Knox County Unveils Comprehensive Growth Plan

News Summary

On February 26, 2024, Knox County Commission approved the Advance Knox Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan, a vision designed to manage growth sustainably over the next 20 years. This plan aims to enhance community living through the creation of new commercial corridors, suburban areas, and rural conservation zones, while addressing zoning regulations and community input. Writing the Future Land Use Map is the next step in shaping the county’s future, seeking to balance growth with preservation.

Knox County Takes Bold Steps with New Growth Plan

Exciting news for the good folks of Knox County! That’s right, on February 26, 2024, the Knox County Commission officially gave the green light to a new Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan, known as Advance Knox. This plan, which has taken over two years to develop, is designed to guide how the county will handle its growing population and manage land use in the coming years.

A Milestone After Two Years in the Making

The approval of Advance Knox marks the end of a long journey that started back in November 2021. It’s not just another bureaucratic plan; it aims to create thoughtful spaces where people can live, work, and enjoy life—all while keeping it sustainable and functional.

New Commercial Corridors to Pop Up

Under Advance Knox, the plan encourages the creation of small commercial corridors in some bustling areas, specifically targeting downtown Powell, Halls, and along Rutledge Pike, which lies just outside Knoxville’s city limits. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand local businesses and services and make life easier for everyone in those communities!

Suburban Charm Meets Rural Preservation

Most regions around Knoxville and Farragut will be designated as either suburban areas, showcasing charming single-family homes within walkable neighborhoods, or rural conservation areas, which will help retain the natural beauty Knox County offers. It’s a thoughtful design to ensure that growing suburban elements don’t swallow up the lovely rural space.

Sorting Out Zoning Differences

As you might expect with such significant changes, some boundary disputes did bubble up among county leaders. There were discussions about zoning regulations and whether to prioritize agricultural zoning or to consider more high-density housing developments. It seems that the planning process can get a bit feisty, but that’s all part of striving for the best solution!

Amendments Galore!

The commission had a busy time reviewing numerous proposed amendments to the plan. Some of these amendments went through with flying colors, while others were either withdrawn or rejected outright. Yet, the fundamental framework of the plan remained intact, which is a win in itself!

Striking a Balance with Future Growth

This plan isn’t just about growth for growth’s sake; it’s a careful analysis that aims to keep urban sprawl in check. The goal is for this plan to guide land use decisions for the next 20 years. Originally, the plan designated 17.5 square miles of farmland for development. However, through careful consideration, this has since been reduced to 14.5 square miles to protect valuable farmland.

Mixing It Up with Mixed-Use Developments

Part of the strategy includes making way for more mixed-use developments and limiting residential plots in rural zones. The rationale? Preserve as much land as possible while improving community living. That balance is so crucial for maintaining the character and integrity of Knox County.

Next Steps: Voting on the Future Land Use Map

The plan still needs the thumbs-up from the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission, which is set to vote on the Future Land Use Map on March 7, 2024. After that, the Knox County Commission will have another vote on March 25, 2024. If things don’t pan out with approvals from the City of Knoxville or the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the plan may hit some roadblocks.

Connecting Communities and Saving Dollars

Advance Knox isn’t just about aesthetics; it holds great promise for improving infrastructure and creating convenient commercial hubs for easier access across the county. Estimates suggest this initiative could save Knox County around $4.8 million annually, compared to a potential loss of $2 million if they continued with current land use regulations.

Community Input Shapes the Future

The community had a big voice in this planning process, with valuable input gathered through surveys, workshops, and focus group meetings. A map detailing specific areas for various developments will soon be released, allowing residents to check out how the plan might impact their neighborhoods.

It looks like Knox County is gearing up for some major changes, all with an eye towards a thoughtfully planned future! So stay tuned, folks—there’s plenty more coming your way!

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Additional Resources

• Knox News: Barbara Kelly Reflects on 60 Years of Helping Knoxville
• WBIR: Knox County Commission Advances Growth Plan
• WATE: Growth Land Use Plan Approved by County Commission
• CNET: Best Internet Providers in Knoxville, TN
• Knox News: Advance Knox Plan Guides Knoxville Growth by 2040
• Wikipedia: Urban Sprawl
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Land Use
• Google Search: Knoxville Growth Plan
• Google Scholar: Land Use Planning
• Google News: Knoxville County Commission