December 12, 2024
Planning Commission meeting

Public Comments

35 Comments
X ZIP Code
Case Number
Name
Comment
Attachment
On Behalf Of
Date
11-B-24-UR
Gary
37934
11-B-24-UR
Gary (37934), October 24, 2024 at 2:44 PM
see attached
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241024144450.pdf
October 24, 2024
at 2:44 PM
11-B-24-UR
John
37934
11-B-24-UR
John (37934), October 24, 2024 at 10:04 PM
The proposed EZ Stop project in Concord still needs to have a completed archeological survey. The adjoining cemetery may have burial plots under the proposed site. Also, people who drive north from the North shore roundabout, continue to turn onto Lakeridge or 2nd Street and cut through to Olive Road. They drive fast, ignore stop signs (personally observed), drive erratically towards pedestrians walking on Olive Road (personally observed), and it will be a hundred times worse if EZ Stop is allowed to build. Concord is an Historic and peaceful community. Let's keep it that way!
October 24, 2024
at 10:04 PM
11-B-24-UR
Stephanie
37934
11-B-24-UR
Stephanie (37934), October 24, 2024 at 10:55 PM
My family and fellow community members of historic old concord strongly oppose the requests of the EZStop developers/owners. As stated previously, the neighborhood is mostly one lane roads without room for traffic caused by the gas station. The suggested “right turn only” sign, is not enough to discourage drivers from entering our streets. I encourage you to observe the “right turn only” stop leaving starbucks at Campbell station. Within minutes, you would observe minimum three vehicles ignoring the signage and turning left onto Campbell station. The only solution is a right turn concrete median on the second st exit. We would also request that there is a minimum amount of pumps as to keep the site smaller and less noise pollution (and vehicle pollution) to our attached neighborhood.
October 24, 2024
at 10:55 PM
11-B-24-UR
Tissie
37934
11-B-24-UR
Tissie (37934), October 24, 2024 at 11:00 PM
Ruining our history and our community with UGLY, and intrusive development is not the way Farragut residents need or want. The current submission of EZ Stop plans for a gas station, the large amount of gas pumps, the intrusion on the Masonic Cemetery, and preventing the ability for traffic to gain access to 2nd Drive as an exit or shortcut is unacceptable.
October 24, 2024
at 11:00 PM
11-B-24-UR
Cindy
37934
11-B-24-UR
Cindy (37934), October 24, 2024 at 11:37 PM
Why would anybody want a convenience store at this location??? There is already so much traffic you can't get anywhere. The round-about already causes so much confusion and backed up traffic! Can't we just save a little natural earth for this once quaint little community?
October 24, 2024
at 11:37 PM
11-B-24-UR
Jennifer
37934
11-B-24-UR
Jennifer (37934), October 25, 2024 at 6:32 AM
Stop EZ Stop from building at 2nd Dr in historic Concord area! This area does not need a gas station in its location due to the following reasons:

