November 12, 2020
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

29 Comments for

X Date X ZIP Code

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Deserie
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Deserie (37931), October 7, 2020 at 1:51 PM

Hello, I am a resident of Huntcrest Subdivision and I am writing to express my concern about the proposed rezoning of 3430 Zion Lane since it within close proximity of my residence at 3112 Champions Trail Lane. The proposed rezoning seems out of place for such area which is predominately zoned residential with 5 large residential subdivisions along Ball Rd. across from the property proposed for rezoning. The subdivisions include Foxfield, Huntcrest, Miller?s Plantation, Maple Valley, and Shadowbrook, which are home to hundreds of residents who bought homes in this area because it was predominately residential zoning which lends to a sense of security and privacy.Furthermore, the proposed home for those trying to get back on their feet does not appear appropriately placed in an area with no immediate work or transportation opportunity. This is worrisome to residents of the area, with concern for foot traffic and crime likely to increase with so many homes close as an immediate opportunity to theft.I appreciate your consideration to deny the request for rezoning on this case, or at a minimum to postpone approval to allow time for residents of the area to be notified to have an opportunity to speak their opinion. This decision will affect our personal home life, and it is fitting to give our community time to voice each opinion on this matter.

October 7, 2020
at 1:51 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Greg
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Greg (37931), October 22, 2020 at 7:01 AM

This email is concerning 9-A-20-RZ and 11-F-20-UR. There are 4 residents of voting age living at 3257 Red Meadow Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931 who OPPOSE this request. While we hope these men get the help they need, we are NOT in favor of these rezoning requests, because:1.) Primarily there are houses with young children playing, and catch the school bus, etc. in the area and the presence of this facility will be a direct threat to their safety and security, regardless of the efforts that may or may not be made to solve this problem.2.) There is currently no public transportation to/from the area and no safe means for the men to walk to/from any place where public transportation might be obtained.As someone who has ministered to such men in the past, I understand the need for these men to be reached and helped. However, with a county the size of Knox, there are for sure many better places for this type of facility. Please do NOT allow this rezoning. We will be watching this closely to see how this takes place and what the decisions are!

October 22, 2020
at 7:01 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Sonya
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Sonya (37931), October 26, 2020 at 7:45 AM

This email is concerning 9-A-20-RZ and 11-F-20-UR. There are 3 residents of voting age living at 6004 Star Ray, Knoxville, TN 37931 who OPPOSE this request. While we hope these men get the help they need, we are NOT in favor of these rezoning requests, because:

1.) Primarily there are houses with young children playing, and catch the school bus, etc. in the area and the presenceof this facility will be a direct threat to their safety and security, regardless of the efforts that may or may not be made to solve this problem.2.) There is currently no public transportation to/from the area and no safe means for the men to walk to/from any place where public transportation might be obtained.I understand the need for these men to be reached and helped. However, with a county the size of Knox, there are for sure many better places for this type of facility. Please do NOT allow this rezoning. We will be watching this closely to see how this takes place and what the decisions are!

October 26, 2020
at 7:45 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Gregory
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Gregory (37931), October 26, 2020 at 10:03 AM

1.) Primarily there are houses with young children playing, and catch the school bus, etc. in the area and the presenceof this facility will be a direct threat to their safety and security, regardless of the efforts that may or may not be made to solve this problem.2.) There is currently no public transportation to/from the area and no safe means for the men to walk to/from any place where public transportation might be obtained.I understand the need for these men to be reached and helped. However, with a county the size of Knox, there are for sure many better places for this type of facility. Please do NOT allow this rezoning. We will be watching this closely to see how this takes place and what the decisions are!

October 26, 2020
at 10:03 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Gregory
37931

11-F-20-UR,9-A-20-RZ
Gregory (37931), October 26, 2020 at 10:04 AM

This email is concerning 9-A-20-RZ and 11-F-20-UR. There are 2 residents of voting age living at 3209 Red Meadow Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931 who OPPOSE this request. While we hope these men get the help they need, we are NOT in favor of these rezoning requests, because:1.) Primarily there are houses with young children playing, and catch the school bus, etc. in the area and the presenceof this facility will be a direct threat to their safety and security, regardless of the efforts that may or may not be made to solve this problem.2.) There is currently no public transportation to/from the area and no safe means for the men to walk to/from any place where public transportation might be obtained.

I understand the need for these men to be reached and helped. However, with a county the size of Knox, there are for sure many better places for this type of facility. Please do NOT allow this rezoning. We will be watching this closely to see how this takes place and what the decisions are!

