February 10, 2022
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

34 Comments for
X DateX ZIP Code
Case Number
Name
Comment
Attachment
On Behalf Of
Date
2-E-22-UR
Jill
37922
2-E-22-UR
Jill (37922), January 23, 2022 at 2:34 PM
The lot size proposed in this request is much smaller than those in surrounding neighborhoods (Montgomery Cove, Bayou Bend, Lake Cove etc.) and therefore is inconsistent with established subdivisions. Lowering the number of homes to 45 instead of 55 would at least insure a lot size of 1/4 acre. There is also the matter of water flow to consider as it affects surrounding properties. Since Northshore is quite narrow at this property, requiring a turn lane like the one into Montgomery Cove will help ease increased traffic. Has a traffic study been done? Also, requiring a tree/bush buffer between adjacent properties such as Lake Cove may help in water management and land erosion.
January 23, 2022
at 2:34 PM
2-E-22-UR
Matt
37922
2-E-22-UR
Matt (37922), January 25, 2022 at 3:33 PM
I would like voice my objection to the requested Use on Review for 57 additional residential lots. As a homeowner in the general area, my concern is the certain strain that will accompany additional residential "roofs" being placed on a very tight area of Northshore Drive. Further, the Choto sub-market has experienced a high level of residential growth without corresponding commercial services for the current and long time residents. While we recognize the area is sought after, the reality is Northshore needs to be expanded to (at minimum) at least 3 lanes all the way to Concord Road, regardless if the 12320 Northshore property is of commercial or residential use. Adding 57 additional attached homes will continue to cause major issues down S. Northshore for the foreseeable future.
January 25, 2022
at 3:33 PM
2-E-22-UR
Joel
37922
2-E-22-UR
Joel (37922), February 1, 2022 at 10:40 AM
Aside from the planned development of 57 condos being inconsistent with the other housing in the vicinity, the unfettered growth is already straining Northshore / Choto roads capacity. Understood that property owners should be able to pursue their economic interest, but land use plan should be restrained to 3 homes per acre, certainly no more than 4. Planning commission needs to consider how Northshore will be expanded to handle additional traffic.
February 1, 2022
at 10:40 AM
2-E-22-UR
Bryan
37922
2-E-22-UR
Bryan (37922), February 4, 2022 at 9:55 AM
This is irresponsible and does not consider community impact. The infrastructure in place does not support this development, nor does the development maintain the current aesthetic and density of the surrounding neighborhoods. As mentioned, a traffic study should be presented. Increased density is solely to benefit a single developer at the expense of the surrounding community. This is precisely what our elected officials are meant to protect their citizens from.
February 4, 2022
at 9:55 AM
2-SC-22-C
John
37922
2-SC-22-C
John (37922), February 4, 2022 at 12:42 PM
see attached pdf
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220204124252.pdf
February 4, 2022
at 12:42 PM
2-E-22-UR
John
37922
2-E-22-UR
John (37922), February 4, 2022 at 12:51 PM
The original neighborhoods in this area had 3 units per acre at most. Now, with every new development, the number of units per acre is steadily increasing. This is causing severe traffic congestion in the mornings and evenings and if there is an accident it shuts the area down for hours. This is a very dangerous situation for the people involved in the accident, the 1st responders and anyone else that may experience a medical emergency in the area at that time. The other point of ingress and egress to this area is via a tunnel under a railway line that should have been expanded and revamped 20 years ago. The current residents are essentially bottlenecked into this area. Never mind the large subdivisions that are going in on the other side of that tunnel. This area is also going to be affected by the building of new subdivisions just on the other side of the county line which will travel through this area to work and shopping. The local school system is overcrowded as it is. The wastewater treatment plant (Concord Rd area) and substation on Choto road are overburdened as evident by the smell when you drive past at certain times. I object to this plan.
February 4, 2022
at 12:51 PM
2-SC-22-C
Trina
37922
2-SC-22-C
Trina (37922), February 4, 2022 at 12:52 PM
Hi and thank you for reading this. I wanted to comment on the Loy farms proposed subdivision. We haven't live here too long and I have no issue with adding in new homes. My concerns come from the lack of planning for growth.

