Lawsuit filed to stop Midway park

A local activist group has filed a lawsuit to stop the proposed Midway Business Park, saying it will endanger the water underneath the proposed East Knox County site.

The move comes two months after county leaders officially paved the way to get the project up and running.

The complaint, filed in Knox County Chancery Court, says the more than 300 acres just off I-40 near Strawberry Plains sits directly above an aquifer that the nearby residents use and any intense development will jeopardize it.

“We all drink out of that aquifer and they don’t care,” said Bob Wolfenbarger, president of the 8th District Preservation Association. “It will destroy the aquifer no matter what they do there.”

The non-profit group filed the lawsuit Friday against the Development Corporation of Knox County, the county, the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Knox County Commission.

The lawsuit notes that the area is composed of “high undulating terrain containing numerous sinkholes” and is “unsuitable for large-scale development, as reflected in the East Knox County Sector Plan of 1995.”

On Tuesday, Wolfenbarger told WBIR 10News that “nothing in the area has changed.”

“This just happens to be a bad site and they don’t want to believe it,” he said.

MORE: Copy of the complaint

Knox County Law Director Richard “Bud” Armstrong declined to comment, saying his office received a copy of the lawsuit late Monday and he hasn’t had time to review it.

Todd Napier, president of the Development Corporation, said: “We’re very disappointed. We continue to have some individuals who are working to delay or stop a project that will ultimately be to the benefit to Knox County. We will vigorously defend the actions that have been taken and move on.”

The Knox County Commission in December voted to change the sector plan that governs the zoning for the property to allow for an industrial park.

Officials with the Development Corporation, which bought the land in 2006, say the project could attract a large-scale manufacturer or distributor, and bring in $200 million in wages.

Business leaders stress that the property is among the last large tracts available that can be used to promote business park developments.

Commish rezones land for Midway

The Knox County Commission approved changes Monday night to property off Midway Road, clearing the way for a proposed business park site.

The commission voted to change the sector plan and zoning for the property, which has been owned by the Development Corporation of Knox County since 2006.

The Development Corporation previously tried to introduce a business park to this area several years ago, but the plan did not have enough support.

At the meeting Monday night, residents of the area surrounding the proposed site voiced their opposition to the plans.

“I was disappointed, and I'll tell you the reason is because they've asked for community input,” said Ed Reid, a resident of the area. “Every time, including tonight, lots of people show up opposed to it, and it means nothing to them."

Those opposed to the business park idea cited concerns that the land has sinkholes and runoff issues, and it would bring unwanted traffic to a rural residential neighborhood.

Representatives from the Development Corporation spoke at the meeting, and said the land fits the criteria for a business park. The representatives also said a new business park would help bring more businesses to Knox County and expand existing ones.

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

MPC signs off on business park

The Metropolitan Planning Commission on Thursday approved zoning for a proposed business park off Midway Road.

The MPC is a recommending body. The proposal will now go to the Knox County Commission in December.

Public meets to talk business park

Don't kid yourself: The votes are there. This is getting approved.

Residents at an East Knox County meeting Thursday night brought up issues ranging from sewage and lighting to a cemetery that could be impacted by a proposed business park off Interstate 40.

The public was invited to a meeting at Carter Elementary School to discuss the project in the Midway area near Midway Road and Thorn Grove Pike. Presenters also went over feedback received at a similar meeting last month.

The Development Corp. of Knox County acquired the site about 10 years ago.

The Metropolitan Planning Commission and Knoxville Utilities Board were on hand to address concerns and share new information about the project.

Business leaders stress it's among the last large tracts available that can be used to promote business park developments.

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

Local leaders continue pushing for East Knox County business park

Officials wrapped up a tour with public BBQ

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett hosted a public bus tour for the public and city leaders to gain insight into a business park plan for East Knox County.

The Knox County Development Corporation bought property north of Interstate 40 at the Midway Road exit in 2006 with the intent of turning it into a business park. But that plan was voted down a few years ago by county leaders.

Burchett is now actively leading the campaign for the project by saying he wants to work with neighbors in the Midway Road area as well as the Development Corp., the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Knox County Commission to grow jobs in the area.

"Something is going to happen to this property," Burchett said. "I'm a firm believer, though, in you see a train coming down the track, it's best to steer it rather than let it run you over, and this is an opportunity for this community to steer that train."

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

Workshops, tour set to discuss East Knox Co. Midway business park

The Knox County Development Corporation is recycling an old proposal – one that officials say will turn empty East Knox County fields into jobs.

To do that, though, local leaders say they’ll need public buy-in.

