In a recent government meeting, the Knox County Planning Commission discussed several zoning requests, including a significant proposal for residential development on Andersonville Pike and Hammer Road, which has sparked community concern.

The first agenda item involved a 2.2-acre property on the west side of Andersonville Pike, currently zoned for agricultural use. The applicant requested a change to planned residential zoning, proposing a density of up to 1.5 dwelling units per acre. The staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the Knox County comprehensive plan. However, local resident Kevin Murphy, representing adjacent property owners, raised concerns about potential water runoff issues affecting their land, which has been in their family for over a century. He urged the commission to include strong language in the approval to ensure that water runoff from the new development would be contained on-site. The commission ultimately approved the request, affirming that the minimal increase in impervious surfaces would not significantly impact runoff.

The second item involved a larger 20-acre parcel on Bradley Lake Lane, where the applicant sought to rezone from agriculture to planned residential, proposing up to 9 dwelling units per acre. Staff recommended a compromise of 6 units per acre, which the applicant accepted. The commission approved this request, noting the area's changing conditions and development patterns.

The third agenda item, concerning a 19-acre site on Hammer Road, faced significant opposition from local residents. The applicant proposed a density of up to 5 dwelling units per acre, but community members expressed concerns about increased traffic, the rural character of the area, and potential environmental impacts on local wildlife. Residents argued that the proposed development would disrupt the rural landscape and exacerbate existing traffic issues on the narrow road. The applicant agreed to defer the proposal to allow for further discussion with neighbors.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners acknowledged the challenges of balancing development with community concerns, particularly in areas designated for rural conservation. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between growth and preserving the character of established neighborhoods in Knox County.