1. The plans do not show a turn lane. In my opinion, ALL new developments on Northshore should be required to have turn lanes. There are too many accidents already and Northshore is a major conduit. Turning traffic is a hazard. Every development going in currently or recently without a turn lane results in a slowdown of traffic and frustration by others on the road. I understand they're trying to cram as many homes in as they can, but maybe they should cut out a couple and allow space for a turn lane, for safety. This lane could also serve as the boarding location for the bus, so children can board safely, not in the street.

2. We need more parks. While this also doesn't apply directly to this plan, it seems there is no plan for additional parks. Concord park is great, but it's overcrowded and not close to the many, many developments on this end of Northshore. So I ask, Planning Commission, what is your plan for this?

3. If the developer is allowed to reduce the many setbacks they've requested to reduce, it appears impossible for Northshore to ever both expand and have the greenbelt, thereby cutting off the ability for future expansion of the roadway. This seems like a very poor plan for the future.
February 4, 2022
at 12:52 PM
2-SC-22-C
John
37922
2-SC-22-C
John (37922), February 4, 2022 at 12:52 PM
The original neighborhoods in this area had 3 units per acre at most. Now, with every new development, the number of units per acre is steadily increasing. This is causing severe traffic congestion in the mornings and evenings and if there is an accident it shuts the area down for hours. This is a very dangerous situation for the people involved in the accident, the 1st responders and anyone else that may experience a medical emergency in the area at that time. The other point of ingress and egress to this area is via a tunnel under a railway line that should have been expanded and revamped 20 years ago. The current residents are essentially bottlenecked into this area. Never mind the large subdivisions that are going in on the other side of that tunnel. This area is also going to be affected by the building of new subdivisions just on the other side of the county line which will travel through this area to work and shopping. The local school system is overcrowded as it is. The wastewater treatment plant (Concord Rd area) and substation on Choto road are overburdened as evident by the smell when you drive past at certain times. I object to this plan.
February 4, 2022
at 12:52 PM
2-SC-22-C
Trina
37922
2-SC-22-C
Trina (37922), February 4, 2022 at 12:52 PM
Hi and thank you for reading this. I wanted to comment on the Loy farms proposed subdivision. We haven't live here too long and I have no issue with adding in new homes. My concerns come from the lack of planning for growth.

1. The plans do not show a turn lane. In my opinion, ALL new developments on Northshore should be required to have turn lanes. There are too many accidents already and Northshore is a major conduit. Turning traffic is a hazard. Every development going in currently or recently without a turn lane results in a slowdown of traffic and frustration by others on the road. I understand they're trying to cram as many homes in as they can, but maybe they should cut out a couple and allow space for a turn lane, for safety. This lane could also serve as the boarding location for the bus, so children can board safely, not in the street.

2. We need more parks. While this also doesn't apply directly to this plan, it seems there is no plan for additional parks. Concord park is great, but it's overcrowded and not close to the many, many developments on this end of Northshore. So I ask, Planning Commission, what is your plan for this?

