WATE: Area along Ebenezer Road in West Knoxville rezoned despite pushback from neighbors

EXCERPT:

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission unanimously approved a request to rezone an area along Ebenezer Road near the Bluegrass Animal Hospital from agriculture to a planned residential zone.

Thursday’s planning commission meeting was full of people who were against the change. This new zoning, as it was discussed during the meeting, would allow up to 10 dwelling units per acre. Those who live nearby voicing their concerns and disdain for the proposed change.

“We were definitely unhappy to hear that something so large was going to be put in because we already know the school, Bluegrass Elementary, is right there,” said nearby resident Lora Repka.

“What I am opposed to is the number of units that they are requesting per acre,” Ryan Acree said.

These were just some of the concerns expressed tonight. The rezoning will allow 10 development units per acre. The property itself is roughly 6.5 acres which would mean up to 65 units could be placed on the property.

“This does not match the community. It does not match the surrounding neighborhoods,” Acree said. “This neighborhood is three dwelling units per acre, most neighborhoods are five dwelling units per acre. To request 10 and, I believe, to put it where they’re going to put it is just obscene.”

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