October 26, 2020
at 10:04 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Stevie
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Stevie (37931), October 28, 2020 at 2:50 AM

To Whom it May Concern:I am writing regarding case 9-A-20-RZ and 11-F-20-UR. There are currently 2 residents of age to vote at the current residence of 3310 Red Meadow Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931 who OPPOSE this request. As I do hope these men get the assistance they need, we are NOT in favor of these rezoning requests, due to the following reasons:The location of this facility will be surrounded by homes / subdivisions with families and young children. These young children play, catch the school bus, etc. in the area. This includes my children along with other families. This facility will be in the direct threat of these children's security and safety, regardless of the efforts to help this from happening.The location of this facility is poorly thought out due to the lack of public transportation for these individuals. The location of this property will not allow the men to walk to and from the area in a safe manor as there is a lack of sidewalks on Ball Rd.As someone who has family who has dealt with issue of domestic violence and drug abuse I do understand the need for those in these situations to be helped. I do believe with a location the size of Knoxville, there other locations which would benefit these men. Please do NOT allow this rezoning and jeopardize our children and families. As a homeowner I will be watching closely to see the results of this decision.

October 28, 2020
at 2:50 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Kevin
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Kevin (37931), October 30, 2020 at 11:26 PM

I strongly urge you not to allow rezoning for the purpose of establishing an Addiction Treatment Facility or similar Rehabilitation Facility in this residential family part of the Karns community. If you have any doubts about the validity of these reasons, and you haven't visited Ball Road and noticed the growing community, I urge you to do so before this item comes up for consideration. Allowing an Addiction Treatment Facility or Rehabilitation Facility in this area would be a mistake.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201030232600.pdf

October 30, 2020
at 11:26 PM

Mark
37931

11-SA-20-C
Mark (37931), October 31, 2020 at 10:29 AM

I am writing to request that the new subdivision being proposed for the Coward Mill area be required to maintain the 3.5du/ac limit currently in place for other developments in the area and not be permitted to move to 5du/ac. Coward Mill is not able to handle the current traffic and to add the additional burden is simply not reasonable. Thank you for your consideration. Mark & Peggy Mason 10355 Laurel Pointe Lane Knoxville, TN 37931

October 31, 2020
at 10:29 AM

Fredrik and Debra
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Fredrik and Debra (37931), November 3, 2020 at 10:38 AM

It is our understanding that a developer has bought a tract of land next to the current subdivision (by the big Propane tanks) on Coward Mill Road. The developer is asking for your approval for a 5du/ac which means five (5) dwelling units per acre. That will make the homes very close to one another. There are twelve (12) acres of land. That means sixty (60) new homes, Most homeowners make an average of four (4) trips per day which is two hundred forty (240) more cars on a winding Coward Mill Road.This is in addition to the current subdivision of one hundred fifteen(115) homes currently under construction and a new elementary school that has already been approved. All of the other subdivisions, after we fought for it, are 3.5du/ac. The other former commissioners agreed that the 3.5du/ac should be rejected and accepted the 3.5dc/ac to preserve the existing community.

I am asking you to support the 3.5du/ac for this property and propose that the subdivision should not be allowed to begin construction until Cherahala is finished and Coward Mill is widened.

November 3, 2020
at 10:38 AM

Randy
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Randy (37931), November 5, 2020 at 12:21 PM

I am writing to you in opposition of the proposed (slash & burn) development @ 10607 coward mill rd. I own and operate “Varmint Busters” at 10615 Coward Mill Rd. right next door. We are the oldest, most professional Wildlife Damage Management company in the state of Tennessee, licensed by TWRA since 1989. When I purchased this property the zoning was BPTO as was the surrounding property on both sides.

I had to justify that my wildlife damage management company “fit” into this zoning. I searched long and hard for a good location because at certain times of the year we can be a little odiferous (skunk season). I felt obligated to find a location where I would not be a nuisance to surrounding neighbors. We have been at this location about 15 years now.

Recently the 30 acres between my property and Pellissippi was sold. This land has been tortured and hauled off like Mr. Peabody’s coal train did to Muhlenberg county Kentucky. All the timber has been removed and the ground scraped bare. Two small streams have been encapsulated in plastic pipe and buried underground. A bonified sinkhole approximately .3ac is now under about 30 ft. of fill dirt. My phone lines have been knocked out twice. A black cherry tree about 8inch DBH fell onto my property and power line and caught fire. Rural Metro saved the day! Since this 30 acres has been cleared the wind howls across my property like it never did before. I have an old steel door (standard exterior steel door about 50lbs) that leans against a shed post in the back of my property that blows over two or three times every week!!! I have had to replace both siding and roofing due to the constant wind that we never had before!

