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Commission approves Leonard Development rezoning after debate, strips Winkle Lane access
Summary
After extended public discussion and neighborhood objections, the Knox County Commission approved rezoning about 7.28 acres at Winkle Lane to planned residential (up to 5 dwelling units per acre) but removed Winkle Lane as a required access; the substitute motion passed on a 6–5 roll-call vote.
The Knox County Commission on Dec. 8 approved a rezoning request from Leonard Development to change roughly 7.28 acres at Winkle Lane to planned residential (PR) allowing up to five dwelling units per acre, but the commission removed a required access connection to Winkle Lane as part of a substitute motion that passed 6–5.
Taylor Forrester, the applicant, told commissioners the parcel at the corner of John Sevier Highway and Winkle Lane meets comprehensive-plan place-type criteria and that the rezoning would allow a residential housing mix consistent with nearby developments. He said the property would likely yield about 32–33 single-family lots, with a maximum of 36 if lots were made smaller.
Frank Leonard, representing Leonard Development, said he had met the South Knoxville neighborhood association and described a cordial but skeptical turnout of about 18 residents. Leonard said attendees expressed concerns about growth in South Knoxville but appreciated his willingness to meet and discuss the project.
Commissioners spent more than an hour on the item, focusing on connectivity and traffic, the adequacy of Winkle Lane, and whether current and planned nearby developments mean the area needs a pause to allow infrastructure and community character to absorb growth. Commissioner Fox moved to deny the application, citing neighborhood opposition and a concern that the area is experiencing “too much” new development at once. Fox said constituents worry about traffic, school capacity and changes to neighborhood character.
Commissioner Garrett offered a substitute motion to approve the PR rezoning at five units per acre, keeping the planning commission’s three conditions but striking the requirement that the developer widen or provide access to Winkle Lane. Staff explained the Winkle Lane requirement would be cost-prohibitive because it would compel widening much of the road back to Temple Station; staff and the developer agreed that access through the adjoining subdivision and John Sevier Highway would be practical.
The substitute motion was seconded by Commissioner Jay and carried on a roll-call vote, 6–5. Ayes were Commissioners Ross, Durett, Oster, Jackson, Hill and Jay; no votes were recorded from Commissioners Russell, Lee, Thompson, Fox and Frazier. Chair announced the motion passed 6–5 and wished the developer luck with the project.
The approval includes the three planning-commission conditions discussed on the record (connectivity to adjacent subdivision, standard subdivision requirements and other standard PR conditions), with Winkle Lane removed from the access condition. The developer and county staff said that if lots are created, access will be routed through the adjoining subdivision and John Sevier Highway rather than widening Winkle Lane.
Next steps: the rezoning was approved by the county commission under the substitute motion; any required development plans, permits and subdivision approvals must follow standard county review procedures before construction.
