KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — South Knoxville residents are continuing to oppose dense development in their rural neighborhoods.
Newly-elected Knox County Commissioner Andy Fox represents the 9th District, which includes South Knox County. He said residents aren't opposed to all development, but rather are opposed to development that doesn't mix well with their community.
"Growth happens no matter what, in an organic sense, but what they are opposing is high-density developments getting plopped down in a largely agricultural and rural setting,” Fox said.
He asked the Knox County Commission Monday night to consider applying to rezone five parcels in the area. Those include Bower Field along Chapman Highway, a park that has been at the center of demonstrations.
Several of these pieces of land are owned by Thunder Mountain Properties, a development company. The owner, Chris Arnold, is actually the grandson of Benjamin Bower. Bower is the namesake of the well-loved ballpark in South Knox County.
Arnold said the company was not aware of or advised on the request made by Commissioner Fox Monday night. His request is unique because, typically, property owners are the ones applying for rezoning. But Fox said that Knox County code allows for the commission to apply for rezoning.
South Knox County resident Dawn Close has been at the center of advocating against the rapid development in her community.
"Time and time again, the developers are in the drivers seat, and we are not. And we want to keep our rural areas rural,” Close said.
She said the fast pace and density of the development is what frustrates residents.
“That's what has us in an outrage. We don't mind two houses per acre," she said. "What's currently here is one house per two acres. We would take a bump up from there because we’re interested in compromise. But when they’re proposing four and five houses per acre, it's just not consistent with the character of our community.”
Close encouraged other residents to get in contact with their county commissioner prior to the October meeting.