I think this is the same developer that now wants to develop 10607 Coward Mill Rd. The last planning meeting I went to at Hardin Valley School showed the Cherahala skyway/by-pass going through this property so what’s up with that?

One house / acre solves a lot of problems!!!

November 5, 2020
at 12:21 PM

Matt & Jessica
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Matt & Jessica (37931), November 5, 2020 at 12:27 PM

To all Knox County Planning Commissioners:

Subject: (CASE # 11-I-20-RZ, 11-D-20-SP) Proposed rezoning of 5.4 acres at 10607 Coward Mill Rd from BP (TO) to planned residential development (TO) up to 5 house/acre. Objectives: Keep traffic noise and congestion (bottleneck) to a minimum around and on Coward Mill Road and Phase 1 of Cherahala Extension.

Reasons for concern are as stated:

A. The PHASE 2 “Extension of Cherahala Blvd.” is to dissect this property and it seems inappropriate to be putting houses or anything on it at this time.

B. A New 900 student capacity elementary school is to be built adjacent to the East side of this property.

C. A subdivision with 118 homes (3.5/ acre) is going in adjacent to the West side of this property.

D. Increased congestion reduces the value and desirability of the existing homes in the area.

E. Any increase of number of houses of more than 3.5/acre would break the precedence already set for our area and would negatively change the housing plan in our community. We are aware that Coward Mill Road is to be upgraded for school bus safety, but it is to remain a two-lane road which will be required to carry all of this additional traffic.

We are not against responsible development. Please help us keep our housing and traffic congestion down, and our home values up. Thank you for your support and consideration.

November 5, 2020
at 12:27 PM

Jessica
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Jessica (37931), November 5, 2020 at 1:17 PM

Subject: (CASE # 11-I-20-RZ, 11-D-20-SP) Proposed rezoning of 5.4 acres at 10607 Coward Mill Rdfrom BP (TO) to planned residential development (TO) up to 5 house/acre.

Objectives: Keep traffic noise and congestion (bottleneck) to a minimum around and on Coward Mill Road and Phase 1 of Cherahala Extension.

Reasons for concern are as stated:A. The PHASE 2 ?Extension of Cherahala Blvd.? is to dissect this property and it seems inappropriate to be putting houses or anything on it at this time.B. A New 900 student capacity elementary school is to be built adjacent to the East side of this property.C. A subdivision with 118 homes (3.5/ acre) is going in adjacent to the West side of this property.

D. Increased congestion reduces the value and desirability of the existing homes in the area.E. Any increase of number of houses of more than 3.5/acre would break the precedence already set for our area and would negatively change the housing plan in our community.

We are aware that Coward Mill Road is to be upgraded for school bus safety, but it is to remain a two- lane road which will be required to carry all of this additional traffic.

We are not against responsible development. Please help us keep our housing and traffic congestion down, and our home values up. Thank you for your support and consideration.

November 5, 2020
at 1:17 PM

James
37931

11-D-20-SP
James (37931), November 5, 2020 at 2:23 PM

I have two concerns, 1) the “Phase 2 Extension of Cherahala Blvd” and 2) housing densities that exceed 3.5/acre. The Phase 2 Extension of Cherahala Blvd is planned to bisect the proposed development and once the houses are built, the road cannot be completed. This extension is critical to relieving traffic problems in the area, especially with the housing developments being built and the future 900-student elementary school. Can the county establish a right-of-way for the Phase 2 Extension of Cherahala Blvd? This will allow the reasonable development of the area without causing major traffic problems, especially given that the county is currently working to address this future problem.I realize that the zoning allows up to 5 houses per acre, but I want to emphasize that most of the houses in the area have lots greater than one acre. There is a subdivision being built that has 3.5 houses/acre and any development that exceeds this density would not fit into the current land use of the area.

November 5, 2020
at 2:23 PM

Greg and Susan
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Greg and Susan (37931), November 6, 2020 at 9:30 AM

To all knox county planning commissioners:

Subject: (CASE # 11-I-20-RZ, 11-D-20-SP) Purposed rezoning of 5.4 acres at 10607 Coward Mill Rd from BP (TO) to planned residential development (TO) up to 5 house/acre.

