Oak Ridge council denies proposal to convert 2524 Oak Ridge Road into event center

The Oak Ridge Town Council denied a special use permit for an event center proposed at 2524 Oak Ridge Road after concluding the operation would not be in harmony with the surrounding RS‑40 residential neighborhood.

The proposal, filed by F2 Homes LLC for a roughly 3.16‑acre parcel, sought permission to operate a venue with an all‑in capacity the applicant described as up to 150 people (weddings generally capped at 100–125). Applicant witnesses called multiple experts and presented a draft operating contract, a site plan, a noise study and a market‑impact appraisal.

Applicant testimony and exhibits Jamie Heizer, the venue coordinator who would manage rentals if the permit were approved, described the facility’s operating plan and safeguards: tours by appointment, 38 designated on‑site parking spaces with negotiated off‑site overflow at Oak Ridge Elementary, a trolley shuttle service for overflow, vendor insurance requirements, and a contract provision requiring security for events exceeding 50 people. “If the guest count goes above 50, there has to be security on site,” Heizer told council members. She said events would end by 9 p.m. and that music would be moved indoors at that time.

Bill Grie…