3. If the developer is allowed to reduce the many setbacks they've requested to reduce, it appears impossible for Northshore to ever both expand and have the greenbelt, thereby cutting off the ability for future expansion of the roadway. This seems like a very poor plan for the future.
February 4, 2022
at 12:52 PM
2-SC-22-C
Jake
37922
2-SC-22-C
Jake (37922), February 5, 2022 at 9:16 AM
We are all for growth and new homes in our area but to have 57 condos in under 12 acres is not consistent with the area. The ask to reduce all the setbacks, road width and easements is a clear sign that this is overcrowding and flat-out greed, with no regard for the surrounding area. Lot size min's should be set and no reduction of infrastructure (narrow streets proposed), and no setbacks decrease should be granted. The study shows 604 more trips from the new development as well, but there is no entry and exit lanes for it off Northshore. We are all aware of the challenges on Northshore as it is and to not put in these is only going to put an already poor traffic flow into more chaos. Part of the approve must include access to and from the Northshore that does not impede traffic flow, such as turn in lanes and merge lanes. With the setbacks and easement changes being proposed also leaves no room for the work that is needed at this time to expansion of Northshore and the greenbelt, sidewalks.
February 5, 2022
at 9:16 AM
2-SC-22-C
Jake
37922
2-SC-22-C
Jake (37922), February 5, 2022 at 9:17 AM
The owner/developer would be able to maintain the profit they are looking for by increasing the lot and home sizes while decreasing the overcrowded layout that have not that does not work without waivers on all the setbacks and easements. We ask that all that can attend to voice their concerns on 2/10 are able to and to reach out to the mayor. Knox County infrastructure and zoning for the future is one of his issues he ran on and is running on again. What happed with Harpers Cove (Regiment Way, Knoxville) and no design to allow for cars entering and exiting needs to stop being approved on Northshore. At Harpers cove the gate when closed does not have enough space to allow more then two vehicles before they back up onto Northshore. Enough is enough the full picture needs to be looked at not just a small part.
February 5, 2022
at 9:17 AM
2-E-22-UR
Jenny
37922
2-E-22-UR
Jenny (37922), February 6, 2022 at 2:57 PM
We moved out to the Choto area over 30 years ago. We chose this area because of it’s natural beauty and because of the restrictions on how many houses could be built on the land. Those restrictions soon deteriorated with the addition of Montgomery Cove and have spiraled downward with the addition of each new subdivision. I understand the need for housing as a city grows but to do it with no regard for the current residents, nature, wildlife, natural resources, and especially the infrastructure is a losing situation. No community can thrive if it is built before the infrastructure is there. Traffic is already a nightmare in this area and will only get worse with more development. Schools are already bursting at the seams and will deteriorate with more development. Natural resources are dwindling and will be overburdened with more development. The natural beauty of the area is compromised as trees get mown down for subdivisions and wildlife habitats are threatened. I am appalled that people in leadership roles cannot see beyond the tips of their noses and realize what is best for our communities. Please make thoughtful decisions for this use on review and, at the very least, restrict the number of houses per acre to help preserve the beautiful Choto area as it was originally intended.
February 6, 2022
at 2:57 PM
2-E-22-UR
Karen
37922
2-E-22-UR
Karen (37922), February 6, 2022 at 4:49 PM
Please do not allow this to development to happen!! Northshore is already so traffic heavy! That area is congested and this will make it worse. Development here in Farragut has gotten totally out of control. The McFee Road area will be a nightmare once those Saddlebrook subdivisions are in. Has always been such a wonderful place to walk…now too many speeding cars! The same will apply to that area of Northshore. No to this development!!
February 6, 2022
at 4:49 PM
2-SC-22-C
Pat
37922
2-SC-22-C
Pat (37922), February 6, 2022 at 8:11 PM
This attachment represents the position of the Montgomery Cove Homeowners Association Board of Directors. Please let me know of any questions.

