1-SB-22-C Mackenzie (37932), January 5, 2022 at 11:40 AM
I live in the Massey Creek Subdivision off of Mission Hill Lane. I am contacting you in regards to the plan for the properties being built south of our subdivision. The houses that will have exits off of Mission Hill Lane are not a good idea. The site line for this road is very poor. Already, with no houses on this road, the site line is poor. Adding exits/entrances to this road will add to the traffic coming in and out of this road. Also, the traffic leaving Mission Hill lane to go out to Hardin Valley Rd will be increased. I think there needs to be a different entrance for these homes.
1-SB-22-C Heather (37932), January 5, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Hardin Valley has seen outrageously fast growth and does not currently provide the adequate infrastructure to support the growth. We do not have adequate fire, rescue or police support. Outside of these grossly negligent areas, the Mission Hill road boulevard entrance to Massey Creek is a dangerous place to add five driveway access points. Not only does it detract from the original neighborhood landscape it also presents a danger due to the blind hill as you exit down to Hardin Valley Road. It’s an unsafe, unnecessary ask. I’m all for community growth and for builders etc…. To earn a living, however, this absurd growth needs to slow until proper infrastructure can be put in place. As commissioners, we tax payers count on you to do what’s in the best interest of the communities you serve. Passing this request is not in the best interest of the Massey Creek neighborhood nor the Hardin Valley community.
1-SB-22-C Gerda (37932), January 10, 2022 at 9:24 AM
I would like to implore the MPC to refrain from approving any more subdivisions in the Hardin Valley area especially around Mission Hill Rd until the traffic and school problems are addressed and fixed. It is starting to become a nightmare to live in this area. Traffic around school drop off and pick up times is absolutely atrosious. This does not include all the traffic that is going to be added as a result of the current subdivisions being built. Furthermore, Massey Creek Subdivision HOA paid for the access road and is paying for the upkeep and maintenance of said road and grounds. I am opposed to any other subdivisions being able to use Mission Hill Lane as an access to their subdivision. If approved, their access road should come off of Hardin Valley Rd and Mission Hill Ln. Please reconsider the approval of any more subdivisions in this area for the forseeable future.
1-SB-22-C Jaime (37932), January 10, 2022 at 10:38 AM
I am writing in opposition to the 5 additional homes proposed off of Mission Hill Lane. These driveways will cause a hazard on Mission Hill. There is nothing hindering these homeowners from parking cars along Mission Hill at any time. With the addition of only a small strip of land (2.85 acres per your records) being added to this plot the builder is adding 8 additional lots. It seems as though there is more of a need to jam pack as many homes as possible into this space rather than building to fit the area and conserve the beauty of HV. If you look at notes from the original approval your board spoke extensively about having 18 lots instead of 17 due to the placement of the homes to HV road. With having already approved the original 18 lots (which came with great opposition from the nearby residents) please do not continue to add to this issue by approving these additional homes with driveways off of Mission Hill. There is also another property you have already approved with townhomes that will be feeding into Mission Hill from the top of the hill. This additional approval would be harmful not only to the residents of Massey Creek, but to our property values as well. The Blvd entrance is one of the reasons EVERY homeowner in Massey Creek chose this location to live. I as well as many of the residents plead with you not to allow these additional driveways off Mission Hill.
1-SB-22-C Michele (37932), January 10, 2022 at 11:42 AM
I oppose the addition of additional subdivisions off of Mission Hill lane. This will create overcrowding and traffic. We do not want to lose the serenity and beauty of open land in Hardin Valley
1-SB-22-C Michele (37932), January 10, 2022 at 11:42 AM
I oppose the addition of additional subdivisions off of Mission Hill lane. This will create overcrowding and traffic. We do not want to lose the serenity and beauty of open land in Hardin Valley
1-SB-22-C Mark (37932), January 10, 2022 at 1:37 PM
The longer section of Mission Hill is a Blvd entrance into Massey Creek and is not designed for individual lot access. Doing so would be a hazard with cars having to turn around within the Blvd to enter any attached lots. In addition the lanes on either side of the grass divider are not wide enough for what would surely turn into street parking by any added lots. The developer should build an entrance to the new subdivision with a bridge over the creek, just as Hunter did in developing Massey Creek. The design should be what is best of existing and future homeowners, and not the developer. We need consistent and quality developments.
