Residents tell Blount County commissioners of persistent trash, alleged drug activity and sewage on Tammy Circle; officials point to Development Services and a長

Multiple residents of Tammy Circle in Blount County told the county commission on April 17 that their neighborhood suffers from ongoing trash accumulation, rodents, suspected drug dealing and what they said was sewage being discharged into a nearby waterway.

Francine Reynolds, identified in the meeting as a District 9 resident, told the commission, "I've lived on Tammy Circle for 35, 40 years...we have seen our community declined, only because people are their yards are full of trash, garbage piled up, cars piled up." She said she had submitted nine letters to Development Services reporting the conditions.

A neighbor who said she lives next door described the rodent problem and added that "they don't only bring in all this garbage. They're dealing drugs there." Kevin Downs, who said he lives at 3661 Tammy Circle, told commissioners, "It looks like a war zone. It looks like a neighborhood in Mexico," and described motorcycles, suspected theft and people bringing in large amounts of material.

The mayor, Ed Mitchell, told the commission the county had received numerous calls about the site and had referred complaints to Development Services. "We have followed the...to the department that is responsible for taking care of this, and we have taken the time to send numerous complaints down there," the mayor said, adding that the matter falls under Development Services and not the mayor’s office.

Commissioner Michaels said county officials had heard the complaints and "addressed them with the proper channels," but acknowledged the civil enforcement process can be lengthy. Commissioner Bowers urged the county to use tools that have been available historically, saying the building commissioner previously could assess lots, clean them and place a lien on the property if the owner did not pay. Commissioner Hannah advised residents that alleged sewage discharge should be reported to the environmental department because "that is the first step, first place you have to go." (Commissioner Hanna's remarks appear in the transcript as guidance to report the pipe to the environmental department.)

What was not decided: the commission did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting. County leaders described the complaint and inspection process, explained that property‑maintenance citations and civil proceedings are possible and said Development Services is the responsible department. The mayor summarized the expected sequence: identify a code violation, give the property owner time to comply, cite and, if necessary, proceed to court; the county can then abate and place a lien if the owner does not pay.

Why it matters: residents reported public‑health concerns — trash, rats and alleged sewage discharge — and alleged criminal activity. County officials reiterated the administrative path for complaints and encouraged residents to continue filing formal reports with Development Services and, for possible pollution, the environmental department. Several speakers urged more consistent follow‑up.

Next steps and context: residents said they had filed multiple complaints (one resident said she had sent nine letters). Commissioners and the mayor said they would continue to press Development Services and the appropriate enforcement agencies; no timetable or additional county action was announced at the meeting.