Neighbors press Knox County to slow Masana Investments rezoning; commissioners postpone vote for 30 days

The Knox County Board of Zoning on Jan. 22 postponed for 30 days a contested rezoning request by Masana Investments that would have allowed up to six dwelling units per acre at 205 North Wood Dale Road.

The applicant sought to rezone roughly 11 acres in East Knox to PR (planned residential) at a higher density than surrounding parcels. Dozens of neighbors and community speakers told the board the site is on a narrow, hilly local road ill-suited to additional traffic; they also warned of flooding and loss of productive agricultural land cited by the East Knox small-area plan.

Residents stressed sight-distance and safety: civil engineer Mick Sullivan explained that the proposed access sits near the top of a steep vertical curve where drivers exceed posted advisory speeds, and warned a bus or other stopped vehicle could be obscured by the hill. Multiple speakers also urged the board to honor the East Knox plan’s rural-conservation guidance. Planning staff and county engineering said stormwater rules and development-plan conditions exist to prevent post-construction runoff increases, and that some road improvements or a memorandum of understanding to fund them could be required if the parcel accessed Ball Camp rather than Shod Road.

Outcome: Commissioner Jay made a substitute motion to postpone the nomination for 30 days to allow a community meeting; the motion passed on a roll-call vote, 6–5 (aye: Rawls, Darrett, Oster, Jackson, Hill, Jay; nay: Russell, Lee, Thompson, Fox, Frazier). The chair instructed the applicant and neighbors to schedule the meeting and return with possible resolutions after the 30-day period.

Why it matters: The vote illustrates how the county applies its Advanced Knox plan and place-type guidance when zoning requests touch rural and conservation areas. Commissioners said they wanted more neighbor outreach and time for the applicant to explore compromises such as conservation easements or conditions limiting access and density.

Key speakers and positions: Neighbors (Mick Sullivan, Jennifer Blakely, Joseph Bailey, Kevin Murphy) opposed the rezoning; Applicant representative Drew Staten and Ben Mullins argued the location falls in the urban growth boundary and said development controls would mitigate impacts. Commissioners split: some said the advanced plan and rural character counsel against higher density; others favored giving developers an opportunity to work with neighbors before final action.

The board’s file and the planning recommendation remain the official record; any revised application will return for planning and, if amended, to the commission for a final decision.

Sources: Public comments and commissioner statements recorded at the Jan. 22, 2025 meeting.