Residents in South Knoxville Unite Against Rapid Development Threatening Rural Charm

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Residents Rally Against Rapid Development in South Knoxville

In the heart of beautiful Knox County, tension is rising among residents who are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to dense development in their rural neighborhoods. This community, known for its cozy charm and agricultural roots, is facing a wave of change that many say doesn’t fit into the character they’ve grown to love.

New Leadership, Same Concerns

Newly-elected Knox County Commissioner Andy Fox, who represents the 9th District that includes parts of South Knoxville, is keenly aware of the concerns of the residents. He shared during a recent meeting that while locals aren’t adamantly against all forms of development, they feel strongly about maintaining a harmonious balance. “Residents are all for growth, but they want it to be the right kind of growth,” Fox stated. “They are opposed to high-density developments being dropped into a largely agricultural and rural setting.”

A Call for Change

At the Knox County Commission meeting on Monday night, Fox made a case for the commission to consider applying for rezoning on five specific parcels of land in the area, including Bower Field, a beloved park frequently at the heart of local protests against development projects. This park, named after a local legend, is a touchstone for many residents who want to preserve its tranquil environment.

Interestingly, some of the property in consideration is owned by Thunder Mountain Properties, headed by Chris Arnold, the grandson of Benjamin Bower, after whom the park is named. Arnold expressed that he had not been privy to the rezoning request made by Commissioner Fox, highlighting the unique nature of this request, as typically, it is the property owners who seek such changes. Fox explained that the Knox County code allows for the commission itself to make rezoning applications.

The Voices of the Community

One resident at the forefront of this movement is Dawn Close, who passionately advocates for preserving the rural character of South Knoxville. “Time and time again, the developers are in the drivers seat, and we are not,” she lamented. Close underscored that the community is not against change altogether. “We don’t mind two houses per acre,” she explained, comparing it to the current zoning of one house per two acres. “But when they’re proposing four and five houses per acre, it just isn’t consistent with the character of our community,” she added with evident frustration.

Close and many other residents are rallying their neighbors and urging them to reach out to their county commissioners before the upcoming October meeting. There’s a collective hope that a compromise can be reached that respects the area’s rural heritage while allowing for some form of development that locals can accept.

What Lies Ahead?

As the discussions continue, many questions linger in the air about what the future holds for South Knoxville. Will the voices of the residents be heard in the face of development pressures? Or will they find their cherished landscapes forever altered? The situation remains dynamic, and the community’s engagement will undoubtedly shape the direction of future development.

As the October meeting approaches, local residents are encouraged to stay involved and share their thoughts with their elected officials. The outcome may very well define what South Knoxville will look like in the years to come.