Objectives: Keep traffic noise and congestion(bottleneck) to a minimum around and on Coward Mill Road and Phase 1 of Cherahala Extension.

Reasons for concern are as stated:

A. The PHASE 2 “Extension of Cherahala Blvd.” is to dissect this property and it seems inappropriate to be putting houses or anything on it at this time. B. A New 900 student capacity elementary school is to be built adjacent to the East side of this property. C. A subdivision with 118 homes ( 3.5/ acre) is going in adjacent to the West side of this property. D. Increased congestion reduces the value and desirability of the existing homes in the area. E. Any increase of number of houses of more than 3.5/acre would break the precedence already set for our area and would negatively change the housing plan in our community. We are aware that Coward Mill Road is to be upgraded for school bus safety, but it is to remain a two lane road which will be required to carry all of this additional traffic.We are not against responsible development. Please help us keep our housing and traffic congestion down, and our home values up. Thank you for your support and consideration.These are some concerns about the development and rezoning of the property ( known to us as the Zimmerman property).These are a few of the concerns that we think are important to voice for our community. Remember, Commissioners are appointed to protect our community’s interest and not the financial interest of a single developer.

November 6, 2020
at 9:30 AM

Mary Ann
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Mary Ann (37931), November 6, 2020 at 10:30 AM

Please keep the the rezoning of this property to 3.5 houses per acre as is in keeping with other developments in this immediate area. Our concerns are the following: 1- Any change in the number of houses per acre would break the precedence and would negatively impact our area 2- Phase 2 of extension of Cherahala Blvd is to dissect this property and seems against County interests to put housing in at this time 3- A new elementary is to be built adjacent to this property. It would seem more practical for the county to wait for the school to be built to see how rezoning this property would affect the school traffic problems. 4- Increased congestion would reduce the desirability and thus property values of the existing homes in the area In closing - It seems against county interests to rezone this property until the road infrastructure has been built and the school is operational.

November 6, 2020
at 10:30 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Angela & Kevin
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Angela & Kevin (37931), November 6, 2020 at 3:23 PM

I am writing with my firm OBJECTION to two current requests for rezoning. The first rezoning request is for vegetation (9-A-20-RZ) followed by a second request for Multi-family Residential rezoning (11-F-20-UR), both on the same property in the Karns area on Zion Lane, off Ball Rd.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201106164019.pdf

November 6, 2020
at 3:23 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Megan
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Megan (37931), November 6, 2020 at 9:59 PM

This letter is in regards to 9-A-20-RZ, the rezoning of Zion Lane from planned residential to agricultural. Angelic Ministries is seeking to build a "men's home" on this property. I have several issues with this, as it is in close proximity to my neighborhood.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201106215744.pdf

November 6, 2020
at 9:59 PM

Arlie
37931

11-C-20-UR
Arlie (37931), November 6, 2020 at 10:14 PM

I was of the understanding that the subdivision was a single family developmentwith single family dwelling. I am concerned that the propose building would cause a drainage problem to my property. By changing the drainage of the property by causing a faster runoff because of the asphalt. And that the proposed building would not add value to the surrounding properties. After speaking to some of neighbors they are not in favor of the proposal.

November 6, 2020
at 10:14 PM

Gary and Donna
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Gary and Donna (37931), November 7, 2020 at 10:09 AM

Gary and Donna Paulson respectfully request that you reject the 5 du/ac Coward Mill subdivision proposal from a developer and, instead, approve it as a 3.5 du/ac subdivision.

Development in this area will continue and we have no problem with that as long as the density is controlled. To us, 3.5 du/ac is reasonable and will help control future congestion on the area roads, will contribute to better air quality, and will help make the community a more desirable place to live.

November 7, 2020
at 10:09 AM

Thomas
37931

11-I-20-RZ
Thomas (37931), November 8, 2020 at 6:37 PM

I am writing regarding my growing concern about the potential for traffic congestion and noise around and on Coward Mill Road and Phase 1 of the Cherahala Extension that will only be further exacerbated by the above referenced rezoning and sector plan amendment at 10607 Coward Mill Road. Specifically, my concerns are as follows:

The PHASE 2 "Extension of Cherahala Blvd." is to bisect this property, and it seems inappropriate to authorize higher density home construction on this property at this time based on the current plans for the Phase 2 extension of Cherahala Blvd. through this property.

Knox County Schools is constructing a new 900 student elementary school directly adjacent to the east side of this property.

