Blount County Planning Commission approves 62 townhome development with recommendations
The Blount County Planning Commission approved a 62-townhome development with specific recommendations for access and buffer zones. During the public input session, 19 speakers expressed opposition to data centers. The commission also approved several other smaller development plats.
The Blount County Planning Commission held its May meeting in Maryville, approving a 62-townhome development at the intersection of Morganton Road and William Blount Drive. The 10-acre tract, zoned commercial, received approval with recommendations addressing concerns from commissioners regarding its sole access point, buffer zone location, and driveway length.
Commissioners, including Bruce McClellan, John Giles, Joshua Sullins, David Wells, Nick Bright, and Jessica Hannah, questioned Sterling Engineering representative Derick Jones about the development's design. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) had recommended a turn lane on William Blount Drive and a specific entrance location to mitigate traffic impacts, as explained by Jones. Development Services Director Thomas Lloyd confirmed the development met minimum parking criteria.
Commissioner Nick Bright introduced an amendment, seconded by Jessica Hannah, to move the buffer zone to the Morganton Road side of the development, which passed unanimously. The approved site plan will now include this revised buffering. Commissioner Wells also noted inconsistencies in open space requirements between different development types that the commission should review.
During the public input session, 22 individuals spoke, with 19 specifically expressing opposition to data centers, though no specific data center projects were on the agenda for a vote.