January 11, 2024
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

12 Comments

Richard
37938

12-A-23-UR
Richard (37938), December 13, 2023 at 6:53 AM

The attached letter includes the comments/concerns voiced by 52 people living in the immediate area of the proposed rezoning location at 4608 Harrell Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938. Although unable to attend the hearing, please consider these individuals' objections as though they were present at the meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20231213065333.pdf

December 13, 2023
at 6:53 AM

1-SA-24-C

teresa
37938

1-SA-24-C
teresa (37938), January 8, 2024 at 10:36 AM

I also wish to submit my vote of NO to allowing the pedestrian access from Mockingbird Meadows to Emory Estates via Hoff Lane. I had not seen the petition when it went around the neighborhood. Thank you

January 8, 2024
at 10:36 AM

1-SA-24-C

Kevin
37938

1-SA-24-C
Kevin (37938), January 8, 2024 at 8:43 PM

I would like to submit that the sidewalk linked to the Emory Estates Subdivisin be denied. The original Plat that was seen a tear or so ago had the sidewalk coming up and turning south behind lots and proceeding towards Emory between Emory Estates and Mayes property. Due to sinkholes that are prevalent on that property, it looks like the retention pond area was also relocated due to this. I'd also add that I do not believe it is ADA compliant. It seems that this is being implemented in order to satisfy a bussing issue. If this is so,let's be realistic,that is a school system issue. We currently have no standard busisng. Please reconsider this. If all the above mentioned issues do not suffice to your liking, I'll use the words of previous issues from the western area of the county. Farragut, Hardin Valley, North Shore area. "It's just not esthetically pleasing" Again, you've seen the signatures against. Let's do the right thing.

January 8, 2024
at 8:43 PM

1-SA-24-C

Haley
37938

1-SA-24-C
Haley (37938), January 9, 2024 at 6:05 PM

PLEASE see the attached PDF outlining the opposition to the proposed sidewalk connection. The recommendation by the MPC of the connection for the purpose of access to KCS bus transportation is in DIRECT VIOLATION of KCS Transportation Policy and negligent to the safety of the students it pertains to. Everyone who is directly involved with this requirement opposes the sidewalk connection (both Developer and residents of Emory Estates).
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240109180559.pdf

January 9, 2024
at 6:05 PM

1-SA-24-C

Lisa
37938

1-SA-24-C
Lisa (37938), January 9, 2024 at 8:38 PM

Our family has lived in Emory Estates for 24 years now and we know who our neighbors are and who their immediate family members are. We walk and ride bikes on these roads and the traffic is manageable but busy in morning and evening hours as residents commute to and from work/school.Because of the 1 way in and out design it feels somewhat safe despite the lack of sidewalks. Multitudes of cars entering our roads to bring kids to a bus stop and most likely stay parked on the side of the road waiting for their childrenâs bus is dangerous and unacceptable. Whatâs more unacceptable is allowing elementary age bus riders to walk from Mockingbird Meadows during a busy time and some months of the year ,in the dark! Our working neighbors begin going in and out from 6am-8:30. Please do not allow this access through our neighborhood. Why not have the bus make a stop up in Mockingbird Meadows instead. Much safer and unobtrusive.

January 9, 2024
at 8:38 PM

1-SA-24-C

Gabe
37938

1-SA-24-C
Gabe (37938), January 9, 2024 at 10:30 PM

As a resident of Emory Estates subdivision since 2005, I oppose the sidewalk construction from Mockingbird Meadows for the following reasons:
1. Overwhelming opposition from my Emory Estates neighbors as evidenced in the petition that includes 85 of 110 homes.
2. The neighborhoods are already connected by sidewalks on Emory Road. The MPC neighborhood connectivity requirement has already been met.
3. Sidewalks in Mockingbird Meadows do not need to be connected to a neighborhood that does not have sidewalks, Emory Estates.
4. Neighborhood sidewalks are out of character with older, rural subdivisions like Emory Estates.
5. Build cost as well as future maintenance cost of the sidewalk to Knox County taxpayers or the developer.
6. Developer opposition to sidewalk construction.
7. Lack of notification by MPC as the sign was placed in an area that does not get regular traffic rather than Emory Road.
8. The proposed plan shows the sidewalk proceeding south to Emory Road, not into Emory Estates.
9. ADA compliance issues of the proposed sidewalk.
10. Safety concerns of additional, unnecessary entry points into Emory Estates.