1-SB-22-C Mark (37932), January 10, 2022 at 2:42 PM
THIS >>>>>>>> (as noted by Paul) "The Mission Hill entrance to Massey Creek should be unaltered as it is consistent with nearly all subdivisions in Hardin Valley in having a landscaped entrance for the neighborhood. EVERY neighborhood off HV road has this defining characteristic. The entrance acts as a park and green space for Massey Creek residents to walk and ride bikes."
1-SB-22-C Leslie (37932), January 10, 2022 at 4:35 PM
I am writing in opposition to the 5 additional homes proposed off of Mission Hill Lane. These driveways will cause a hazard on Mission Hill. There is nothing hindering these homeowners from parking cars along I am writing in opposition to the 5 additional homes proposed off of Mission Hill Lane. These driveways will cause a hazard on Mission Hill. There is nothing hindering these homeowners from parking cars along Mission Hill at any time. Additionally on trash days the cans will take up 3-6 feet of an already choked down roadway. This is a question of safety versus 5 additional tax bases for an already over planned and growing too fast community. As it stands now, the driveways will be in front of the landscaped medians. The only way for the residents to access their driveways safely would be for them to do a u-turn at the end of all medians and circle back around to make a right into their driveway. This not only seems like an unfeasible way to flow traffic it also proposes additional concern of safety as those exiting down Mission Hill now must worry about oncoming traffic doing u-turns to access these driveways. We ask for you to act now on our behalf of the current residents and their concerns for the safety of our community and the future values of our properies.
1-SB-22-C Vonna (37932), January 10, 2022 at 8:47 PM
I strongly urge the replanning of lots 22-26 that show an entrance from Mission Hill Lane. I highly encourage that the Knox County Planning Committee seek advise and review of the current proposal by the Knox Regional Transportation Planning Organization, The East Tennessee Development District, The Knoxville Fire Chief and The Knox County Sheriff as this current proposal puts residents of Massey Creek in extreme danger. Five separate entrances in the location shown on the proposal will potentially and most likely block the exit capabilities for not only Massey Creek residents but also emergency vehicles. The addition of these five additional entrances will also put pedestrians at risk while walking, biking and driving due to limited space for lots 22-26 to enter and exit from Mission Hill Lane.
1-SB-22-C Wanda (37932), January 11, 2022 at 1:31 PM
I'm a concerned resident in Massey Creek writing in opposition to the 5 additional homes and entry ways connecting to Mission Hill. You are aware of the heavy traffic and overcrowded school problems that plaque Hardin Valley. Yet, it seems on one is listening. Please hear us. Paul, Mark, Jamie, and MacKenzie addressed safety and aesthetic concerns like water retention/run-off, U-turn entry nightmares, trash cans littering the main entrance, parked cars on the street that is Massey Creek residents only was in and out. I hadn't thought of these things-have you? These are valid concerns. I want to tell you why I made Massey Creek my home and Mission Hill my address. Look at the picture that Mark submitted. What a beautiful entrance! Just the right amount of adornment - so serene, so green, so open, so quiet. I'll be honest. I was afraid to tackle that hill when walking my dog at first. However, in time it became my route of choice. It just says peaceful. Even with Hardin Valley Road just at the bottom of the hill it seems like it's so far away from the maddening crowd. When I read Paul's comment that this approval will be "equivalent to dumping houses on green space" it struck a chord. How sad to take away that beauty. I feel like many of my neighbors that your decisions seem to benefit the developer and not the existing homeowners. Don't let this happen again. Please hear us this time.
