November 12, 2020
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

3 Comments for

10-D-20-RZ
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.

September 3, 2020
at 8:33 AM

10-D-20-RZ

Donald
37922

10-D-20-RZ
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.

September 22, 2020
at 2:19 PM

10-D-20-RZ

Mark
37922

10-D-20-RZ
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.

November 3, 2020
at 4:56 PM