten" on Kingston Pike. We strongly object to this use for several key reasons:
Access to the property would be a significant challenge, as roundabout traffic has increased dramatically due to major increases in housing development on all sides of the designated property. Traffic would have to slow significantly to turn into the property, as well as traffic that would be entering the roadway from the establishment. This would create potential hazards for pedestrian and vehicular traffic at high volume times of day.
Based on the size of the property, it is hard to envision how adequate parking for such a facility would be available. Overflow parking issues, ingress and egress (as stated above), and traffic flow would be heavily impacted due to the size of the property.
Consumers and residents who are seeking a location for alcohol consumption have viable options already, with the presence of Don Gallo's and Johnny Brusco's restaurants within easy walking distance of this site. Unlike the proposed site, both of these restaurants are housed within a broader strip center off of the main roads, with easy access and adequate parking capacity for both locations. It is not difficult to imagine that patrons of the new proposed property would seek to park in the strip center parking lot, creating immediate capacity issues for all businesses in the area.
Our neighborhood is immediately adjacent to this property, and would suffer further from establishments with later operating hours ? particular those with outdoor seating and alcohol consumption. With the current level of development (from Weigel's and Don Gallo's in particular), conversations and music are easily heard, as well as occasional noise from Weigel's such as shouting, delivery truck operations, and large trash dumpster servicing. This has a material impact on our neighbors and eventually, property values.
We strongly recommend a vote AGAINST approval of this application. Thank you for your consideration.
Jack Shafe, MCHOA Board President
Gary October 6, 2020 at 9:17 AM
As President of Choto Meadows Subdivision and resident at 1628 Choto Meadows Lane, I strongly echo your staff recommendations to deny amending the Southwest Count Sector Plan and to deny C-N rezoning of the 1-acre parcel southeast of the intersection of Choto Rd and S Northshore (the roundabout), which was filed by Daniel D. and Kimberly Overbey.I was told that the planned use was for a "beer garden" (i.e., craft beer), similar to one in Bearden. I oppose this amendment and rezoning on grounds that it would (1) degrade the quality of life of surrounding residents, (2) degrade property values due to excessive noise late into the evening, (3) increase traffic at and near the Choto-Northshore round-about, and (4) cause safety concerns regarding drunk driving.
The existing curb cut into the property is only 175 feet from the crosswalk at Choto and Northshore. This leaves inadequate space for traffic entering and leaving the property. The expectation of 419 daily vehicle trips would be a substantial increase to already greater than expected vehicle traffic at the round-about and down Choto Road, many of which may be under the influence of alcohol. Not only does this impact residents, it also impacts access by the Rural/Metro station in Choto Markets.
Furthermore, I would like to direct the Board's attention to: Ord. No. O-13-6-102, ? 1, 7-22-13 Sec. 4-13. - Distance rules for the sale of beer for consumption on premises.
No person shall sell beer for on-premises consumption within 300 feet of a residential dwelling, measured by the straight-line method from building to building?
While the planned location of the intended structure has not been disclosed, there appears to be approximately 25 homes within 300 ft of the property center. My estimate includes:
5-7 in Choto Fields 5-7 in Choto Mills1 in Montgomery Cove1 on the adjacent Goodman property
Clearly, it is inappropriate to amend the sector plan and rezone for commercial use. Please, deny amending the Southwest Count Sector Plan and deny C-N rezoning.
Rob October 7, 2020 at 7:05 PM
Good Evening, it has been brought to our attention that a beer permit is being requested on 1615 Choto RD. I am not sure if you are aware that there are multiple residences with families less than 300 feet away.It is my understanding that 300 feet from family housing is the minimum distance that a business selling beer can operate. Seth Garfield is one of these affected home owners who opposes this Beer Permit owning a home less than 300 ft from this lot. If necessary Seth is motivated to be present at your board meeting to oppose this permit.Please reply to all with the location and time and Seth will make arrangements along with others who are available.
Sincerely, Choto Fields HOA President
Mark
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Mark (37922), November 3, 2020 at 4:56 PM
Thank you for the opportunity to be heard and represented regarding the plans for this site. I write to you today as a member/neighbor of the Choto communities and as a small business owner. Our business interest, Bearden Beer Market, a landmark in the neighborhood, came within days of permanently closing its doors with the COVID lockdowns in March. With the assistance of PPP loans from our local bank we were able to survive, keep our staff gainfully employed and fight to get back on our feet to this point looking to open a second location. We worked closely with the Fire Marshall to review capacity, the Health Department to review social distancing seating plans and Phase 1 requirements, and MedeClean Technologies to ensure we reopened safely and responsibly. We are confident that our business model will be an enhancement to the Choto neighborhood.Upon first petitioning for rezoning we found ourselves unfortunately combating unsubstantiated rumors within the community and through the Nextdoor App while it was always our intention to meet with our neighbors proactively. Please allow me to address those again: we do not serve liquor, we are not open late (close Sun-Wed 10p, Thurs-Sat 12a), we do not host live music events or play loud music, we are not a dimly-lit smoke-filled "beer joint," we do not cater to a college crowd, we WILL have a full menu of food available. We have since met with our neighbors multiple times to address concerns head on as much as possible and have been met warmly. We are small business owners who seek to be embraced by the neighbors we intend to serve.Bearden Beer Market has been consistently recognized as a supporter of many charitable organizations and an ideal place to meet people in Knoxville, whether that be a planned gathering or a place to meet new people. It is our plan to carry those elements to the Choto location and draw the community together. It is a place for business professionals, friends, families, and even your dog. It has the comfortable feel of a backyard get-together. It is a place to collect for activities such as Pickleball, basketball, cornhole, disc golf, a trivia night or just gather around our firepit. A place to enjoy a glass of wine, a craft beer, and an affordable meal. Our vision is an elaborate community clubhouse built aesthetically conforming to local architecture. In these mid-COVID times, our atmosphere has giving folks a sense of normalcy by enjoying the outdoors in a public place with friends and neighbors.
As a neighbor I knowingly speak firsthand that this establishment will be a complement to existing restaurants and is not in direct or threatening competition to businesses that currently serve the area.
Kevin
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Kevin (37918), November 10, 2020 at 12:36 PM
The issue is that in the county, there is not a low-impact Commercial zone where you would want to have businesses opening up right next to your house. Think about a limited use zone that allows neighborhood services like a bakery, restaurant, bar, produce shop, hair salon, etc. A zone that, if the couple of parcels right next to you rezoned to this zone, most people wouldn't object too much too.I'm thinking of a few neighborhoods in Denver that I've visited, where you walked to a neighborhood restaurant for dinner, or walked down the street to get an ice cream or a sweet after dinner. Those type of commercial developments are assets.
CN allows too many uses, and really requires larger parcels with larger setbacks. It's not what you want to plop in the middle of a neighborhood of single family residential.
KCPA encourages Planning Commission to consider the uses allowed in CN, potentially remove some of those uses, and also to consider a new zone that would be appropriate for placing in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. This would also give you a nice use pattern that could be used in Planned Residential, instead of the existing "SC" uses allowed in PR if you have enough lots / space.