April 9, 2026
Planning Commission meeting
Planning Commission meeting
Public Comments
18 Comments for
Rich
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Rich (37924), February 23, 2026 at 7:12 PM
I am a homeowner in The Park at Babelay Road subdivision and respectfully submit this formal objection and request for careful technical review regarding Case 3-K-26-DP and the proposed replat affecting Lot 73.Rich (37924), February 23, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Please see the attached PDF for additional details.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260223191235.pdf
Deborah
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Deborah (37924), February 23, 2026 at 8:31 PM
My objection is the same as for the last lot --we lost our Greenway which was supposed to serve as our common area-- the homeowners were ignored and the constructio approved anyway. So this lot is even smaller than the one you approved...how can you approve such a small lot for building another equivalent house?Deborah (37924), February 23, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Justin
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Justin (37924), February 23, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Our neighborhood is called "the park at bablay." If this is rezoned, there will be no park. Justin (37924), February 23, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Carol
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Carol (37924), February 24, 2026 at 8:57 AM
As a homeowner in The Park at Babelay Road, I formally object to Case 3-K-26-DP regarding the replat of Lot 73. This parcel, originally designated as common area and previously denied building approval, now seeks to incorporate 2007 right-of-way to become buildable. I request a technical review to ensure compliance with all standards.Carol (37924), February 24, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I do object to making either paved roadway narrower just so the small corner can be built upon. There has been no meeting or consultation with the homeowners regarding this request.
Amy
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Amy (37924), March 1, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Please see attachment.Amy (37924), March 1, 2026 at 4:10 PM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260301161041.pdf
Bettina
37924
37924
3-K-26-DP
Bettina (37924), March 2, 2026 at 4:42 PM
I object to the redone/building of a home on this lot. The lot is not large enough for the neighborhoods standard lot size. The developer is, therefore, looking to incorporate the right of way as part of the lot so that the square foot minimum is met. I find this highly unprofessional and inappropriate.Bettina (37924), March 2, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Chris
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Chris (37924), March 24, 2026 at 3:19 PM
This rezoning, with the potential for 194 apartments, is unacceptable for this 12-acre property at 8934 Pleasant Hill Road. The school system has reached its capacity limits as enforced by the Tennessee Fire Marshal, and approving this and other developments only causes a safety issue for the impacted schools. I am researching the capacity limits set by the Fire Marshal and the total number of students and staff for each Knox County School. In my opinion, this will be a major factor given the recent approvals of the developments by the Zoning Board and County Commission. As the county continues to support development, safety issues will continue to mount. We must stop and review the developments moving forward. From schools, roads, and the disruption of the way of life are being affected, and citizens of East Knoxville is very upset - rightly so - of the continued development without support to manage the growth. Chris (37924), March 24, 2026 at 3:19 PM
KRISTYN
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
KRISTYN (37924), March 25, 2026 at 2:04 PM
The proposed rezoning of 12 acres for 194 apartments would create serious safety, traffic, and infrastructure problems for the Pleasant Hill Road community. Kitts Road and Pleasant Hill Road would be the only two access points, neither of which can handle increased traffic or be widened. Nearby roads, including Strawberry Plains Pike, Andrew Jackson Highway, and I-40 exits, are already congested and dangerous. Increased traffic would threaten pedestrian safety for families and children who walk to local schools and community facilities. Area schools - Carter Elementary, Middle, and High - are already at capacity and unlikely to expand. The project would negatively impact home values, overwhelm infrastructure, and create hazardous conditions while prioritizing developer profit over community well-being.KRISTYN (37924), March 25, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Steve
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Steve (37924), March 28, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Please stop all rezoning of 8934 Pleasant Hill Rd and the rest of East Knox county.Steve (37924), March 28, 2026 at 6:54 PM
There is no infrastructure to support more people.
Current new housing is already and overload.
Side roads are too small and full of potholes.
North Pleasant Hill road and Molly bright hasn't been paved in over 35 years. Two trucks can't pass on it.
Highways are too crowded.
Not enough grocery stores.
Dump stays full supporting Knox, Jefferson, Grainger and Sevier counties. I see out of county tags every visit.
No gas.
No Sewer.
No water in places.
Kathy
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Kathy (37924), March 29, 2026 at 2:44 PM
We have heard over and over that new zoning was needed to protect farmland and preserve the beauty of this area. Yet before the process is even complete, developers are already trying to change it. Why implement a land use map if it can simply be altered whenever a developer wants something different?Kathy (37924), March 29, 2026 at 2:44 PM
This proposal appears to be driven by profit, not by what is best for the community. The area around the Four Way Inn along Asheville Highway has long been considered a Special Town Zone for a reason. That designation was meant to protect the character of the area, not open it up to this type of development.
This area should remain protected as a Special Town Zone. Changing it would not only alter the neighborhood but also place additional strain on roads and schools. There was a reason this designation existed in the first place.
Developers have many places they can build. Why choose the center of a community that was specifically set aside for something else? This decision should reflect long-term community interests, not short-term profit. Do not sell us out.