View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20220206201148.pdf
February 6, 2022
at 8:11 PM
2-E-22-UR
Paul
37922
2-E-22-UR
Paul (37922), February 6, 2022 at 8:13 PM
We are very concerned about the water flow coming off the Loy Farm. We own the property next door and want to make sure that no additional water flows off the Loy Farm onto our property than is currently coming off the property. Our second concern is the current 30' - 40' barrier of trees, bushes, and brush that separates the 2 properties. We have lived next door for 10+ years and have enjoyed complete privacy through this barrier. We are concerned that this barrier will be destroyed through the development of the property. We want to be assured that the barrier will remain (which we believe will be destroyed in the land development phase of construction) or a suitable replacement will be provided.
February 6, 2022
at 8:13 PM
2-SC-22-C
Jennifer
37922
2-SC-22-C
Jennifer (37922), February 7, 2022 at 10:28 AM
The idea of adding 7 homes and 50 duplexes in a congested area with no turn lanes and no traffic lights(with none in the works) is going to be a train wreck. The area already has traffic problems from Concord Rd. all the way down Northshore and this will make it exponentially worse.
February 7, 2022
at 10:28 AM
2-E-22-UR
Gail
37922
2-E-22-UR
Gail (37922), February 7, 2022 at 12:32 PM
We built our forever home in Jefferson Park almost 13 years ago. The beauty and tranquility of the area brought us here. Now the overdevelopment has ruined this part and many other parts of Knoxville! Schools are overcrowded and the traffic on Northshore is a nightmare and unsafe. Please stop this overdevelopment of our beautiful area!!!
February 7, 2022
at 12:32 PM
2-E-22-UR
Kathy
37922
2-E-22-UR
Kathy (37922), February 7, 2022 at 3:46 PM
We moved to the Choto area from Bearden less than 3 years ago. We understood at the time we built that Ball Homes was building a large subdivision in the area. We did not know there would be almost 300 houses built in the McFee Rd/Boyd Station Rd area. This is close by the railroad trestle that is impossible for 2 cars to pass through, considering the size of trucks now. Another 57 residences will only make this situation worse. The constant traffic and noise that is already bad will also increase. I believe this development will bring down property values in upper-income neighborhoods of Montgomery Cove, Choto Mills, Mallard Bay, etc. I know this property will be sold for homes...it's inevitable. But I think the homes should be more in line with the established neighborhoods. The infrastructure out here is already to the breaking point. The speeders and bully drivers on Northshore are very scary now.
February 7, 2022
at 3:46 PM
2-E-22-UR
Jenna
37922
2-E-22-UR
Jenna (37922), February 7, 2022 at 9:15 PM
Enough is enough. This area has become increasingly more dangerous. It is nearly impossible to take a left turn out of our Northshore neighborhood between the hours of 7- 9 am and then 3-6:30 pm. The commission keeps approving more and more homes to come into this area, without providing any infrastructure to support the onslaught on people and cars. The decisions made in recent years have truly diminished the quality of life for those living in this area. What was once a beautiful and serene setting has been destroyed by decisions of the last few years. The storage units that were somehow approved on this beautiful stretch of land is truly bad enough. Please don’t double down on a poor decision by now allowing condominiums into this area. The schools are already overrun. There is no more room! Stop with the madness.
February 7, 2022
at 9:15 PM
2-E-22-UR
Dawn
37922
2-E-22-UR
Dawn (37922), February 8, 2022 at 7:47 AM
I oppose this development. I feel this area lacks the roadways and infrastructure to meet the traffic needs of this new development. Our schools have been overcrowded for many years and can not sustain and influx of students.
February 8, 2022
at 7:47 AM
2-E-22-UR
Charles
37922
2-E-22-UR
Charles (37922), February 8, 2022 at 9:19 AM
As a resident of Knoxville for over 20 years and multiple area homeowner- Lenoir City (37772), Farragut (37934), and now Concord (37922) - the growth the area is experiencing has been both exciting and disheartening. Exciting because area growth, when managed responsibly, is a good thing- new residents, businesses, opportunities, and the like are fantastic. However, much of the development in recent years have been disheartening as areas, particularly highly sought after and desirable areas, are pillaged by developers only thinking of their bottom line profits with little to no regard for the community or those who live in them. Over the last 3-5 years, the Western most area of Knox County in particular, has seen this occur time and again with developers that want to take advantage of the booming housing market but do not want to support the area/community responsibly and/or considering infrastructure strains and the challenges those strains create for our residents. This development is just another example. By not aligning to the general lot size to home ratio of the area, housing type or aesthetics, and zero consideration for the significant traffic challenges this will only add to an already overly congested area, I firmly oppose this development in its entirety. I ask the committee to do better and do what's right for our community. Oppose this development.
February 8, 2022
at 9:19 AM
2-E-22-UR
Gary
37922
2-E-22-UR
Gary (37922), February 8, 2022 at 10:09 AM
TRAFFIC ISSUE: I've live in the Choto area since 1993, almost 30 years. Northshore has changed from a rural road to a major thoroughfare. The population west of Concord Road has expanded tremendously, but Northshore has not changed to accommodate the growth. Yet, the Planning Commission has allowed, even encouraged growth to continue at an accelerated pace. The addition of 57 housing units on Loy Farm will add to the present clog of traffic.

ON-SITE ACCESS: Loy Farm driveways are small, and will likely require on-road parking for visitors, but streets are too narrow to accommodate on-road parking. The potential exists for blocking emergency vehicle access.

STORMWATER RUNOFF: The upper section of Loy Farm is shown to drain to a depression onsite. That water has to go somewhere off-site. That somewhere is to the tiny creek along the storage facility, across Choto Meadows common property and into Holder Branch. Even now, during heavy rains, Holder Branch floods onto Choto Meadows property. The addition of more impervious surfaces will exacerbate the flooding in the feeder creek, in Holder Branch, and downstream

CONCLUSION: In short, there are too many homes planned for the Loy Farm Property. The streets are too narrow. Provisions for storm water runoff is inadequate.

