Knox County Mayor Urges Adoption of Advance Knox Growth Plan

A visual representation of the Knox County growth plan highlighting community development and sustainability.

News Summary

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is advocating for the adherence to the recently adopted Advance Knox growth plan. Expressing concerns about potential urban sprawl and infrastructure pressure, he urges local commissioners to consider the long-term implications of zoning decisions. With a projected growth of 79,000 new residents by 2040, Jacobs emphasizes the importance of the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan to meet the community’s needs and preserve its integrity. The support and training for commissioners are critical to ensure that local governance aligns with the growth plan.

Knox County Mayor Calls for Unity in Growth Plan

Knox County is buzzing with talk from Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who recently reached out to local commissioners with a friendly yet firm nudge to stick to the newly adopted Advance Knox growth plan. The mayor feels so strongly about this that he’s urging officials to consider how their zoning choices can impact the future of this vibrant community.

A Bright Future or Stalled Progress?

The mayor’s letter warned that ignoring the Advance Knox plan could lead to wasted resources and time. This initiative kicked off in 2021 with the aim of creating an organized strategy for land use in Knox County. Fast forward to April 2024, when the Knox County Commission gave a big thumbs up to the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan, which forms the final piece of the Advance Knox puzzle.

Small Commercial Corridors and More

So, what’s actually in this comprehensive plan? It promotes the establishment of small commercial corridors located in populated areas, such as downtown Powell, Halls, and along Rutledge Pike, all outside of Knoxville city limits. Most surrounding areas will be earmarked as suburban, offering cozy single-family homes or set aside as rural conservation areas.

Why the Change Was Necessary

Jacobs expressed his dissatisfaction with the prior land use and transportation plans, explaining they’ve been over 20 years old! He highlighted the necessity of relying on the new framework for future land-use updates, particularly under the upcoming Unified Development Ordinance. This ordinance is expected to be crucial as it will set forth zoning codes, street standards, and subdivision regulations, making everything clearer and more actionable.

Infrastructure and Investment Concerns

The mayor pointed out a significant concern: if the current zoning approach continues without integrating the insights from Advance Knox, pressure on local infrastructure could escalate. Arbitrary zoning decisions might not just affect local resources; they could lead to costly lawsuits, making things tougher for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead: Training and Funding

To avoid pitfalls, Jacobs encouraged commissioners to sign up for a training session on Advance Knox before their next zoning meeting on April 21. Additionally, he has plans to request around $500,000 from the commission to bring in a firm that can help turn the Advance Knox plan into an actionable legal framework.

Growing Population, Growing Needs

As the community prepares for the anticipated influx of 79,000 new residents by 2040, Jacobs emphasized that without the necessary ordinances stemming from Advance Knox, the whole initiative risks becoming irrelevant. If compliance with this plan isn’t ensured, it could deter larger businesses from setting up shop in Knox County, leaving residents with fewer options when it comes to housing close to workplaces.

Challenges from County Commissioners

The landscape isn’t entirely smooth, as a new board of commissioners that seems hesitant towards development is complicating matters for developers. Recent discussions around zoning have seen some pushback from members keen on maintaining the rural character of the area, which sometimes conflicts with the plans laid out in Advance Knox.

The Community’s Voice

Locals have expressed their feelings, especially against increased density in new developments, sparking a lively discussion about what kind of growth is genuinely desired. This ongoing debate reflects changes in community sentiment, especially concerning residents’ rights and well-being. Concerns about potential lawsuits and disruption have emerged as attempts to rezone and limit developments don’t align perfectly with local wishes.

What Lies Ahead?

The Advance Knox plan has specific guidelines identifying which lands should be developed and what types of development would preserve community integrity. This focus could shape the future of Knox County. A commitment to these guidelines might be the key to balancing growth with community values.