* the amount of gas pumps be lessened in size & amts

* NO ability to turn left on 2nd Dr, only an exit onto Concord Rd

* Save the 200+ yr old Cemetery boundary intrusion at Masonic Lodge

ALSO-please think about strategic planning when allowing gas stations in areas due to traffic and accidents as well as does it make sense? In this case the traffic would increase accidents and people have multiple other options for gas within a short distance.
October 25, 2024
at 6:32 AM
11-B-24-UR
Tina
37934
11-B-24-UR
Tina (37934), October 25, 2024 at 8:18 AM
I live very close to the proposed gas station on Concord Road. I am very concerned about the noise that it will bring to our residential area. While I would like for the gas station to not be allowed at all, I would like at the very least for it to be much smaller. The current businesses near us do not create traffic or noise. I am surprised that a developer does not want to build homes or condos in this location.
October 25, 2024
at 8:18 AM
11-B-24-UR
Pebby
37934
11-B-24-UR
Pebby (37934), October 25, 2024 at 8:43 AM
Quit trying to build [redacted] on our neighborhood.
October 25, 2024
at 8:43 AM
11-B-24-UR
Robin
37934
11-B-24-UR
Robin (37934), October 25, 2024 at 12:23 PM
This is regarding the gas station petition. Over development is ruining out small town. The main objections are: * they are requesting far too many pumps for the area. Not suitable or fitting of the surroundings. * there is no ability to turn left on 2nd Dr, only an exit onto Concord Rd * We have to protect the 200+ yr old Cemetery boundary intrusion at Masonic Lodge
October 25, 2024
at 12:23 PM
11-B-24-UR
Staci
37934
11-B-24-UR
Staci (37934), October 25, 2024 at 9:26 PM
That area is way way way to overpopulated by way of traffic already! It's always congested! Usually backed up beyond belief! Accidents constantly! We have enough retail in that area as well as gas pumps that we do not need another quick mart kind of place. Not only does that bring in additional crime. I don't care what you say. It does but unnecessary congestion that road cannot be widened at all due to the lake ! therefore, putting in the monstrosity that is being proposed and unwanted is going to do absolutely positively nothing but create more problems than can ever be rectified! We do not want that in Farragut/Concorde It was voted down once what makes anyone think we would want it just because it was re-filed Buy a bunch of money, hungry individuals that are not from here!! We've dealt with enough over development from a local named Bud Culllom and we do not need any outsiders, jumping on the same type of bandwagon!
October 25, 2024
at 9:26 PM
11-B-24-UR
Eve
37934
11-B-24-UR
Eve (37934), October 26, 2024 at 12:14 PM
I want to go on record warning about traffic problems already existing close to the northshore ttaffic circle. Ez stop stated tey wanted to "capture"€ traffic. Everyone i talk to at the davis ymca and at church- feel the traffic jam caused by this will end in someones death. The commuting is fast and can back up quickly. Now farragut will be installing utility updates along concord rd too. At what point do we destabilize an economy with too much development?? Think soberly about this responsibility. Sacrificing historic concord with excess gas pumps and excess traffic down a one lane rd is an abuse of residents and church goers no one ever used their private property rights to hurt people on purpose- like this How much money will ever be enough if you bring a facility too big and intrusive to be justified ! Quality of life is nothing to callously disregard
October 26, 2024
at 12:14 PM
11-B-24-UR
Natalie
37934
11-B-24-UR
Natalie (37934), October 26, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Concord Road and Northshoreis already too crowded.

No left turn allowed
October 26, 2024
at 4:12 PM
11-B-24-UR
Charlene Hall
37934
11-B-24-UR
Charlene Hall (37934), October 26, 2024 at 9:46 PM
Allowing the EZ Stop to be built here will cause impingement to the historic former church site, as well as to the Cemetery. There are unmarked graves in the proposed construction area, and we already have limited road access to the Cemetery. We do not need additional obstructions. Further, placing a convenience store in this spot would promote vandalism to the Cemetery and create even more traffic snarls on heavily traveled Concord Road.
October 26, 2024
at 9:46 PM
11-B-24-UR
Mark
37934
11-B-24-UR
Mark (37934), October 28, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Thank you for considering my comments.

Once again I must take the time to submit my comments 11-B-24-UR, the Jason Voorhees of applications. This gas station is a business that is clearly not wanted by the families living in the adjacent neighborhood. This is not the appropriate type of business for this neighborhood. There are so may other businesses that would be welcomed. But we get stuck with a gas station. It will not generate new business or increase revenue. It will only take business from existing businesses. The only person to benefit will be the owner, and that will be at the expense of the rest of us.

So I must ask, why do we go through these processes when so many of these applications get approved regardless of the wishes of the people that will have to deal with it daily? What recourse do we have? Some in the neighborhood will inevitably hire a lawyer to try to stop it again. If that doesn't work, then it will probably get built. No one will be happy but the business owner and maybe some guy wanting a Honey Bun. If it does work, then the applicant will just reapply, and the process repeats.

