TOWNSEND, Tenn — The Townsend community has a chance to speak their minds about the trajectory of the city's growth during a listening session on Thursday evening. Mayor Don Prater said it would be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at city hall after the Planning Commission meets and the Board of Zoning Appeals meets.
"Recognizing the pace of change seems to be quickening in our community, perspectives and feedback on recent developments and how the City can be responsive to the needs of our citizens, local business, and community organizations is encouraged," he said on social media.
Townsend also said on social media it did not have the administrative capability to offer the listening session through videoconference. However, it said an audio recording people can ask for, if they want to listen to the session on their own time.
The meeting comes after pushback surrounding a new "boutique" hotel planned to be built in Townsend. The hotel is named Ofland Great Smoky Mountains and will be on 27 acres of land. Construction on the hotel is expected to start in summer 2024.