June 8, 2023
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

28 Comments
X ZIP Code
Case Number
Name
Comment
Attachment
On Behalf Of
Date
GENERAL
Jimmy
37917
general
Jimmy (37917), January 31, 2023 at 3:50 PM
dfsdgf
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20230131155002.pdf
January 31, 2023
at 3:50 PM
GENERAL
Shanin
37917
general
Shanin (37917), February 2, 2023 at 11:34 PM
I would like to address an issue that has been a severe difficulty for homeless residence in the city of Knoxville that needs to be addressed directly to help assist the homeless in obtaining permanent residency in the area. I believe in providing access to charging terminals would be very helpful in providing the charging terminals to keep their phones charged to keep in touch with housing possibilities available to them to stay in contact with placement possibilities. I made several calls and left several emails to the mayors of this city . My last attempt I personal arranged a conversation with one of the secretaries in the mayors office as well in person and still no action has been taken . I would like someone from your office to contact me at your soonest available time that we may arrange to discuss these issues directly . You may reach me via email projectchosenones@gmail.com or you may reach me by via cell phone #423-4461466 directly whenever available to discuss these issues please it would be greatly appreciated if you may assist me further for a resolution to this problem possibly . I appreciate the time and attention. Your cooperation would be great to address this issue thank you very much for your cooperation
February 2, 2023
at 11:34 PM
6-B-23-SU
Erin
37917
6-B-23-SU
Erin (37917), May 1, 2023 at 12:23 PM
The Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association opposes a special use variance for a drive-thru at the proposed Cookout site at the corner of Edgewood and Broadway. Our full letter is attached, along with plans for traffic calming that would create bad congestion/potential for head-on collisions if the drive-thru line backs up onto Edgewood. We are also concerned with the noise and litter that would come hand-in-hand with the drive-thru.

View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20230501122327.pdf
May 1, 2023
at 12:23 PM
6-B-23-SU
Chris
37917
6-B-23-SU
Chris (37917), May 1, 2023 at 12:57 PM
No Cook out
May 1, 2023
at 12:57 PM
6-B-23-SU
DAVE
37917
6-B-23-SU
DAVE (37917), May 1, 2023 at 1:15 PM
About the last thing North Broadway needs is another high traffic, fast food restaurant. There are already far too many on that section. In my experience it has been consistently unsafe to drive by them because people tend to stop quickly to pull in and then pull out without looking at traffic. It would be one more low wage business. The architecture of Cookout is cheap and ugly, and is out of context for the Edgewood Park neighborhood. Please reject their application. We can do better than this.
May 1, 2023
at 1:15 PM
6-B-23-SU
Michael
37917
6-B-23-SU
Michael (37917), May 1, 2023 at 1:49 PM
This proposed drive-thru will create even more congestion on our already unsafe road, and it will likely result in more noise and litter as well. Broadway needs to be redesigned before more businesses are added to it. This road is extremely unsafe in its current state and adding more congestion will create a huge hazard
May 1, 2023
at 1:49 PM
6-B-23-SU
Jamison
37917
6-B-23-SU
Jamison (37917), May 1, 2023 at 2:11 PM
Very excited to have cookout on Broadway. We need fewer vacant buildings and more new development!
May 1, 2023
at 2:11 PM
6-B-23-SU
Nicole
37917
6-B-23-SU
Nicole (37917), May 1, 2023 at 3:53 PM
I’m really concerned about this build. This is a profit grab on the old bank space and while that’s ok, a fast food joint within an already tight (& residential) area and nothing in the plans to indicate widening roads or details on traffic management / city planning to mitigate said congestion will only make this area worse. Not to mention that this could lead into many head on collisions and possibly endanger any visitors (particularly kids) at the park behind the building. Put a stop to this drive through build at this particular location, we beg you!
May 1, 2023
at 3:53 PM
6-B-23-SU
Michael
37917
6-B-23-SU
Michael (37917), May 1, 2023 at 4:59 PM
I am opposed to this use because the traffic on Edgewood will become heavy as drive through traffic will cause traffic stoppages. The property was previously used by a business with much less traffic and what traffic was caused by FT Bank was spread throughout the business day. The proposed business will concentrate vehicle traffic at meal times and cause real safety issues on Broadway if traffic is allowed to attempt to exit the parking lot turning south toward downtown. This intersection is at the entrance to a large number of single family homes and near a city park. 
May 1, 2023
at 4:59 PM
6-B-23-SU
Jamie
37917
6-B-23-SU
Jamie (37917), May 1, 2023 at 6:29 PM
When I bought my house in October, I was really unsure of the neighborhood. I grew up in the mountains of Anderson county and the idea of moving to an urban area really unsettled me. However, when I first walked the area during my first showing, I was astounded by the amount of people who were walking dogs, jogging, playing tennis or doing yoga at the park. I felt at home because of the ability that I saw to be in a neighborhood where I felt safe to explore it. I understand that it is always tempting to reuse a space and make money, but I believe the fears this association has is justified. More traffic on Edgewood will make it more dangerous for me, my dog, or even my children to walk to the library or playground. And though there is already a vagrant presence around, this may make our area more attractive to that and less safe. we are in an era of trying to change this part of town for the better. I don’t really believe that a fast food restaurant known for being a place to “sober up” is going to make gains on that goal. I am not a pro, but I would rather see a different kind of space being used for that building, especially one that doesn’t dump into my main thoroughfare.
May 1, 2023
at 6:29 PM
6-B-23-SU
Haley
37917
6-B-23-SU
Haley (37917), May 1, 2023 at 6:38 PM
As a mother and homeowner just a few blocks away, I want to communicate my earnest hope that the commission will block the proposed Cookout on the corner of Edgewood and Broadway. The current infrastructure at the location could not support the increase in traffic congestion, leading residents like my husband and I to have to change our regular routes. Further, its proximity to the part will make the park less safe for my son to play, with an increased presence at night and increase in litter as well.