1-SB-22-C Tanya (37932), January 11, 2022 at 9:26 PM
I am extremely concerned about the proposed changes to allow five homes to access their driveway via Mission Hill. Approval of this plan could cause hazardous traffic situations and safety concerns for Massey Creek Residents. Mission Hill is divided by a landscaped median that will be located opposite the driveway entrances. With driveways accessing Mission Hill, these homeowners or their guests could park on the street or put their trash cans in the road, which could cause issues not only with Massey Creek residents exiting or entering the neighborhood but also could impact emergency vehicles, service vehicles, and school buses accessing our neighborhood. Due to the driveway locations, the homeowners would have to make a u-turn on Mission Hill to access their driveway, which is also a traffic hazard with cars coming down the hill exiting Massey Creek. This is also a serious concern for pedestrian safety since many residents walk and bike this road and there are no sidewalks on Mission Hill. Our neighborhood is strongly opposed to this plan, and we ask that the Knox County Planning Commission members reject this proposal of construction of the five homes on Mission Hill Lane with driveway access via Mission Hill Lane. Thank you for your consideration.
1-SB-22-C Jennifer (37932), January 12, 2022 at 9:37 AM
I am writing in opposition to the five specific lots proposed to have access from Mission Hill Lane. This part is already hazardous as it is difficult to see as you are coming down the street. There are a lot of kids in our neighborhood who are out and about throughout the neighborhood as well as other pedestrians, and we need to ensure that our area is as safe as possible. There is already overcrowding in Hardin Valley that is making the entire area congested and more dangerous. With driveways accessing Mission Hill, these homeowners or their guests could park on the street or put their trash cans in the road, which could cause issues not only with Massey Creek residents exiting or entering the neighborhood but also could impact emergency vehicles, service vehicles, and school buses accessing our neighborhood. Due to the driveway locations, the homeowners would have to make a u-turn on Mission Hill to access their driveway, which is also a traffic hazard with cars coming down the hill exiting Massey Creek. Please do not approve this on top of an already congested area.
1-SB-22-C Fred (37932), January 12, 2022 at 9:57 AM
Approving this request as-is based on the recommendations included would endanger existing residents, increase traffic congestion and degrade property values in the area. Please deny the request for access of lots 22-26 to Mission Hill Lane, deny the request for reducing the distance between Road A and Mission Hill Lane, and complete a traffic study analyzing the impacts to the Marietta Church Road and Hardin Valley Road intersection. More information is included in the attached. View Attachment
1-SB-22-C Fred (37932), January 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Approving this request as-is based on the recommendations included would endanger existing residents, increase traffic congestion and degrade property values in the area. Please deny the request for access of Lots 22-26 to Mission Hill Lane, deny the request for reducing the distance between Road A and Mission Hill Lane. More information is included in the attached. View Attachment
1-SB-22-C Caroline (37932), January 12, 2022 at 10:31 AM
I am firmly against the proposal to allow 5 driveways off of Mission Hill. This is meant to be an boulevard entrance to Massey Creek only, and not a dangerous cluster of inappropriate incoming and exciting traffic. Not only is this a safety hazard, it would be a horrid aesthetic display and emotionally upsetting to pass every day. Please use good judgment and consider the intent of the road when built.
1-SB-22-C Sherry (37932), January 12, 2022 at 11:34 AM
I am writing to express opposition to the addition of five driveways/homes on Mission Hill Lane in this proposal. As a Massey Creek home owner and resident on Mission Hill Lane, I witness the traffic in and out of the neighborhood and any thought to adding these additional access point is incredibly dangerous for everyone based on their location, will detract and devalue current resident's property and is simply illogical. Mission Hill Lane is not designed for such as additional and will create significant traffic hazards if granted as residents will have to make u-turns in the middle of the boulevard on a blind hill. The proposal of the detention pond along side the bridge would be unsightly and health issue (mosquito attraction) for current residents of Massey Creek as our neighborhood was designed for walking on Mission Hill Lane. Our neighborhood has a well maintained, landscaped entrance ( as do the majority of neighborhoods in Hardin Valley); so this would again detract/devalue current properties. Please do not allow this proposal to move forward as there are no logical reasons to do so; on those to attempt to pack as many houses as possible on a small remnant of land.
