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Planning commission gives preliminary approval to relocate flood-prone section of Red Bank Road
Summary
The commission voted 5–1 on Jan. 6 to give preliminary approval to a city-initiated plan to relocate a section of Red Bank Road off land owned by Dr. Moreno to remove the roadway from the floodplain; staff said FEMA requirements will be met and attorneys drafted an agreement that would revert the transferred property if the road is not completed within two years.
Sevierville — The Sevierville Regional Planning Commission on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a city-initiated plan to relocate a section of Red Bank Road to move the roadway out of the floodplain.
Development Director Corey Divel said roughly half of the current roadway lies within the floodplain and recent weather events have shown flooding reaching near the city limit sign. Relocating the road would, he said, improve public safety, reduce long-term maintenance and eliminate concerns about embankment failure along the river. The existing right-of-way is 50 feet and the current pavement width is under 20 feet; the pavement for the next section is expected to be 28 feet.
Charles Valentine, the city’s Floodplain Manager, has been involved in planning and staff said all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements will be met. Divel said the City’s Public Works Department will lead the project with Emergency Management support. The city plans to construct only the portion crossing the property owned by Dr. Moreno; the draft agreement prepared by attorneys would revert the transferred property automatically if the roadway is not completed within two years.
Several community members raised concerns about timing, costs, FEMA and county approvals and potential impacts to private property; commissioners emphasized this was a preliminary step and that detailed design, property transfers, final platting and construction would follow only after issues are resolved. Commissioner Wayne Helton moved for approval; Commissioner Butch Stott seconded. Mayor Robbie Fox, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Patterson voted in favor; Mr. Messer opposed. The motion carried 5–1.
The commission’s action was preliminary approval; the agreement with Dr. Moreno will go to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for one reading and further approvals are required before construction may begin.
