Public Comments

Debra & Sterling
37932

6-A-25-UR
Debra & Sterling (37932), April 30, 2025 at 10:23 PM

We reside in the Forest Mills Subdivision and this planned kennel became known to us by our HOA. We are 100% against the planning for this. The constant barking dogs are already a nuisance. There are numerous people who work from home and this will be a significant issue for those who do as well as our quiet time in the evenings and on the weekends.
This will also have a significant impact on the value of our homes and for the homes around us. If any of us would go to sell, this would certainly devalue the price of the homes and property. Please vote no on this.

April 30, 2025
at 10:23 PM

6-A-25-UR

Sterling
37932

6-A-25-UR
Sterling (37932), April 30, 2025 at 10:26 PM

There are already issues with barking dogs for people who work from home. This would devalue our property, ruin the charm and appeal of our community. Concerned about increased traffic as well.

April 30, 2025
at 10:26 PM

6-A-25-UR

Kristen
37932

6-A-25-UR
Kristen (37932), May 1, 2025 at 12:08 AM

See attachment
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20250501000802.pdf

May 1, 2025
at 12:08 AM

6-A-25-UR

Brianna
37932

6-A-25-UR
Brianna (37932), May 3, 2025 at 7:54 PM

Forest Mill is a quiet neighborhood. Allowing a dog kennel to operate so closely is a nuisance to its residents and will negatively impact property values. If the dog kennel is to be allowed, can the applicant be required to move it further away from the neighborhood homes? The applicant has 26 acres, why is it necessary to place the kennel so close to a neighborhood that was established first? Please consider how you would feel about a dog kennel next to your home.

May 3, 2025
at 7:54 PM

6-A-25-UR

Lisa
37932

6-A-25-UR
Lisa (37932), May 5, 2025 at 1:52 PM

I have lived in the Forest Mill subdivision for 20 years. We chose this location due to the serene and quiet attributes while having the benefit of a subdivision. Since this kennel has come to exist, I can no longer take my dogs out in my backyard because they react negatively to the constant barking from this kennel. We can also no longer enjoy a quiet and relaxed atmosphere in our backyard. Note that we are well down the hill from our neighbors that sit on the hill. They did share a video of them sitting in their backyard and I was appalled that they were having to deal with this. I urge to you vote no for this and preserve the quality of life that we, as residents, chose in the selection of our homes. I urge you to make a statement that it is not ok for someone to create what they want, when they want, without having it analyzed nor approved. I'm sure with any analysis or perhaps a brief visit to our neighborhood, you would definitely not approve this request which has created havoc in our neighborhood.

May 5, 2025
at 1:52 PM

6-A-25-UR

Amy
37932

6-A-25-UR
Amy (37932), May 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM

As you review the proposal submitted by this business owner, I implore you to consider the surrounding properties, because this property owner does not appear to care. The barking from this kennel has ruined what used to be the solitude of my back yard. The barking is so bad at times that it is channeled down my chimney and into my living room via my fireplace, so even if I have all my doors and windows closed I cant escape the noise. I have tried calling the kennel, sending a letter, and acting like a crazy person by banging on a pot to try to communicate my frustration with the property owner. I was told that it is was a farm, dogs would bark, they were exempt from noise ordinances because they are a business, I should be happy it wasnt a subdivision, and I should feel protected by the dogs. I never thought I would see the day when I wanted a subdivision instead of a farm bordering my property. The nearest parts of the kennel and its dog pens are approximately 200 feet from my back door. Sound is projected straight to the backside of my home. I have recorded many examples of how bad the barking can be. I welcome people to come to my home and see it first-hand. Please consider what is being proposed by this business in relation to the homes surrounding this business.

May 7, 2025
at 2:01 PM

6-A-25-UR

Jason
37932

6-A-25-UR
Jason (37932), May 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM

The proposed land use change is a significant deviation from prior use. The current sitting of the kennel is causing a significant noise problem that impacts the existing properties in the area. Relocation of the kennel informed by an appropriate noise impact study should be required by the commission prior to approval by the commission.

May 8, 2025
at 6:00 PM

6-A-25-UR

Kristi
37932

6-A-25-UR
Kristi (37932), May 9, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Hello, I live in the Forest Mill subdivision that is next to this property. The kennel has brought noise pollution to our once quiet area. I ask that if this change is approved, Mr. Cottle will be a good neighbor and place a barrier to quieten the barking associated with his business.
Sincerely,
Kristi P.

May 9, 2025
at 10:40 AM

6-A-25-UR

Robert
37932

6-A-25-UR
Robert (37932), May 14, 2025 at 8:39 AM

The barking has got to stop! We can't enjoy our back porch and cookout area anymore! My wife wears hearing aids and the additional amplification is driving her insane while outside. Please consider relocation or a enclosed facility to stop the excessive barking and howling. We have concerns about our property value if this continues.

May 14, 2025
at 8:39 AM

6-A-25-UR

Kim
37932

6-A-25-UR
Kim (37932), May 14, 2025 at 8:55 AM

I wear hearing aids and the amplified barking and howling has taken a toll on my outside enjoyment. I am a gun advocate, but have an issue with the number of rounds being shot on the same property close to the dog kennel as well. The poor dogs scatter when the shots start, and they bark and howl excessively after they stop. This madness has to stop! Please consider a nuisance/noise impact study. Our property values are declining due to this boarding facility.