I have lived in Edgewood for many years happily and I ask you to please not allow Cookout to bring this unwanted change to my home.
May 1, 2023
at 6:38 PM
6-B-23-SU
Sean
37917
6-B-23-SU
Sean (37917), May 1, 2023 at 6:49 PM
I'm totally fine with a Cookout going in on Edgewood and Broadway.
May 1, 2023
at 6:49 PM
6-B-23-SU
Heather
37917
6-B-23-SU
Heather (37917), May 1, 2023 at 8:54 PM
As an Edgewood Park homeowner, I would just like to state my approval for development of this site. I feel that an investment of this kind would be a great draw to the area as opposed to the property just sitting vacant for as long as I can remember. And selfishly I don't want to have to drive so far for their food, which I love!
May 1, 2023
at 8:54 PM
6-B-23-SU
Zachariah
37917
6-B-23-SU
Zachariah (37917), May 1, 2023 at 9:49 PM
I am opposed to this as I am worried about drive-thru traffic spilling over onto Edgewood Ave. We have all seen the issues that the Cookout off of Cumberland Ave have created and I don't think that this one would be that different. Please consider something more appropriate for a neighborhood such as this.
May 1, 2023
at 9:49 PM
6-B-23-SU
Mary
37917
6-B-23-SU
Mary (37917), May 2, 2023 at 8:14 AM
I oppose the cookout being planned for Broadway at Edgewood. Broadway is already a nightmare among that stretch between Atlantic and woodland/Coker, so much so that the police have put up a 24/7 camera system. Cookout is notorious for being a late night destination and residents of belle Morris, Edgewood neighborhoods not benefit from its inclusion in our neighborhood.
May 2, 2023
at 8:14 AM
6-B-23-SU
Scott
37917
6-B-23-SU
Scott (37917), May 2, 2023 at 8:32 AM
I would like to let you know that I oppose the construction of a new Cookout restaurant on Broadway. The neighborhood does not need another drive-thru creating more congestion and more air pollution. The neighborhood does not need another source for junk food. There are plenty of restaurants just like Cookout on that section of road.

Removing the old bank building and planting some oak trees would be a superior use of the property.
May 2, 2023
at 8:32 AM
6-B-23-SU
Scott
37917
6-B-23-SU
Scott (37917), May 2, 2023 at 11:01 AM
I fully support this plan for a Cookout. It's clear from the site plan and traffic study there would have to be a ridiculous number of cars backed up in the drive thru in order to actually cause traffic issues. The likelihood of this actually occurring is so low that it's almost to the point of being negligible. Cookout drive thrus typically have such a quick turnaround time that the requisite number of cars for a traffic issue to occur shouldn't happen with even a barely competent restaurant manager.

We lack variety in drive thru dining options in the area, especially those that offer even remotely "healthier" options of foods that aren't fried. Cookout would be a very welcome addition to the area.
May 2, 2023
at 11:01 AM
6-B-23-SU
Kelly
37917
6-B-23-SU
Kelly (37917), May 2, 2023 at 4:05 PM
This establishment will pull all the 'rif raf' out late at night - this isn't a Chick-fil-A after all. I'm all for a more upscale dining establishment. But for a neighborhood that has car break-ins multiple times a week, people with mental health issues who frequently cross to get from Broadway to Whittle Springs Rd, children who freely run around in a park and cars that frequently exceed the speed limit - having this type of establishment will only exasperate the problems.
May 2, 2023
at 4:05 PM
6-B-23-SU
Cathleen
37917
6-B-23-SU
Cathleen (37917), May 3, 2023 at 12:15 AM
I am for the new cookout on Broadway! I really don't think that it would cause more traffic for our neighborhood since it is already busy. It is short cut to whittle springs. I wouldn't have known about if someone hadn't complained on Facebook. I think this is just what Broadway needs and I live cookout. They will be busy at first but then it will slow down with time. I am very happy cookout is considering this venture and I will be a regular. Unfortunately everyone in area is not aware of plans so mostly negative people will be in here. I have full time job so cannot go to meeting to be heard. Please approve this!
May 3, 2023
at 12:15 AM
6-B-23-SU
Diane
37917
6-B-23-SU
Diane (37917), May 3, 2023 at 1:14 AM
Yes, I would like to say that I support the proposed project 6-B-23-SU. I do not see a problem with a a fast food establishment at this location since there are already several in the vicinity.
May 3, 2023
at 1:14 AM
6-B-23-SU
Larry
37917
6-B-23-SU
Larry (37917), May 5, 2023 at 4:24 PM
A Cookout would be AWESOME! The Cumberland Ave Cookout is used as a poor, one- sided example. The Emory Road and Kingston Pike Cookouts have no issues.
May 5, 2023
at 4:24 PM
6-B-23-SU
Erin
37917
6-B-23-SU
Erin (37917), May 16, 2023 at 8:40 AM
I would like to add that zoning code 16.2.f.2.e reads: "the use is not of a nature or so located as to draw substantial additional traffic through residential streets"