An 118 home (3.5 du/acre) subdivision is under construction directly adjacent to the west side of the above referenced property.

The potential increased congestion has a negative impact on the safety, seclusion, and value of the existing homes in this area.

Any increase in the density of homes above 3.5 du/acre would exceed the precedent already established by the planning commission for this area, resulting in a negative impact on the overall housing density of this area.While I am aware of Knox County's plans to widen Coward Mill Road for school bus traffic, it is still to remain a two-lane road which will be required to carry a large amount of additional traffic with the addition of the new school and subdivision noted above.

While I am not opposed to responsible development, I am concerned that the density of the proposed rezoning will have a negative impact on the traffic safety and quality of life that hopefully remain paramount in your planning goals for the future development of this property and the properties in this area.

November 8, 2020
at 6:37 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Joy (37931), November 9, 2020 at 8:10 AM

I STRONGLY object to this kind of establishment being placed in my community. I didn't even get into how it would negatively affect home values or property tax revenue or any other economic subject you could think of. Because that wouldn't be right. I'm not saying what I'm saying for money. I'm saying it for my family, for the families around me and everyone else who wants to remain living in a safe community. DO NOT REZONE TO LET ANGELIC MINISTRIES RUN ROUGHSHOD IN OUR COMMUNITY!
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201109081002.pdf

November 9, 2020
at 8:10 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Joe (37931), November 9, 2020 at 8:10 AM

As a neighbor, Knox county resident, and voter I strongly believe such a facility does not belong near residential communities and Angelic Ministries mission is best served either growing their current facilities or finding other property well removed from the people of Knox county.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201109081022.pdf

November 9, 2020
at 8:10 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Kevin
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Kevin (37931), November 9, 2020 at 10:10 AM

Thank You for strongly considering my opposition to deny these rezoning requests when the commission meets on November 12th 2020 and any future dates when this may be on the planning commission’s agenda.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201109101041.pdf

November 9, 2020
at 10:10 AM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Deborah
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Deborah (37931), November 10, 2020 at 7:26 PM

I live within about 300 ft from this site and have a 15 year old daughter who is at home by herself during school hours. I do not feel safe for my daughter to be here by herself with these men having close access to my house if they decide to get out. 12 men that are just out of prison or in drug rehab in this neighborhood is not very safe for us. I feel this will bring my property value down but I fear more for the safety of my daughter. I never received any information on this site I just happened to see what was happen on a Facebook page.

November 10, 2020
at 7:26 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Chris
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Chris (37931), November 11, 2020 at 8:52 AM

Deny 9-A-20-RZ and 11-F-20-UR Due to Adverse Impact to the Surrounding Community

If the Knox County Planning Commission listens to the voices of the Karns’ Community that live near Zion Lane, they will soundly reject outside influences of Angelic Ministries and Realtors to create an environment that will be detrimental to the safety and well-being of our families and future financial value of our homes.

Many of us attended the meeting held by Angelic Ministries at Grace Baptist to listen to their proposal to build a fenced in 24/7 monitored transitional “boarding house” for men. Let it be known that the only people that supported this rezoning proposal were: Angelic Ministries, Two realtors (one who has been stuck with the property for years and threatened to sell it to a dog breeder if we were not caring enough to support this facility, and also accused the neighborhood children of vandalizing the current Zion property), and one commission member who stated she was neutral and then said she thought it would be nice to have nice property with new landscaping (note that we found out that she was the “community leader” that proposed the new location of the meeting. She was not speaking for us as a community leader).

See my attached PDF for all reasons to deny this request.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201111085219.pdf

November 11, 2020
at 8:52 AM

Ashley
37931

11-C-20-UR
Ashley (37931), November 11, 2020 at 3:06 PM

see attached
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201111150634.pdf

November 11, 2020
at 3:06 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Jennifer
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Jennifer (37931), November 11, 2020 at 5:58 PM

Please deny this request.

Thanks for the consideration.

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201111175846.pdf

November 11, 2020
at 5:58 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Kyle
37931

9-A-20-RZ,11-F-20-UR
Kyle (37931), November 11, 2020 at 6:03 PM

Please Deny
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201111180336.pdf

November 11, 2020
at 6:03 PM

9-A-20-RZ
11-F-20-UR

Scotty
37931

11-F-20-UR,9-A-20-RZ
Scotty (37931), November 11, 2020 at 6:11 PM

I ask that you please deny this request not only for myself but for my sister as we know first hand.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20201111181137.pdf

November 11, 2020
at 6:11 PM