1-SB-22-C Mike (37932), January 12, 2022 at 12:20 PM
I am opposed to adding 5 new drive ways to connect with Mission Hill. The traffic on Hardin Valley is already bad and going to become heavier with the new developments. With the new developments being approved based on variances to the spacing guidelines in place, more traffic coming out of that is one is going to amplify the effect and more importantly the risks associated with pulling into a heavier trafficked road with limited visibility and spacing between adjacent access roads.
1-SB-22-C Kory (37932), January 12, 2022 at 2:07 PM
As so many of my Massey Creek neighbors have already commented, the proposed plan is a horrible idea. Having the 5 driveways directly on Mission Hill Lane will be unsafe for everyone involved. My family is very against the proposed plan and strongly hopes that the planning board does not approve it.
1-SB-22-C Wanda (37932), January 12, 2022 at 5:08 PM
Look, I know this is after the deadline but I have just learned some disturbing information. I have just learned that the person requesting these variances is an actual member of the KPC???? What? How can that be?!? I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer but this is a blatantly obvious a conflict of interest. Even through Mr. Smith probably can't vote on this proposal you can't tell me he doesn't have influence over those that will vote!! This stinks and stinks bad. I'm flabbergasted at the audacity Mr. Smith is demonstrating - changing his request to benefit him and putting his KPC "buddies'" ethics in question. Wow! I don't know how to fully process this and to understand how this scenario could exist. It's like pitting the existing homeowners against a Goliath. We, as homeowners who value our safety and our property values, are not making an irrational request when we ask that you deny this recently changed request of Mr. Smith. Please hear us.
1-SB-22-C Marcia (37932), January 13, 2022 at 2:48 PM
I too, would like to vehemently express my opposition to the additional driveways, homes and retention pond along Mission Hill Dr. I honestly cannot even understand why this would even be considered. In addition to the obvious safety concerns mentioned by so many others, the detrimental effect this will have on our lovely boulevard entrance is not what we want as a community. My family bought a home in this neighborhood in part because of the obvious attention the developer paid to setting homes away from Hardin Valley Rd and giving us a long, peaceful entrance to our neighborhood. Please don’t ruin our community by allowing these additional homes and driveways. We all realize you will likely be pressured by your fellow committee member, but that should never trump the requests of the homeowners who will be directly affected by this development.
1-SB-22-C Jaime (37932), February 7, 2022 at 10:21 PM
Any proposal that adds any driveways on Mission Hill should not be approved. There is no way to prevent the homes from having vehicles parked on the street. The number of vehicles using this entry on a daily basis would be dangerous to have any number of driveways on this portion of Mission Hill. Often cars back up 3 and 4 deep if not more during high traffic times. With an additional 400+ homes already approved within 1 mile of our area and no turning lane, it can take many minutes to pull out onto Hardin Valley Road on most days. Approving any driveways on Mission Hill is simply not safe. The original proposal of the 18th lot and its proximity to Hardin Valley Road has already squeezed an additional home into this development . The additional 5 lots being added to this proposal is an example of trying to jam more homes into a project for the sake of making a larger profit rather than using the current model, area, and density plans to build a better community............a better Hardin Valley. Due to size, please see additional comments in pdf. View Attachment
1-SB-22-C Vonna (37932), February 8, 2022 at 5:24 PM
I reiterate again to the committee that no separate entrances should be allowed to access Mission Hill Lane based on my prior comments submitted to this committee. My earlier comment : I strongly urge the replanning of lots 22-26 that show an entrance from Mission Hill Lane. I highly encourage that the Knox County Planning Committee seek advise and review of the current proposal by the Knox Regional Transportation Planning Organization, The East Tennessee Development District, The Knoxville Fire Chief and The Knox County Sheriff as this current proposal puts residents of Massey Creek in extreme danger. Five separate entrances in the location shown on the proposal will potentially and most likely block the exit capabilities for not only Massey Creek residents but also emergency vehicles. The addition of these five additional entrances will also put pedestrians at risk while walking, biking and driving due to limited space for lots 22-26 to enter and exit from Mission Hill Lane.