This will draw significant traffic to our already too-busy residential street. We do not want this added to our neighborhood, please do not approve a special use variance. Seeing the Taco Bell on Kingston pike approved is disheartening, but I want to stress this approval would be even worse since it would approve access on a residential street.
May 16, 2023
at 8:40 AM
6-B-23-SU
Jenny
37917
6-B-23-SU
Jenny (37917), May 16, 2023 at 11:11 AM
So excited for more new business in the area. Traffic is heavy during rush hour but no more than was with the bank.
May 16, 2023
at 11:11 AM
6-C-23-RZ
Blake
37917
6-C-23-RZ
Blake (37917), May 21, 2023 at 1:25 PM
Building an apartment complex at this location would have a negative effect on wildlife habitat and create more road traffic. Please don’t build at this location!
May 21, 2023
at 1:25 PM
6-C-23-RZ
Macey
37917
6-C-23-RZ
Macey (37917), May 21, 2023 at 1:52 PM
Please deny the request to re-zone this lot. This is a quiet family neighborhood and adding an apartment complex would only create unwanted traffic and have a bad impact on wildlife in the area.
May 21, 2023
at 1:52 PM
6-B-23-SU
Cindy
37917
6-B-23-SU
Cindy (37917), May 31, 2023 at 4:55 PM
I live in Edgewood Park Neighborhood and currently serve as president of the Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association. I oppose a special use variance for this drive-thru. Based on the drive-thrus of other area Cook Out restaurants, there is a high likelihood that traffic will spill onto Edgewood Ave. Edgewood Avenue can't support this. This will make an already dangerous road more dangerous.

The Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association has worked for several years (in conjunction with the residents living on Edgewood Ave) to get a traffic calming plan in place for Edgewood Avenue, between Whittle Springs and Broadway. Construction on those traffic calming measures is set to begin this summer. Allowing overflow drive-thru traffic to backup on Edgewood Ave would contradict all the efforts made by Edgewood Park residents to make that road safer. Please reject this application.
May 31, 2023
at 4:55 PM
6-C-23-RZ
Ruth
37917
6-C-23-RZ
Ruth (37917), May 31, 2023 at 9:41 PM
I live across from this property and strongly oppose this zoning change request. This property is not wide enough to stuff the 6-24 dwelling units per an acre that this zoning request will permit. Yes, it is abt 1.5 acres but it is narrow when you consider that it only has 100ft road frontage and this developer wants to put 6-24 apts on it. This will have the buildings almost on top of the neighbors. Just behind this property lies the 640 interstate, the trees and hills help to buffer the noise and pollution that come with a very busy road way. There is wildlife that call that home. I've lived here for 5 years and have seen more varied wildlife (deer, birds,...) than I've seen anywhere else. Apartments don't bring the bring value to a family neighborhood. I don't want me and my neighbors home values go down just because someone see's $$$. Valley View Dr is a busy road as it is and people speed down it all the time, even the KAT buses. Putting in more apartments will not help this. Please say "no" to this request. This is not the place for apartments. Nobody here wants this. Only a single home needs to be built here. Homeowners have a vested interest in there property and renters (alot of times) don't. Please look out for our best interest and deny this request. Thank you
May 31, 2023
at 9:41 PM
6-C-23-RZ
Stephanie
37917
6-C-23-RZ
Stephanie (37917), June 1, 2023 at 1:17 PM
I currently live in the home owned by the Soldano’s. Valley view drive lays at the base of the ridge line. This whole side of the street already floods regularly. I have been in contact with the county and the city for months now, regarding the stormwater basins and the open channel one property down. This whole side of whittle springs was built on top of springs and the groundwater is at full saturation. Additionally, there are sink holes everywhere increasing in number. My home is currently in need of foundation work, due to water and flood damage. This building will make all these issues worse. I’m concerned that disruption of the uphill property or any surrounding land will cause more issues for every property in the immediate area. Additionally, we purchased this property for the privacy and the land. I cannot stress enough how the integrity of the land is at stake. I don’t want any construction or disruption of of the ground. I vote against this proposal fully. In my opinion, any action puts all surrounding properties at risk is for increased flooding and compounding issues. We vote NO.
June 1, 2023
at 1:17 PM