January 9, 2024
at 10:30 PM

12-A-23-UR

Richard
37938

12-A-23-UR
Richard (37938), January 10, 2024 at 5:21 AM

1/10/2024: The attached is an updated letter and list of 103 names of residents in opposition of the Rezoning Proposal for 4608 Harrell Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938 *FILE NUMBER 12-A-23-UR

View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20240110052103.pdf

January 10, 2024
at 5:21 AM

1-SA-24-C

Joan
37938

1-SA-24-C
Joan (37938), January 10, 2024 at 3:20 PM

I am not sure why it is even being suggested that a sidewalk be added from a brand new rental community to an older established neighborhood. What is the need for this access. There are a lot of older people in the Emory Estates neighborhood, who are there by design. Allowing young children to easily access this older neighborhood with bicycles and skateboards will certainly lead to frustrations and possibly disasters. There are no sidewalks within Emory Estates subdivision, so the only alternative for pedestrians to access this subdivision is to have them walking on the roads. My simple question is "what is the advantage to this?"

January 10, 2024
at 3:20 PM

1-SA-24-C

Kenneth
37938

1-SA-24-C
Kenneth (37938), January 10, 2024 at 4:02 PM

A sidewalk connection between the Mockingbird Meadows and Emory Estates subdivision is not needed or wanted.

January 10, 2024
at 4:02 PM

1-SA-24-C

Mike
37938

1-SA-24-C
Mike (37938), January 10, 2024 at 6:19 PM

My family has lived in Emory Estates for over 37 years, and we like the neighborhood the way it is. As a close knit community, We know our neighbors and watch out for each other. We do not look forward to 60 rental homes of strangers walking and riding bicycles in our neighborhood, especially since we donât have sidewalks. We have a nice neighborhood, with families who have lived here for a long time. Some of our grown children have purchased homes so that they can raise their families the same way they were raised, in a peaceful, quiet, and safe neighborhood. Then there is the school bus issue which other neighbors have adequately addressed. In addition, if the Planning Commission is wanting to connect neighborhoods, we will be connected by the sidewalk along Emory Road. This sidewalk seldom used, and is open for their use. In summary, let DH Horton and the Emory Estates Subdivision agree to delete the non-ADA compliant sidewalk as requested.

January 10, 2024
at 6:19 PM

1-SA-24-C

Lissa
37938

1-SA-24-C
Lissa (37938), January 10, 2024 at 7:59 PM

As a homeowner of Emory Estates since 1988, we would oppose and vote NO to the sidewalk between our neighborhood and Mockingbird Meadows. Our neighborhood has opposed access previously and this sidewalk doesn’t seem to have the best interest for the families in Emory Estates.

January 10, 2024
at 7:59 PM

1-SA-24-C

Ryan
37938

1-SA-24-C
Ryan (37938), January 11, 2024 at 12:57 PM

As a resident of Emory Estates, I have only been exposed to two references to this discussion. The first was a petition, which I promptly signed. The second was a scanned copy of today’s hearing, addressed to Mr. McGrath, which was left in my mail box. I have not received any correspondence from the planning committee on this issue. I oppose the addition of a sidewalk connecting Mockingbird Meadows to Emory Estates, and further contend that the planning committee has yet to provide a valid explanation as to why this is even a proposal. There is not a single sidewalk along the entirety of street surfaces within Emory Estates, so I am failing to see why this is a consideration. If the KCS bus route is in fact part of the justification, adding a stop in Mockingbird Meadows is the proper solution. Seeing as my property is only 1,000ft from the proposed project, and in the direct flow of foot traffic it would incur, I am most disappointed that I was not properly included in any invitation or discussions.

January 11, 2024
at 12:57 PM