Thank you for your feedback and continued interest in your communities!
25 Comments from Round 2
Showing 1-25 of 44 results
Sarah, 37922
October 31, 2022
I would love to see Metro government for all of Knox Country, the city of Knoxville, and the Town of Farragut. We would have one metro government with one set of elected officials. The schools are already controlled by Knox County Schools. The taxpayers would save money and everyone could have the same public services (such as police protection and fire protection). The public utilities (water, sewer, gas, and electricity) could also be combined and controlled by the metro government.
Stuart, 37931
October 28, 2022
I would like to see a stronger development of roads in the county. I would like Pellissippi Parkway to become a freeway with off ramps and limited access. It would be good if one could drive to and from Knoxville to Oak Ridge on a freeway with a fly over Solway. This road has become dangerous and crowded. The Hardin Valley Road needs to be widened to accommodate growth. Roads to Powell need to be expanded such as Oak Ridge Highway. I-40 and I-75 need more lanes and expanded off ramps to reduce congestion. Development along these roads will be good if the highways are expanded to accommodate the load.
Pete, 37901
October 27, 2022
(1/2)
The growth Knox County continues to experience is fueled in part by the fact that it is such a good place to live. Many factors contribute to that, but high among them is the character of the county - rivers, lakes, mountains and open space. Our challenge is to accommodate growth, but not at the expense of what makes it such a wonderful place to be.
One way to do that is to create boundaries where growth is off limits before proceeding to establish where it should be encouraged. The off-limits areas can be protected in a variety of ways ranging to zoning limitations to conservation easements to public ownership.
Some of this has already occurred. Ridgetop development is not allowed, historic zones have been established and new parks have been created. But there likely would be broad agreement in the community that everything else should not be available for unrestricted development.
Pete, 37901
October 27, 2022
(2/2)
Specifically, we should look at establishing the following protections:
1. The shorelines of the French Broad and Holston rivers, 50 to 100 feet back from the water. These rivers are almost unique in Tennessee as nearly all of the other significant rivers in the state have become lakes. Canoeing and Kayaking are becoming increasingly popular, especially following the creation of the Seven Islands State Birding Park at the county line, with its two river access ramps. The protection can happen through public ownership, as with the State Park, through conservation easements and with zoning restrictions as has been done with the ridgetops. A 100 foot strip on each side of the French Broad River that would protect the character and beauty of the river while involving total of only 360 acres.
2. Before water and/or sewer service is extended into undeveloped areas of the county, the property owners abutting the proposed lines should be given the opportunity to vote, perhaps at ten year intervals, on whether such service is wanted. If a clear majority of the property owners object, the services should not be extended.
3. New residential subdivisions should be prohibited if they are beyond a specified distance from an existing residential subdivision as a way to control urban sprawl.
These kinds of restrictions could become part of both the "town and country" and the "on the road again" concepts that are under consideration.
Gene, 37920
October 27, 2022
Since experience tells us that continuation of urban sprawl, compared to focusing new development on corridors or planned multi-use centers, is more expensive and is less likely to create communities of character.
Also important, as climate scientists insist, is that our planning encourage energy efficiency. Time is critical for us to reduce carbon emissions and known correlations such as shorter home to work trips and better use of public transportation provide obvious advantages in that regard.
Gene, 37920
October 26, 2022
There is a need for cost information for each scenario, as was done (as I recall) with the similar process for Cumberland Region Tomorrow.
Eric, 37918
October 25, 2022
Non of this development plan mentions what density of development makes sense under a "county" level of government. There is a reason Incorporated City entities were created to handle greater population densities. Annexation is a dirty word in TN. At some point we need streamline the development of the greater Knox County and that means leveraging our incorporated cities as foci of high density development. The current ring development results in the poaching of agricultural lands and non redevelopment.
Micah, 37922
October 24, 2022
Northshore needs to have sidewalks added and be more walkable. I would like to see more greenways, parks and green space. Smart and well though out development instead of development for development’s sake. Avoid sprawl. Higher building standards for developers to make things look cosmetically nice with landscaping, higher end builds, etc. Require new neighborhoods to put in sidewalks/greenways along main roads and in neighborhoods. Investment in Lakeshore Park has been great. Invest in other parks as well. Improve public access to the River and incorporate the waterfront in downtown.
Joshua, 37902
October 13, 2022
If we are choosing between the three then the "town and country" model is the best. There are multiple examples of this kind of development increasing satisfaction, quality of life, and property values, while reducing infrastructure cost in the long run.
Isaac, 37914
October 13, 2022
I really like the Town and Country scenario... I would like to see more commercial investment in East Knoxville, but it seems like a good template to start with. I definitely don't like continuing current trends... it's land-greedy and short-sighted.
Cheryl, 37849
October 12, 2022
First, please work on the assumption that Knox County has Four Directions! Leaders of zoning regulations must step up to lead and choose doing something because it is the right thing to do, not just because it will make them more money. Fix new plans and codes that do not allow run down buildings and properties, or excessive, ugly signage. Right now our major roads like Clinton Highway, Broadway, Chapman Highway, and more, look like they were never presented with any kinds of codes. Also, allowing a plethora of hillside subdivisions with look-alike houses stacked on top of each other is not helping the future appearance of our county. While the "Town and Country" plan appeals to me, I fear that this will not be equally spread out in the county. Therefore, I support "On the Road Again" and hope that all main arteries can become something that will make us proud to live in Knox County and to show it off to visitors--all 4 directions of it.
Claire, 37923
October 11, 2022
Narrow rural roads continue to be prevalent in many areas and lack sidewalks for pedestrians (and especially school children). Would like the planning commission to consider the perspective neighborhoods, not to just solely focus on growth.