Kelly
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Kelly (37924), March 30, 2026 at 8:47 AM
The 194 apartments that are planned to be built on Pleasant Hill Road would be detrimental to our neighborhood and community. Not sure if you are aware but we are in the PRZ (parental responsibility zone) therefore the buses do not run in the mornings, so a lot of children walk or ride bikes to school. More traffic through here would be dangerous these children plus it would increase the number of children walking or riding bikes to school. We also have a lot of elderly that walk their dogs daily and again more traffic would be extremely dangerous to them as well. Pleasant Hill Road is too narrow to support more traffic and the safety of our children and elderly is crucial. You must be aware that Carter Elementary is already at maximum capacity, and the pickup line is already a lengthy ordeal. Last but not least is the natural spring that runs through the proposed property, it will be compromised and can cause flooding to the existing homes. The wildlife that we all enjoy will be eradicated from this area. This proposed development will be a huge travesty to neighborhood and community. With only one large grocery store and three sit down restaurants we cannot support that volume of people here in the Strawberry Plains / East Knox community. Please choose to use wise development, we are begging you not to take away the peaceful little community we have and ruin it with overdevelopment. Kelly (37924), March 30, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Joey
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Joey (37924), March 30, 2026 at 9:02 AM
I have lived in this community my entire 52 years. This development will directly affect my property. I live on Pleasant Hill Rd and Lyons Creek runs through my back yard. When we get a lot of rain it has came up in my yard. The runoff from the roads and storm drains will run into the creek producing much more and quicker runoff, which will potentially flood properties.Joey (37924), March 30, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Also this development is in the (PRZ) parental responsibility zone, so the busses do not stop. So all of the kids going to school if not being driven by a parent will have to walk. This road is small and that will be very dangerous.
The extra traffic will be too much for the road. Pleasant Hill is already a very busy road, with dangerous pullouts and both stop signs.
The end at Strawberry Plains pike is a blind hill. The Andrew Johnson end is at an angle onto a divided four lane, with Kitts Rd also coming into it just before a gas station. The intersection is already bad.
I am good with growth but wise growth and until the roads and infrastructure is taken care of first this is too much for the community and Pleasant Hill Rd.
Chris
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Chris (37924), March 30, 2026 at 11:26 PM
During a community meeting, the developer noted that the Planning Commission has recommended a high-density plan for this site. However, our infrastructure is not equipped to support the proposed 194 apartments. The property lies within a PRZ, and there are no sidewalks to safely accommodate students. Traffic congestion during drop-off and pickup at Carter Elementary would become unmanageable.Chris (37924), March 30, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Additionally, Pleasant Hill Road northbound requires crossing two lanes of Andrew Johnson Highway, posing a significant safety concern. Traffic heading toward Strawberry Plains Pike would also face limited visibility due to a blind hill in both directions. Compounding these issues, the property contains a natural spring, and its development would likely result in severe environmental harm.
Taken together, the negative impacts of this proposed development far outweigh any potential benefits. I respectfully request a thorough review of the community impact. Please find attached a petition and comments from residents opposing this development. Attached are 549 people who signed the petition and 153 comments showing the community is not in favor of these developments. I ask that you consider the community's concerns regarding high-density zoning for the selected property. Thank you for your consideration. The petition and comments will be updated on April 2 as the Planning Board provides its recommendation on this property before the meeting on April 9.
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260330232604.pdf
Merle
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Merle (37924), March 31, 2026 at 12:19 PM
I am saying NO to the rezoning of property between Kitts & Pleasant Hill roads. The infrastructure in this area cannot support the possibility of 194 single/ multi-family units. The proposed site is isolated from businesses that are already struggling to meet the local community needs due to lack of them. Plus, the fact this would be sitting amongst single family homes that would cause many concerns and safety as well. Concerns such as current homes property values, policing, the amount of traffic this would create on such narrow and already outdated roads, and the fact that our youth use the roads to walk to school, skateboard and ride bikes due to location of Carter schools.Merle (37924), March 31, 2026 at 12:19 PM
This property also has a natural spring that would be impacted from the change not only contamination but possibly creating water issues for properties that are located lower than the proposed site.
This was zoned agricultural and must remain that or zoned in as single family homes with a limitation of homes per acre. Preferably no more than 2 per acre which would be acceptable for most of us.
Marian
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Marian (37924), March 31, 2026 at 8:19 PM
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the rezoning of the property at 8934 Pleasant Hill Road (4-B-26-RZ) for numerous reasons but mainly:Marian (37924), March 31, 2026 at 8:19 PM
-safety for the children that walk or bicycle to & from school
-increased traffic on this NARROW road which doesn't have the capacity to handle
-lack of commercial/retail businesses that are needed NOW to support the recent housing 'boom' within minutes of this area
-decrease in the value of all existing single family homes surrounding this property
-loss of integrity & history of a long-standing rural community
This area CANNOT support the proposed development of 194 'units' or any other proposed density of this magnitude!
I ask ALL members of the Planning Commission to say 'NO' to this rezoning because IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
Kelly
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Kelly (37924), April 1, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Please see attached pdfKelly (37924), April 1, 2026 at 10:49 AM
View Attachment
https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20260401104947.pdf
Tom
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Tom (37924), April 1, 2026 at 12:17 PM
The application under consideration is inconsistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood, which relatively speaking, is low density. Twelve housing units per acre in a community of low density, single-family dwellings, is exceedingly far more than would be compatible and consistent.Tom (37924), April 1, 2026 at 12:17 PM
In addition, neither Pleasant Hill Road nor Kitts Road, as they currently exist, are able to safely manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic, especially in consideration of this location being in a Parental Responsibility Zone for public schools.
Comparing this proposed residential development with nearby developments, namely Brakebill Road, in which no obvious road improvements have been made, despite many new residential units either already constructed or under construction, makes me wonder whether thereâs a plan for safely handling the anticipated traffic volume which is obviously bound to increase substantially.
Ethan
37924
37924
4-B-26-RZ
Ethan (37924), April 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I've lived in East Knoxville/Strawberry Plains long enough to see what makes this place special and what's slipping away. This isn't just land on a map. It's the rhythm of rural life, the open spaces, the small roads, the culture that has shaped generations. Adding 194 units here isn't growth, it's overcrowding. It risks turning our quiet community into just another subdivision, erasing what makes it home. Please consider that not every inch of land should be built on, and not every community should lose its soul to development.Ethan (37924), April 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM