January 11, 2024
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

21 Comments

1-E-24-RZ
Tanya (37934), January 3, 2024 at 5:36 AM

STOP this insanity! That area cannot handle any more homes, people or cars. The traffic in that area is terrible. Heaven forbid there is an accident, then traffic is backed up for days. Those roads cannot handle any more cars. That area was never intended to have so many homes and the current roads can't handle it. The building has to stop!

January 3, 2024
at 5:36 AM

1-E-24-RZ

Donna
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Donna (37934), January 4, 2024 at 2:53 PM

Please do not allow such a drastic change (agricultural to low-density housing) in this area. It is suited for larger lots only due to the already congested traffic backups driving west on Northshore Drive, as well as the overcrowded school conditions. Thank you for your consideration of the opinion of your public constituents.

January 4, 2024
at 2:53 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Rachel
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Rachel (37934), January 5, 2024 at 3:14 PM

Our community and MOST IMPORTANTLY, our schools, absolutely can not handle the influx of people as it is. This is asinine to think this is a good idea for anyone.

January 5, 2024
at 3:14 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Matt
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Matt (37934), January 5, 2024 at 7:59 PM

I am adamantly opposed to this new development at the corner of Northshore and Harvey. Both roads that are adjacent to that neighborhood are already at capacity. Northshore is already the site of numerous auto accidents and this will only make it worse. Regardless of the housing density, unless the developer has plans to alleviate the busy streets prior to breaking ground on this development, it should be voted against by the planning commission. In my time here, developers have over-taxed our roads and infrastructure while only passing on the expense to the taxpayers and residents. This is sole reason why FUD customers in west Knox County have water restrictions. Additionally, it has been brought up almost daily about the overcrowding of Farragut schools. I know there is one in the works, but there also several new subdivisions and apartment complexes being built that are also going to contribute to the student population immensely.

January 5, 2024
at 7:59 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Marci
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Marci (37934), January 5, 2024 at 8:09 PM

I oppose this rezoning for the following reasons. 1) We have been pleading to Knox County for almost a year now that continued development within the area should be suspended until Northshore has been upgraded to handle the current and future traffic needs of the area. The continued irresponsible development within the area is quickly becoming a severe safety issue. 2) There are no other 5-unit/acre developments within the immediate area. The highest level of actual completed development within the area is just less than 3.5-units/acre. The majority of developments were actually developed to under 3-units/acre. So 5-units/acre would not be consistent with the character of the area. Please deny the request due to the Northshore safety issue but at a minimum Knox County should limit the effect on our community by greatly reducing the number of units per acre and with a written stipulation that attached housing will NOT be allowed.

January 5, 2024
at 8:09 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Amber
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Amber (37934), January 5, 2024 at 9:00 PM

I completely oppose this move to rezone this land in order to build more housing. This area has extremely high traffic already and cannot handle yet another housing development! No!

January 5, 2024
at 9:00 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Chris
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Chris (37934), January 6, 2024 at 8:21 AM

Our schools and roads in Farragut are already seriously overcrowded, severely impacting their effectiveness and causing serious safety concerns. I oppose this irresponsible growth, until the infrastructure can be improved ahead of these big residential projects.

January 6, 2024
at 8:21 AM

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Brian
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Brian (37934), January 6, 2024 at 9:34 PM

Northshore must be improved as a condition of any future development in this area. The road is inadequate, unforgiving, and unsafe in its current condition; additional traffic will only make it worse. It is irresponsible for the Planning Commission to consider additional development in the Choto area without a firm plan for widening and improving Northshore Rd.

January 6, 2024
at 9:34 PM

1-E-24-RZ

OA
37934

1-E-24-RZ
OA (37934), January 7, 2024 at 3:16 PM

Far West Knoxville, McFee Rd, Harvey, Virtue, Boyd Station, West Northshore And Choto is not adequately prepared for such additional growth. Roads are narrow and not adequate for the traffic we have and growth would make it considerably worse. Schools are already overcrowded, even with proposed options, will not be adequate to house additional students. I would be interested in the environmental impact study, along with proper roadway/traffic improvement proposal as this development will affect all areas mentioned above.

January 7, 2024
at 3:16 PM

1-E-24-RZ

John
37934

1-E-24-RZ
John (37934), January 7, 2024 at 7:14 PM

My wife and I are opposed to the requested zoning by Cook Brothers. The traffic on Northshore is awful and will only be made worse by adding a project with the higher density requested. Fix the infrastructure first, I.e. Northshore Drive before even considering such a request

January 7, 2024
at 7:14 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Mary
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Mary (37934), January 8, 2024 at 11:27 AM

Please do not approve this rezoning. Northshore, and other roads in this area, cannot handle the traffic of more development. Northshore must be widened if developments are going to be approved.

January 8, 2024
at 11:27 AM

1-E-24-RZ

Sarah
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Sarah (37934), January 8, 2024 at 8:35 PM

I oppose the reasoning as the roads can not handle any more traffic/congestion and the schools are already overcrowded/overwhelmed.

January 8, 2024
at 8:35 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Joseph
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Joseph (37934), January 8, 2024 at 8:51 PM

I OPPOSE THE REZONING. Northshore Drive has to be widened to at least three lanes. This has to start immediately, but there are no approved plans now.