So how about this time let's show a little courage here and reject this application for the people. What do you say?
October 28, 2024
at 5:36 PM
11-B-24-UR
Karen
37934
11-B-24-UR
Karen (37934), October 28, 2024 at 5:58 PM
We have been through this once! Why again?Farragut has enough congestion without starting another area!
October 28, 2024
at 5:58 PM
11-B-24-UR
Mary
37934
11-B-24-UR
Mary (37934), October 28, 2024 at 6:58 PM
I am writing on behalf of our community regarding concerns about the potential increase in traffic by vehicle coming in and out of Old Concord Village. Obviously we do not want the gas station restaurant due to increased noise, traffic and artificial light. If we cannot stop this awful structure that does not fit our community/Village at least install a concrete barrier to keep people from driving through our quiet village by placing a concrete barrier with a left turn only back to Concord Rd. so we do not have additional traffic driving through the neighborhood.
October 28, 2024
at 6:58 PM
11-B-24-UR
Gary
37934
11-B-24-UR
Gary (37934), October 31, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Other items that need to be addressed in the plans are: 1. Post constructions contours should be addressed to show how the sink hole will be covered. Knox County does allow construction over sink holes., 2.Note on map C201 says "detention ponds will be allowed to discharge to TDOT system as long as peak flow rates are less than pre-developed peak flow." Since the proposed gas station lies within the sink hole area, this enclosed basin does not drain (by definition of a basin) consequently there is no (zero) peak flow off site. The TDOT and/or TDEC must address this discharge situation.
October 31, 2024
at 11:42 AM
11-B-24-UR
Nancy
37934
11-B-24-UR
Nancy (37934), October 31, 2024 at 12:21 PM
There were 15 modifications that EZ-Stop was mandated to correct at the end of the first meeting of the Zoning Meeting. Those concerns need to be binding on the modifications for filing the second proposal. Those include, but are not limited to: 1. a Concrete Island at the exit to Second St that directs all traffic on Second Dr. to the right toward Concord Rd., 2. Archelogical report on the border with the Historical Cemetary to look for unmarked graves and border encroachment onto Cemetary property., 3. Geological report that Sinkholes exist under the proposed build., 4. The Building in keeping with zoning at 5000 sq ft or less., 5. Too many gas pumps in keeping with a residental surrounding (other gas stations in the area have 3-4 islands). Other questions about the current drawing: 1. What is the purpose of the signage on Second Dr. on the SE corner? It is a 30'x30' sign that say "Local Deliveries Only" on the edge of Historic Concord Village? EZ-Stop would profit from fitting in with the local environment instead of looking like an Interstate gas station.
October 31, 2024
at 12:21 PM
11-B-24-UR
Gary
37934
11-B-24-UR
Gary (37934), October 31, 2024 at 9:54 PM
Other items that need to be addressed in the plans are: 1. Post constructions contours should be addressed to show how the sink hole will be covered. Knox County does not allow construction over sink holes., 2.Note on map C201 says "detention ponds will be allowed to discharge to TDOT system as long as peak flow rates are less than pre-developed peak flow." Since the proposed gas station lies within the sink hole area, this enclosed basin does not drain (by definition of a basin) consequently there is no (zero) peak flow off site. The TDOT and/or TDEC must address this discharge situation.
October 31, 2024
at 9:54 PM
11-B-24-UR
Todd
37934
11-B-24-UR
Todd (37934), November 1, 2024 at 12:23 PM
Plan not in harmony with lighting zoning regulations 4.10.10 & 5.38.14

In conflict with the zoning regulations, the 14 elevated lights above pumps notated as "A" on the Lighting Proposal are configured with a "Forward Throw" which direct light into the historic village and residential zones.

Additionally, the color temperature of the exterior lighting is specified at 5,000 Kelvin. This color emits harsher and excess blue and green emissions from LEDs. This leads to increased light pollution, as these wavelengths scatter more within the eye and have detrimental environmental and glare effects. This conflicts with 4.10.10 and 5.38.14 of the Knox County Code of Ordinances.

Propose to limit the hours of operations & require light off by 10:30 PM due to the close proximity to residential lots.
November 1, 2024
at 12:23 PM
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan
37934
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan (37934), November 2, 2024 at 4:28 AM
THE USE WILL DRAW ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC THROUGH RESIDENTIAL AREAS. The residents are asking for the proposed Second Drive exit to be a true right-out only exit with concrete curbing to prevent left turns as a condition to mitigate additional traffic through the residential area.