Joseph, 37849
October 10, 2022
The right choices are: Town and Country, On the Road Again, and Outward Bound in that order. Town and Country has the most choices, the most diversity, the most conservation. On the other hand, Outward Bound has the least choices, the least diversity and the MOST problems!
Linda, 37934
October 10, 2022
While I am glad there is going to be a plan for growth, I am very concerned that the growth will change Knoxville and Knox County too much. Being raised in Atlanta, Ga. I saw Atlanta change so much in such a short time that I don't even want to visit. Many people moved here because Knoxville was a good size: not too much traffic, good schools, beautiful rural areas close by. Now, there is too much traffic, we keep having to build schools, we have to keep widening roads, we have changed the country roads to entirely too many neighborhoods. Cities like Nashville and Atlanta can keep widening and adding roads but they will never be able to control traffic. I am afraid Knox County will end up like this. The very reason people have moved and stayed here in the past is already gone. We have to control growth so we will not become so big and crowded that no one will want to live here.
Brian, 37919
October 10, 2022
I believe the town and country scenario is the most sustainable and the best way to have thoughtful community growth. BUT first invest in the infrastructure, specifically roads, to support the growth.
mixed land use for business and residential and a variety of housing price points to include affordable should be required to develop a town and country community. Developers should have to participate in some of the required elements like schools, parks, character...
Theresa, 37909
October 9, 2022
INFRASTRUCTURE HAS NOT KEPT PACE WITH EXCESSIVE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. NARROW RURAL ROADS CONTINUE TO BE PREVALENT IN MANY AREAS AND THE LACK OF SIDEWALKS AND TRANSPORTATION CONTINUE TO CREATE AN UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN (ESPECIALLY SCHOOL CHILDREN) AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
WOULD LIKE DEVELOPERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE ON KNOXVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CHARACTER OF THE RESPECTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS INSTEAQD OF FOCUSING SOLELY ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
THANK YOU.
G, 37932
October 8, 2022
I've lived in the Hardin Valley area for the past 7 years and the number of subdivisions and apartment buildings that are being built is absolutely ridiculous. We do not need any more housing. Our roads and schools are busting at the seams.
What we do need is another grocery store other than a Food City. Preferrably a Kroger would be an excellent option.
dona, 37919
October 7, 2022
I prefer the # 2 Town and Country plan.
Andrea, 37922
October 7, 2022
More town centers similar to Northshore is my vote. We need to balance neighborhoods with schools and businesses to keep the sense of community afloat. Currently, Knox County builds random neighborhoods without sidewalks in the middle of farmland. There is no current way to connect neighborhoods and the shopping, work places, etc are far away.
Raymond
October 7, 2022
I live on the corner of Carpenter Rd and Patriot Rd, and I so, so wish y'all would put a roundabout on the intersection of Harrel, Carpenter, and Emory Rd.There's a HUGE subdivision going in on Carpenter, and Harrell is already bumper to bumper coming up to that almost blind stop sign on Emory.
Also, Belltown! 1500 housing units, stores, theater, parks...and two-lane Emory Rd! We need them to bridge that creek (Beaver) with TWO bridges on either side of the sewage treatment plant, to move cars into Knoxville easier than clogging up Emory road with even more cars.
Will, 37923
October 7, 2022
I am in favor of increasing density in areas where there is already development. Spreading out to add more single family homes vs using the areas for multi family or even attached homes that already have traffic and services to support development makes more sense to me. At best let the market dictate what can be approved. A landowner can be cornered by the county with what they can do with their land because of where it is. If the market wants commercial vs single family in a location or multi family vs single family the county has to find a way to allow that.
D., 37920
October 7, 2022
The local infrastructure cannot support the amount of population we have now. Has anyone taken a good look at our roads? I-40, I-75, Kingston Pike, etc. - it's no wonder there's so many instances of road rage now. Stop all the multi-unit housing. Even if people are living on top of each other, they are utilizing services and more likely have at least one vehicle if not more. Focus more on affordable (the average working person here is NOT a millionaire) single family housing on lots of 3/4 to an 1 acre for green space. Better neighbors, better environment, less congestion.
Michael, 37920
October 7, 2022
Enlarging freeways and expanding housing to outlying areas always has the same result: more traffic, more sprawl, more negative impacts on the environment. This has happened many times in California which is only now beginning to address the sprawl and traffic.
Most new housing developments in Knox County raze existing woodlands with grading, and create islands of heat due to the surface area of the new pavement. This is a recipe for ongoing disaster. Imagine California style 20 lane freeways in East Tennessee.
The solution is to build denser city centers that are walkable , improve public transportation, use a lighter color of asphalt, plant and maintain more trees.
I grew up in East Tennessee and just moved back after living in Los Angeles for many years. I've learned much through the experience. While I love California, I'm glad to be living in Knoxville. I hope residents of Knoxville will use this opportunity to more carefully manage future growth.
James, 37849-2021
October 7, 2022
Developments should not be allowed in any part of the county unless: existing roads will support added traffic, existing schools will support added density, Utilities will support added density, law enforcement staffing can support added density. If any of these items are lacking, then the developer must fund them in advance of added housing. Developers must also be responsible for added road maintenance and utility maintenance for a number of years after development is made. Any changes in added property taxes because of the needed infrastructure should be borne by the new homes, not existing older homes.
Cynthia, 37931
October 7, 2022
I have seen uncontrolled development in Karns and the surrounding area. I have watched as developers wantonly destroy so much bird and wildlife habitat almost right up to my door. There are many, many fewer birds at my house now. So I am for the plan that conserves the most greenspace and habitat and controls or restricts the stacking of so many (and aesthetically ugly) houses into very small spaces. At the moment, if the descriptions are accurate, the Town and Country version is the closest to that and I hope conservation and care of the land are more of a priority than greed.