January 8, 2024
at 8:51 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Gregory
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Gregory (37934), January 8, 2024 at 9:17 PM

I am opposed to 5 units/acre. Perhaps 3 per acre. My rationale is the local roads already can not accommodate traffic at the current time. "Cramming" the additional 2 units per acre will tax an overtaxed infrastructure. Overall, I suggest Knox County plans for and acts on potential increased road usage before it is desperately needed.

January 8, 2024
at 9:17 PM

1-E-24-RZ

John
37934

1-E-24-RZ
John (37934), January 8, 2024 at 11:36 PM

I am opposed regarding the rezoning 1-E-24-RZ. My concerns regarding this are traffic congestion, public safety, as well as school overcrowding. As a resident of Farragut it has been noted in some of our town meetings, most of the traffic comes from outside of the township. Choto was one of the areas mentioned that traffic is generated from. Additional neighborhoods being built not only will generate more traffic in the town of Farragut, but will also continue to put a strain on Farragut schools. In the past few years four large apartment communities are in the process of being built, two of which lie solely in Knox County (City West, and Farragut Pointe). As economic situations have changed in recent years this has created an unknown factor for new students to be enrolled in Farragut Schools as all of these apartment complexes are zoned for the Farragut school district. Northshore is an old two lane road that cannot handle the volume of traffic currently especially during peak times. Recently emergency responders had to airlift a person from a vehicle accident because of congested roads. There is no median for first responders to pass to attend to emergency situations. I ask for the conservative decision regarding this matter.

January 8, 2024
at 11:36 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Lida
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Lida (37934), January 10, 2024 at 10:06 AM

-I OPPOSE THE REZONING. Loudon County limits rural growth to two units per acre. It is time to recognize the Northshore-Choto area has been over built and more overdevelopment is a public safety hazard.

January 10, 2024
at 10:06 AM

1-E-24-RZ

Kimberlie
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Kimberlie (37934), January 10, 2024 at 12:04 PM

After carefully reviewing the proposed development and as a Farragut Resident which this development will impact us with trips into our town. The Traffic study is over a decade old that is being used to compute the amount of traffic and school traffic it will have. Which if you didn't know over 900 homes have been built since that study has been conducted. The infrastructure that is currently in place going in and out of Choto and Northshore does not handle the increase of residents that it has had since 2014. Adding additional apartment dwellings will further hurt this community and it will bleed into Farragut which our roads cannot handle more cars on the roads that go to Farragut Middle and High School. Living off of Concord Rd it is already a nightmare to get in and out of the only entrance our neighborhood has. There is not way for my neighbors and I to get relief as our complaints have been left to the wind. Please vote this down

January 10, 2024
at 12:04 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Mike
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Mike (37934), January 10, 2024 at 12:53 PM

I strongly oppose this rezoning as proposed. There is no way for emergency vehicles to render aid to traffic accident victims now. There have been fatalities on South Northshore Road and less than two weeks ago a traffic accident victim was helicoptered out because there was no other way to get the victim to the hospital. Did this person survive? I personally believe there should be a moratorium on new development projects in Choto until Northshore, Choto, and Harvey Roads are made safe. Northshore needs to be widened with shoulders and three lanes where possible. Promises have been made for twenty years it is time for them to be honored. This is no longer a matter of quality of life it is now a matter of life or death. For this rezoning on Harvey Road I propose 2.5 units per acre only if the Planning Commission and Knox County Commission immediately fund road improvements for Northshore, Choto, and Harvey Roads over a three-year period with Northshore Road being first. No road improvements, no rezoning. There should be a moratorium on new development until funding and approval of road improvements have been budgeted and approved by the vote by both bodies. It is time for your promises to be honored. More in attached file.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240110125328.pdf

January 10, 2024
at 12:53 PM

1-E-24-RZ

George
37934

1-E-24-RZ
George (37934), January 10, 2024 at 3:04 PM

Any future development along this totally inadequate traffic is foolhardy at best. Of course an owner has a right to use property to get the best return. But when one person or a company seeks financial gain at the loss of thousands of residents then hopefully those who vote on this have some forethought and more importantly, a conscience to do the right thing. I have children and grandchildren that use Northshore every day. It’s not a question of how bad this road is for safety but when will the commission realize their collective names will be forever associated with any tragedies that befall the folks that drive on this already too dangerous 2 lane, narrow country road I hope the board has the intestinal fortitude to say ‘No’ to this foolish idea to put more homes off of Northshore.

January 10, 2024
at 3:04 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Cynthia
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Cynthia (37934), January 10, 2024 at 9:17 PM

This area of Farragut/Knox County is already overbuilt for the roadway infrastructure that is currently available, and considering that Northshore expansion is limited by the waterline on the south side, it seems like increasing traffic volume in this area will be a big challenge. Please consider the needs of current area residents with the same weight as those of the developers who want to make this area as overcrowded as the area at the new development at Kingston Pike and Concord Road (in front of the Kroger store) will be upon its completion.

January 10, 2024
at 9:17 PM

1-E-24-RZ

Scarlet
37934

1-E-24-RZ
Scarlet (37934), January 11, 2024 at 12:43 AM

I am really concerned/confused as to why this type of development is even being considered at this time. Why would the infrastructure not be put in place prior to this even being voted on? It seems like common sense to work through all of the issues that will arise before this development is even considered. I would hope that the powers that be will lead with their brain and not just their wallet.

January 11, 2024
at 12:43 AM