Bradley County planning panel approves rezoning for Hollow Road property after resident concerns about septic and traffic

The Bradley County Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for Ernest L. Smith’s 11.9-acre property at 159 Hollow Road, changing the parcel from FAR to R‑4 (residential/mobile home park and travel trailer park).

The rezoning matter drew extended public comment about sewer access, soil suitability for septic systems and possible traffic impacts on narrow Hollow Road before the commission voted 9-0 to approve the request.

Neighbors and nearby residents told the commission they were not categorically opposed to redevelopment but pressed officials to consider whether the land could safely support a travel‑trailer or RV park. Edward Steem, who identified himself as living on Willow Creek Cove, said, “Any more development, I think, will just encourage more flooding.”

Applicant Ernest L. Smith told the commission he had cleared…