May 14, 2025
at 8:55 AM

6-A-25-UR

Patricia
37932

6-A-25-UR
Patricia (37932), May 14, 2025 at 9:51 AM

I have two issues with the dog kennel on the property behind us.
First, the kennel is located so close to our subdivision that it prevents me from enjoying our back yard due to their relentless barking. This problem is unrelenting and sounds to me that the dogs are constantly upset (see below). I am 75 years old and use hearing aids, but this is a problem without them as well.
Second, I am an animal lover and am concerned about why the dogs bark all the time without stopping, dawn to dusk. The sounds of the gun range that is used on the property are loud and scare me, so it makes sense that it would terrify the dogs as well. It seems to me that a shooting range and a dog kennel business near each other are incompatible with the welfare of those dogs in care.
I urge the planning commission to consider resolving these issues and their impact on a suburban neighborhood. One example of such mitigation would be to move the kennel to another location on the property and construct a sound mitigating structure of some kind that a) reduces the noise of the dogs barking on the kennel's subdivision neighbors and b) protects the dogs hearing from the gun range use.

May 14, 2025
at 9:51 AM

6-A-25-UR

Jeremiah
37932

6-A-25-UR
Jeremiah (37932), May 15, 2025 at 3:47 PM

My name is Jeremiah Cottle - I am the owner of the property in question. I have taken the time to read and address each of the above complaints, slanders and outright lies in the attached…. All video documentation is uploaded on my personal IG for public access. I also encourage everyone that if there is any issue with noise to contact me immediately and we will address it. I am for the approval of the permit
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20250515154743.pdf

May 15, 2025
at 3:47 PM

6-A-25-UR

Vaughn
37932

6-A-25-UR
Vaughn (37932), May 16, 2025 at 11:22 AM

Id like to see more people support a veteran owned business. There is a huge need in our community for boarding dogs and having a trusted place to fulfill this need.
I do not like how some neighbors and people are probing the dogs & doing things to get a rise or reaction out of them. It makes it hard to know who the real problem is; people or animals? I say its people. These are not wild animals. They are animals who are loved and have a home, they are being watched and cared for.
We need to support this business, the owner is the nicest and most accommodating, he takes time to listen, acknowledge and has a solution to any concern.

May 16, 2025
at 11:22 AM

6-A-25-UR

Christine
37932

6-A-25-UR
Christine (37932), May 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM

Jeremiah is dedicated to animal welfare and his proactive approach to addressing community concerns. His commitment to providing for his and othersanimals is commendable. The kennel provides valuable services to the community which is essential for pet owners seeking quality care for their dogs.
Furthermore, the site offers ample space for kennel operations, reducing the risk of overcrowding for the neighborhood and for the dogs. The facility's design and management mitigates concerns related to noise and ensures that the business operates in harmony with the surrounding residential area. However, there are local residents that are harassing Jeremiah and the dogs by banging pots and pans in order to induce barking.
While it's important to address the concerns raised by some residents, it's equally vital to remember that they have been caused by harassing neighbors banging pans and recognize the potential benefits this kennel could bring to the community. The kennel has the opportunity to become a valued asset to the area.

May 19, 2025
at 3:21 PM

6-A-25-UR

Lauren
37932

6-A-25-UR
Lauren (37932), May 25, 2025 at 8:33 PM

There are barking dogs that are at times barking constantly. I walk the neighborhood frequently and the dogs are very loud at the Daisywood cul-de-sac. If I lived in this cul-de-sac it would be impossible to sit outside without hearing the constant barking.

May 25, 2025
at 8:33 PM

6-A-25-UR

Norm
37932

6-A-25-UR
Norm (37932), May 27, 2025 at 10:43 PM

Please see attachment.
View Attachment

https://agenda.knoxplanning.org/attachments/20250527224311.pdf

May 27, 2025
at 10:43 PM

6-A-25-UR

Pam
37932

6-A-25-UR
Pam (37932), June 1, 2025 at 9:24 PM

I am writing to express my concern regarding the persistent barking from the dog kennel located behind my subdivision.
The kennel is situated at the farthest distance from the owner's residence, but directly connected to multiple homes in our subdivision.
The extremely loud barking continues throughout the day, into the night, and early morning hours. The barking is quite loud and involves a large number of dogs, causing disruption to my family and me, as well as multiple other homeowners.
While I acknowledge that dogs can bark, the frequency and duration of the barking have become a significant issue. I hope we can find a solution to this problem, as the constant noise is highly disruptive, annoying, and disrespectful to the homeowners in our subdivision.
Establishing a more controlled environment or relocating the kennel to the other side of the owner's property would be beneficial.
Additionally, we have experienced instances of dogs escaping from the kennel and entering our subdivision, where our children play, posing a significant danger.
We are seeking assistance and support in addressing this issue, as communication with the owner has been unsuccessful.

June 1, 2025
at 9:24 PM

6-A-25-UR

Psm
37932

6-A-25-UR
Psm (37932), June 1, 2025 at 9:46 PM

I am writing to express my concern regarding the persistent barking from the dog kennel located behind my subdivision.
The kennel is situated at the farthest distance from the owner's residence, but directly connected to multiple homes in our subdivision.
The extremely loud barking continues throughout the day, into the night, and early morning hours. The barking is quite loud and involves a large number of dogs, causing disruption to my family and me, as well as multiple other homeowners.
While I acknowledge that dogs can bark, the frequency and duration of the barking have become a significant issue. I hope we can find a solution to this problem, as the constant noise is highly disruptive, annoying, and disrespectful to the homeowners in our subdivision.
Establishing a more controlled environment or relocating the kennel to the other side of the owner's property would be beneficial.
Additionally, we have experienced instances of dogs escaping from the kennel and entering our subdivision, where our children play, posing a significant danger.
We are seeking assistance and support in addressing this issue, as communication with the owner has been unsuccessful.
Please vote no!

June 1, 2025
at 9:46 PM

18 Comments for