Deny the Use on Review until local concerns are addressed.
February 8, 2022
at 10:09 AM
2-E-22-UR
Gary
37922
2-E-22-UR
Gary (37922), February 8, 2022 at 11:30 AM
I am commenting on this to defend my own and my neighbors interests. This development is not appropriate for this community. High density housing needs to be located closer to major thoroughfares (highways), not Northshore Drive, which is already overburdened. Further, high density homes need to be located much closer to centers of employment as there is no such thing as mass transit in this area. This project will cause a loss of value in all of the neighborhoods surrounding the site. In addition, the high density housing on the site, the very narrow streets, and the complete lack of any parking for visitors or families with several vehicles will create a safety hazard for the occupants and create a burden for nearby parking lots and streets that already have no room to spare. The proposed storm water runoff mitigation is a pitiful proposal. The pond will quickly overflow and burden downstream properties, mine included. Choto Road already comes very close to flooding at Holder Branch with a heavy rain. Compared to the extensive runoff mitigation that was created for the adjacent storage facility, this proposal is an insult that invites lawsuits, should any downstream properties get flooded. I urge you to do the right thing and oppose this project. A fresh start, with substantially lower housing density, is the only reasonable approach.
February 8, 2022
at 11:30 AM
2-E-22-UR
Holly
37922
2-E-22-UR
Holly (37922), February 8, 2022 at 12:27 PM
Until a traffic study is done and infrastructure improved, no further development can possibly be approved off Northshore. I understand the regulations allow developers to piece-meal their developments to avoid traffic studies, but that does not make it right. In addition, we already have a water pressure issue. Almost every home in our neighborhood has to put in a booster pump in order to get the pressure needed for every day activities, not to mention sprinkler systems. More and more of our friends are moving out of the more expensive neighborhoods in this area because of the increase in density. Putting in more development will only cause more to leave and housing prices to drop. I understand in the short-term the developers are taking advantage of the influx of people, but the planning commission must consider the long-term. The planning commission's job is to plan for responsible development.
February 8, 2022
at 12:27 PM
2-SC-22-C
John
37922
2-SC-22-C
John (37922), February 8, 2022 at 5:20 PM
I am writing this in opposition of the newly planned development. This development will cause major traffic concerns on an already overly crowded Northshore Drive. There is a hill near where this subdivision will go and cars come over the hill at high speeds. There have already been numerous accidents at the entrance of Montgomery Cove due to this. This increased traffic patter in this area will be extremely dangerous. To my knowledge no traffic studies have been done prior to mapping out this subdivision and that certainly needs to be looked at before moving forward. Thank You.
February 8, 2022
at 5:20 PM
2-SC-22-C
Joanie
37922
2-SC-22-C
Joanie (37922), February 8, 2022 at 6:37 PM
I must add my concerns as well to the growing list of people who are alarmed by the proposed Loy Farms development which appears to be poorly planned and irresponsible. Many of us have lived in this area for years but have been experiencing the negative effects of rapid high-density growth - especially over the last several years - when our land and infrastructures are not able to adequately and safely accommodate such expansion. Schools are overcrowded and traffic already poses safety issues, especially during certain times of the day and during rainy conditions. Please listen to and respect the concerns of the residents who know and live in this area and recognize the detrimental impact this high-density development could pose. Thank you.
February 8, 2022
at 6:37 PM
2-SC-22-C
Selina
37922
2-SC-22-C
Selina (37922), February 9, 2022 at 5:47 AM
I am writing in opposition to the proposed development of 12320 Northshore. The building happening within Farragut, west knox, and neighboring counties has gotten completely out of hand. The rate at which development is happening does NOT match the current infrastructure we have. The quaintness of Farragut is being destroyed by big developers, apartment complexes and strip malls everywhere you turn. What’s more frustrating, is driving along Kingston Pike and seeing tons of vacant buildings, yet we continue to build additional town centers. Fill the spaces we already have! Quit destroying the beauty of East TN by tearing down trees and digging up land to cram in more housing. I implore these elected officials to listen and read the comments, the disappointment, the frustration etc. of their constituents. People are in favor of growth, but it HAS to be PLANNED growth, and OVER TIME. Not all at once. The schools are incredibly overcrowded already. What is to be done? Build more schools? That would inevitably mean redistricting. Now explain that to people that paid to be in the Farragut School system. We have 2 giant subdivisions going up already on McFee. Enough is enough
February 9, 2022
at 5:47 AM
2-SC-22-C
Nicole
37922
2-SC-22-C
Nicole (37922), February 9, 2022 at 7:02 AM
We are opposed to the Loy Farms development primarily because the surrounding infrastructure does not support it. As it stands currently, Northshore Dr is a major bottleneck during high traffic times and especially when accidents occur or construction shuts a lane down. Adding over 600 trips per day will only make this worse and defeats the purpose of why most of us chose to move to the edge of Knox County - to get away from traffic and enjoy the beautiful lakeside and country side without sitting in traffic. Please consider how this will negatively impact the living experience of current residents and taxpayers.
February 9, 2022
at 7:02 AM
2-SC-22-C
Nicole
37922
2-SC-22-C
Nicole (37922), February 9, 2022 at 7:02 AM
We are opposed to the Loy Farms development primarily because the surrounding infrastructure does not support it. As it stands currently, Northshore Dr is a major bottleneck during high traffic times and especially when accidents occur or construction shuts a lane down. Adding over 600 trips per day will only make this worse and defeats the purpose of why most of us chose to move to the edge of Knox County - to get away from traffic and enjoy the beautiful lakeside and country side without sitting in traffic. Please consider how this will negatively impact the living experience of current residents and taxpayers.
February 9, 2022
at 7:02 AM
2-E-22-UR
Erin
37922
2-E-22-UR
Erin (37922), February 9, 2022 at 11:53 AM
Our family is very concerned about the high density development planned for 12320 S Northshore. 5 units per acre is excessive for this area that is already overcrowded with no room to expand roads. Never mind the fact that there are already several other massive development projects in the area that will already be adding to the overcrowding problem in the near term. Our roads and schools cannot support these plans.
February 9, 2022
at 11:53 AM
2-E-22-UR
Maghen
37922
2-E-22-UR
Maghen (37922), February 9, 2022 at 12:32 PM
I vehemently object to any new developments on Northshore, or in the farragut area altogether. The infrastructure, for one, is not built to withstand the type of growth this community is having; this area does not need any additional construction- plenty of homes/housing developments are being built in this area (Mcfee Road, Boyd Station, Campbell station/Kingston pike apartment complex) and our community DOES NOT WANT THIS. It takes away from our quaint small town, adds unwanted traffic to a poor infrastructure, and additional residents to already overcrowded schools. Please listen to the community and stop tearing up our beautiful green fields to put in more and more and more homes/businesses. West knoxville has enough.
February 9, 2022
at 12:32 PM
2-SC-22-C
Maghen
37922
2-SC-22-C
Maghen (37922), February 9, 2022 at 12:33 PM
I vehemently object to any new developments on Northshore, or in the farragut area altogether. The infrastructure, for one, is not built to withstand the type of growth this community is having; this area does not need any additional construction- plenty of homes/housing developments are being built in this area (Mcfee Road, Boyd Station, Campbell station/Kingston pike apartment complex) and our community DOES NOT WANT THIS. It takes away from our quaint small town, adds unwanted traffic to a poor infrastructure, and additional residents to already overcrowded schools. Please listen to the community and stop tearing up our beautiful green fields to put in more and more and more homes/businesses. As a person born and raised in Farragut, West knoxville has enough
February 9, 2022
at 12:33 PM
2-SC-22-C
Nancy
37922
2-SC-22-C
Nancy (37922), February 9, 2022 at 8:40 PM
I would like to comment on the proposed 50 plus town homes proposed on Northshore. I feel that this density of housing is not appropriate in this area given the fact that Northshore is already a very busy two lane road. The schools in Farragut are already overcrowded. I feel the this will significantly negatively impact the area and I would like to register my opposition to this plan.
February 9, 2022
at 8:40 PM
2-SC-22-C
Nono
37922
2-SC-22-C
Nono (37922), February 9, 2022 at 10:56 PM
Please do not add more homes. More traffic, more accidents. Please widen Northshore. Turn that farm into a small grocery store that would help this community.
February 9, 2022
at 10:56 PM