View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241102042857.pdf
November 2, 2024
at 4:28 AM
11-B-24-UR
Gary
37934
11-B-24-UR
Gary (37934), November 2, 2024 at 4:42 PM
A raised concrete median with mountable curb as described on Map C101 should be constructed at drive way “B” exit onto 2nd drive. This would allow for only right hand turns to prevent unnecessary traffic into the Concord Historic District. Or the drive way should be totally eliminated mainly for safety issues and if not for the respect to the historic neighborhood. As described in no. 2 of the side notes of Map L101, “the northern 1/3 of the parcel shall be developed by others in the future.” The current zoning is CN (neighborhood commercial). Does the current land use request affect this area? The northern 1/3 area should remain as CN since no development is proposed under this request.
November 2, 2024
at 4:42 PM
11-B-24-UR
David
37934
11-B-24-UR
David (37934), November 3, 2024 at 1:32 PM
1. As was discussed in the Planning Meeting and Use on Review, this project is not appropriate to the atmosphere and historic significance of Historic Concord. Concord is the only historic overlay in Knox County outside of the city limits. 2. Entering and exiting will be hazardous due to the speed and traffic on Concord Road. 3. There should be no left turn out of EZ Stop onto Second Drive. Point #2 above addresses the reason for concern. Drives will cut through Old Concord to avoid entering Concord Road. Traffic through the village is not in keeping with Point #1. Also, narrow streets with many walkers and kids on bikes make increased traffic very dangerous. 4. I am not in favor of the number of gas pumps EZ Stop is proposing. The whole scale is simply too large.
November 3, 2024
at 1:32 PM
11-B-24-UR
Carol
37934
11-B-24-UR
Carol (37934), November 3, 2024 at 2:20 PM
EZ Stop's 5,000 sq.ft. building complies with CN Zoning but the canopy and 14 pumps make the project too big for the location. Knox County does not seem to have clear regulations on pump limits, but that part of the property should compliment the building size., not over power it. Please abide by public sentiment by requiring them to decrease the canopy size and number of pumps. Eliminate the outlet onto Second Drive. A situation exists at Weigel’s,1405 Lovell Rd, where planners approved a side exit onto Deerbrook so drivers can avoid heavy traffic on Lovell. It increases traffic on Deerbrook when cars and trucks cut through to Parkside. Planners will be encouraging fueling tankers and cars to cut through a residential community if you allow the outlet onto Second Drive. EZ Stop needs to present a better plan.
November 3, 2024
at 2:20 PM
11-B-24-UR
Laura
37934
11-B-24-UR
Laura (37934), November 3, 2024 at 6:26 PM
I would like to submit my comments opposing the EZ Stop development on Concord Road. While I appreciate EZ Stop finally submitting a smaller building size, the number of pumps and the canopy that covers them is still too large. The Board of Zoning Appeals initially denied this project because it did not fit the neighborhood and surrounding community, which is the purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial zoning put in place by the county. This project still does not fit the community, even with the smaller building.
November 3, 2024
at 6:26 PM
11-B-24-UR
Shirley
37934
11-B-24-UR
Shirley (37934), November 4, 2024 at 9:02 AM
This proposed gas station/fast food development will result in the permanent desecration of the historic Concord Masonic Cemetery which is the sacred resting place of many area pioneer families and their descendants. The prospect of this inappropriate development is heartbreaking for those whose loved ones are buried there, some in unmarked graves which will certainly be encroached upon. Please have the courage to deny this devastating project. There are more appropriate uses for this property. 
November 4, 2024
at 9:02 AM
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan
37934
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan (37934), November 5, 2024 at 3:32 AM
This Development should be sympathetic to the National Register Historic District of the Village of Concord which state: Pavement widths should be continued into any proposed development. The widening of Second Street should be as limited as possible. Narrow streets are a key part of the setting of the Historic Neighbor. Please see the attached document with our guidelines. While this property is not in the historic overlay, It is at the entrance of the Historic District and should be compatible with guidelines when it is possible. There is no usefulness in continuing the widening of second street past the proposed entrance and, therefore it should be avoided.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241105033244.pdf
November 5, 2024
at 3:32 AM
11-B-24-UR
Jon
37934
11-B-24-UR
Jon (37934), November 5, 2024 at 8:26 AM
Please see the attached comments that show: While the convenience store is now scaled down to 4,975 sq. ft. the fueling area will be an additional 4,560 sq. ft. putting this establishment at 9,535 sq. ft. This is not in harmony with 5.38.04.B. No individual building or commercial establishment shall have a floor area exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet.