1-SB-22-C Brandon (37932), February 8, 2022 at 9:29 PM
I am writing this in opposition to the request for 5 drive ways connecting to Mission Hill LN. This road is meant to be an entrance to Massey Creek subdivision which our HOA currently maintains. The proposed will cause a hazard to those exiting the neighborhood especially at the narrow portions of the road. No one can guarantee that cars will not be parked on the road making it difficult if not impossible to pass to exit on Hardin Valley Rd. This is not only a safety concern, but also will be aesthetically displeasing. I urge you to deny this request as currently proposed.
1-SB-22-C Mark (37932), February 8, 2022 at 10:28 PM
Re: Benjamin's comments 1/12/22 Yes, it is possible to make connections to the divided boulevard .... based on physics and geometry. But the wisdom of doing so is what I question. Jamie's comments make the excellent point about the high traffic volume on Mission Hill Ln, which will already increase after the approved street tie in for planned condos (Saddlebrook development). Driveway tie-in will be a significant safety issue from cars backing out, trash cans, and cars parked on the side of the road (a divided boulevard).
A final comment about example subdivisions where such drives have been connected to divided roads: I suspect that these were well planned, consistent construction, and perhaps smaller subdivisions (less traffic), and not some bolt-on inconsistent addition to an already well planned subdivision boulevard.
1-SB-22-C Paul (37932), February 9, 2022 at 7:40 AM
Adding homes on Mission Hill is dangerous and contrary to any growth plan in Hardin Valley. Approving the additional homes and driveways attached to Mission Hill will cause water run off down Mission Hill and onto Hardin Valley Rd, a street described by the Knox County Commission as “bad” and “dangerous”. We have exhibit A across the street at the Ball Homes development and The county has been working on a drainage and water issue directly across from Mission Hill for over 6 months, causing near accidents and delays entering the neighborhood on Massey Creek. And they were only using one truck! The recommendation for 17 homes should provide enough change for this developer to move on to the next project without destroying our landscape and way of life.
1-SB-22-C Tobie (37932), February 9, 2022 at 8:37 PM
As stated by others, I am opposed to the additional 5 lots that would have driveways on Mission Hill Lane. Please see attachment for specifics in regards to flooding, safety of pedestrians and drivers, the effect on school buses, trash delivery and aesthetics should these lots be approved. View Attachment
1-SB-22-C Wanda (37932), February 10, 2022 at 11:03 AM
I am writing in opposition to ANY connecting driveways on to Mission Hill Lane. All the previous statements that have been submitted including mine still apply. This is extremely important to us and seemingly you are ignoring our concerns especially when I read that the planner is trying to re-figure the plan to make it "appear" that you have solved the problems. No! Having one, two, three, four, or five makes no difference. The problems are still there. Massey Creek HOA makes sure we have a safe, pleasing place to live with restrictions in place to accomplish this. There have been a few times when a resident failed to follow those restrictions. Our concerned and active HOA solved these issues and will continue to do so if necessary in the future. Not all HOAs are as active as ours. Would Massey Creek HOA have any say so if someone parks a big trailer or RV or sets up a "tool shed" or whatever in their yards? My guess is the answer is "no" but the Massey Creek residents would have to suffer the issues causes by these situations whether they be compromising safety or aesthetics. Please hear us! Deny the request.
1-SB-22-C Paige (37932), February 10, 2022 at 12:43 PM
As stated by many others, I am opposed to ANY connecting driveways to Mission Hill Lane. My main concern at this point is the safety of everyone traveling Mission Hill daily. The road is very busy already with vehicles and the many neighbors that walk with our dogs and children daily. Adding driveways on Mission Hill would make this very dangerous due to the number of vehicles being forced to make U-turns around the barriers. I urge you to stick to the original 17 homes and avoid ANY driveways on Mission Hill Lane. The original 17 home is more suitable for the density plans for this area. I am not opposed to growth and development, I just urge the voting member to think about how these driveways would impact all 95 residences in Massey Creek and vote NO to any driveways on Mission Hill. I appreciate your consideration.
