Residents Rally Against Controversial Development Plans

In a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding a proposed multifamily development on Crenshaw Road were at the forefront of discussions. Residents expressed strong opposition to the project, emphasizing the potential negative impact on traffic and the character of their single-family neighborhood.

One resident highlighted the ongoing plans to widen Governor John Sevier Highway to four lanes, raising concerns about increased traffic flow onto Crenshaw Road, which is currently narrow and has several blind spots. The resident noted that the road is often used as a cut-through by drivers avoiding congestion on the highway, and warned that the additional traffic from the proposed development could exacerbate safety issues, particularly for children who use the road.

Another resident, Steve Boyce, echoed these sentiments, stating that the proposed 32-unit development would significantly alter the neighborhood's dynamics. He urged the commission to reconsider access points for the development, suggesting that traffic should be directed onto Governor John Sevier Highway or Old Maryville Pike instead of Crenshaw Road.

In response to the community's concerns, Vice Chair Huber directed the discussion towards potential engineering solutions. Director Snowden acknowledged the need for further evaluation of the access points and proposed postponing the decision for 30 days to allow for additional discussions with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

The commission ultimately agreed to postpone the case, aiming to align the development plan with engineering recommendations and address the residents' concerns about traffic safety and neighborhood integrity. The decision reflects a commitment to balancing community needs with development progress, as officials seek to ensure that infrastructure improvements keep pace with growth.