Alcoa Highway Corridor Study Adopted

In 2020, the City of Knoxville and Knox County each approved resolutions for Planning to undertake a study that would develop an approach and policies to envision and manage development along the portion of Alcoa Highway within Knox County limits.

Challenges along the corridor include ongoing road construction, a decline in business occupancy and development, and steady population compared to growing population in other areas of Knox County. These factors, paired with the new road design and changes to vehicular travel and access patterns, prompted the request.

The study looks at land uses and zoning along the corridor to determine what changes are needed to spur redevelopment and encourage retail, commercial, and increased housing.

The goal of the study is to facilitate a safer, more productive, aesthetically pleasing corridor to serve the surrounding neighborhoods.

To accomplish this objective, the study seeks to:

• Allow a broader array of land uses,
• Protect vehicular safety improvements made by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and improve pedestrian safety, and
• Provide a unique sense of place by creating consistency in the physical environment.

The study was heard and approved by the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission, Knoxville City Council, and Knox County Commission earlier this summer. The final document is available at knoxplanning.org/plans.

Since the study was approved by the legislative bodies, the following steps have been identified to realize the goals listed above.

• Pursue minor zoning and land use amendments as identified.
• The City and County should engage in further discussion around the creation of overlay standards.
• Interested property owners should work with Knox County and the City to explore potential financial stimulus measures to assist new business owners in getting started.

For more information on the project, visit knoxplanning.org/alcoa.