1-SB-22-C Matthew (37932), February 10, 2022 at 1:01 PM
I urge you to VOTE NO on this concept plan. The developer is already approved for 18 homes that are all within his proposed "neighborhood". This updated plan is asking for five homes on Mission Hill Ln which is actually Massey Creek with an active HOA. The five proposed homes have no access or community with either neighborhood and that is flat out wrong. It's a major safety issue to Massey Creek homeowners and will adversely affect property values by ruining the aesthetics of the Massey Creek boulevard entrance that was developed and is used exclusively by Massey Creek. Vote No and make this developer go back to his approved 18 home plan or redesign so that all proposed homes are within the neighborhood he plans on developing. This long section of Mission Hill Ln was not designed for driveway access at all.
1-SB-22-C Daniel (37932), February 10, 2022 at 1:13 PM
While the updated recommendation of minimizing driveway connections to Mission Hill may seem to be a reasonable solution please understand that connections to Mission Hill at all are the concerns of the neighborhood. A multitude of safety concerns have been raised by a multitude of neighbors. While we understand that development will happen the concern is for Mission Hill. The proposed development needs to be contained to that new neighborhood and not create issues to Mission Hill.
1-SB-22-C Kory (37932), February 10, 2022 at 2:01 PM
I have already commented once, but want to comment one more time in agreement with all the others that have left a comment. Having the driveways come out onto Mission Hill Lane is a mistake. We actually recently sold our house and will be moving away from the neighborhood for work reasons, we lost quite a few very interested potential buyers of our home when they discovered the plans for the new developments. Not only is the proposed plan unsafe, it will most definitely affect the future value of the homes in the Massey Creek Development.
8-B-23-OA George (37932), August 7, 2023 at 12:08 PM
Agenda items (8A23OA,8B23OA,8C23OA,8D23OA,8E23OA)all relate to defining ADU's and relaxing set backs, buffers and the like. These requests can be construed to introduce ADU's to Knoxville. However, may also be construed as method to simply increase building density way tighter than current standards. They also can allow a rental property be added to nearly any lot/location. I am against each of these agenda items. And I think the County, the Planning Commission and residents need A LOT more conversations about introducing and controlling ADU's (like the ADU must be occupied by an immediate family member) prior to introduction of this concept. Following this research, the concept should be trialed in one district to learn impact and control, and NOT just open the floodgates in all districts!
8-C-23-OA George (37932), August 7, 2023 at 12:10 PM
Agenda items (8A23OA,8B23OA,8C23OA,8D23OA,8E23OA)all relate to defining ADU's and relaxing set backs, buffers and the like. These requests can be construed to introduce ADU's to Knoxville. However, may also be construed as method to simply increase building density way tighter than current standards. They also can allow a rental property be added to nearly any lot/location. I am against each of these agenda items. And I think the County, the Planning Commission and residents need A LOT more conversations about introducing and controlling ADU's (like the ADU must be occupied by an immediate family member) prior to introduction of this concept. Following this research, the concept should be trialed in one district to learn impact and control, and NOT just open the floodgates in all districts!
8-B-23-OA Christopher (37932), October 2, 2023 at 9:51 PM
I fully support the idea of reducing setbacks on properties. There is no reason why a property needs to maintain a lawn if it does not have to. Besides, a lot of the grass used is not native with the environment and it requires a decent amount of watering, fertilizer, and pesticides that would be best kept to a minimum. My complaint is not against people who want a wide expansive yard, because I can see why some people like the aesthetic. However, forcing everyone to have a big lawn does tend to restrict development. For instance, much of downtown would be impossible to be built today because all the downtown apartments have no setbacks. R. Bentley Marlow's application is a reasonable one, and I hope that you all pass it through.