View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241105082642.pdf
November 5, 2024
at 8:26 AM
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan
37934
11-B-24-UR
Jonathan (37934), November 6, 2024 at 9:09 PM
The site plan has proposed signs that would violate CN zoning code. Please review the attached document.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241106210903.pdf
November 6, 2024
at 9:09 PM
11-B-24-UR
Abby
37934
11-B-24-UR
Abby (37934), November 6, 2024 at 9:29 PM
See PDF
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241106212914.pdf
November 6, 2024
at 9:29 PM
11-B-24-UR
Abby
37934
11-B-24-UR
Abby (37934), November 6, 2024 at 9:38 PM
At the last Planning Commission meeting it was brought up about an archaeological survey that should be performed. I think it is important that this survey be done by a third party group NOT the developer (Tommy Hunt/EZ Stop). This will allow for a thorough survey of the grounds to make sure graves are not disturbed.
November 6, 2024
at 9:38 PM
11-B-24-UR
Mark
37934
11-B-24-UR
Mark (37934), November 7, 2024 at 5:28 AM
The proposal to exit a high volume establishment onto a small road that leads through a quiet historic neighborhood is insane. No sign is going to prevent this as drivers and GPS will see the advantage in swerving through the small roads leading to Canton Hollow thereby avoiding the increasing traffic congestion in Farragut. I urge the Commission Members to drive these narrow roads through not only Old Concord but also through other communities leading to Canton Hollow. You will only need to do this once to understand. If the Commission is convinced that the community needs another high volume gas station/fast food store then there is ample commercial land to create an exit back onto the existing high volume Concord Road that at least was designed for this purpose! I suppose an exit back onto Concord might use up more commercial land but that is a price that should be paid to maintain the safety of our communities.
November 7, 2024
at 5:28 AM
11-B-24-UR
Florence
37934
11-B-24-UR
Florence (37934), November 11, 2024 at 6:13 PM
We do not want this big gas station in our neighborhood. Is this a case of big money that has no consideration of the people all over again? Do we want to call this greed? This is obvious that NO ONE is our neighborhood is in favor of such a project! Why don't you build your gas station close to Kroger in Farragut? There is a lot of land and it looks like it is the perfect place for such a business. They are building a whole city over there. This gas station will increase noise and traffic pollution. We have kids and pets roaming free in our streets because it is that peaceful. Kids ride their bikes also at dusk. People like to walk our streets for exercice and walk their dogs. I don't want to imagine an deadly accident over a greasy burger! Is it worth the security of our children? Why don't we approve a small business that will represent the fabric of our community instead? I urge you to stop this project...If not possible, let's make 2nd street only an exist into Concord road.
November 11, 2024
at 6:13 PM
11-B-24-UR
Elizabeth
37934
11-B-24-UR
Elizabeth (37934), November 12, 2024 at 6:33 PM
PLEASE, before doing any further development in this area have mercy on the residents of the small side streets. With the new apartments on Loop Road/Woody Drive it's nearly impossible at certain times of the day to drive to Concord to turn right as so many people are trying (almost impossibly) to turn left that traffic on this small 2 land road backs up for sometimes almost a mile, which then blocks other residents from being able to get out. Traffic has also increased going toward Canton Hollow and includes racing engines, squealing tires when they get to the stop sign - or the curve going the other way. It is difficult for me to even pull out of my driveway because visibility in both directions doesn't allow for people traveling 40-50mph on this 30pmh road with a 20mph curve. I implore you, do something about the traffic in the residential roads before you permit something that will generate MORE traffic with less controls. A right turn only during morning and evening traffic at Concord Road would be a help. I've been told this is a "main road" so speed humps can not be placed on Woody Dr - but there must be some way to slow the traffic in both directions between Canton Hollow and the first sharp curve.
November 12, 2024
at 6:33 PM
11-B-24-UR
Sharon
37934
11-B-24-UR
Sharon (37934), November 20, 2024 at 8:56 AM
I strongly encourage members of the planning commission to drive to the proposed EZ Stop site and then through our village. Letters from residents cannot adequately convey traffic concerns or the need for construction of some kind of concrete barrier keeping vehicles from turning into Old Concord from the gas station. Decisions the commission makes regarding this community should not be made simply by looking at a map.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20241120085603.pdf
November 20, 2024
at 8:56 AM