That starts with two public meetings to talk about what residents would like built there, and one public bus tour of the already operational West Knox County business parks, so residents can see just how they might look.

The two workshops are set from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8 at Carter Elementary School.

“(This) is to get down to talking about the concept of a business park,” said Todd Napier, the president and CEO of the Development Corporation of Knox County. “What will be palatable, what would not be, what would someone want to see, what would that look like, what type of uses would be acceptable versus unacceptable, what kind of public amenities would people want.”
Napier said he want residents to tell the corporation “what is about business parks that get people concerned, (and) what is it about business parks that excites them.”

The bus tour, hosted by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, is set for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, and concludes in East Knox County with a barbecue meal for the public. The event will include Knox County Commissioners. At this point, officials say there are probably 30 or so open seats on the bus for the public. To book a seat, call 865-215-HELP.

“The Development Corporation’s property at Midway Road has the potential to be a significant economic development asset for East Knox County,” the mayor said. “There are many steps to get to a developed, useful site, but they all begin with seeking public input. The bus tour and cook-out will begin that process. I want to hear the concerns of the community around Midway Road and then work with The Development Corporation, the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Knox County Commission to address those concerns so we can grow jobs in our region.”

For more, RIGHT HERE.

Midway Business Park plan returns

I think we all knew it would come back - the Midway Business Park. This time, it will more than likely pass the Knox County Commission. But, it's going to take awhile. Months. Maybe a year before it gets to a final vote.

Here ya go:

When Grace Brooks looks out from her backyard, she enjoys a commanding view of the Smoky Mountains.

It's a view she says is perfect, just the way it is.

That's why a new proposal worries her – one that could lead to construction behind her rural home, and potentially obstruct her view.

"I'd hate to lose it," said Brooks. "I have no idea what they'd like to build over there."

Years ago, the Development Corporation of Knox County bought about 300 acres in the eastern corner of the county, near Strawberry Plains just off I-40. They planned to build the Midway Business Park there. However, the project didn't have enough support from the county commission and it met fierce resistance from those living in the area.

Now, they're trying again. A concept map has been released.

"It would mean, ultimately, thousands of jobs and a tax base for Knox County that would help everyone that lives here" said Todd Napier, of the Development Corp.

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

Commission to discuss Midway PILOT

First, my boy Josh Flory over at the Property Scope has the latest on the Midway court slugfest. Click right smack here for it. And, speaking of which . . . the County Commission on Monday will talk more about a proposed tax incentive for a potential Midway Road area employee.

The plan is to give KaTom Restaurant Supply Inc. a four-year payment in lieu of tax, or PILOT, to set up shop in the area. Obviously, the folks out in East Knox County don't like this.

There's some thought that the proposal is just another way to set up a business park, piece by piece, and that this would be the first step. Personally, I can think of worse things to go there than a restaurant supply business, but that's easy to say because it's not in my backyard. Heh.

Anyhoo, it looks like some commissioners will push for the PILOT, but not limit it to just the Midway area. They feel that if KaTom is serious about relocating from Russellville to Knox County then it will look at other spots, too, if given the PILOT.

I don't know. I think the interest is more about that Midway property than it is about Knox County. It's close enough to recruit, but also a short commute for the current employees who don't live in the county.

In the meantime, this is just a small battle. If approved, the county commission still has to rezone the property. That won't have the political ease of a PILOT.

Public emails, calls about sex offender ban

I got curious about public reaction to county Mayor Tim Burchett's new ban. You know, the one where he officially kicked sex offenders out of county libraries.

And no, I didn't want to read what the knuckleheads thought about it over at the KNS comment section. Most of those notes are the same people just posting under different names, anyway. No, seriously, check it out. Visit the site around midnight when a story gets posted and then watch two people start arguing. Love how the syntax is the same. And they just coincidentally are up at the same hour. All the time. Always picking fights with each other.

Damn, I'm rambling.

Anyhoo, I sent in a request to the administration. Apparently, since Monday – when King Tim announced the new policy – and as of yesterday morning, 16 people have phoned his office, according to the call log.

Another 10 folks emailed the office.

That's not too bad, I suppose. Communications Manager Michael “Big Sexy” Grider said “it's close to being the most” in regards to feedback.

He said the Carter Elementary School debate probably takes the cake, but feedback for that issue continues to trickle in all the time.

They also got some feedback on the budget. I'm assuming it was from the seniors who were upset that the mayor hates them and took away their free bus rides.

And, they also got quite of bit of correspondence late last year when the mayor wanted to hold public hearings for the proposed Midway Business Park project that he still won't publicly say he wanted done, but – yeah – he did. Heh.

Course, the county was soliciting feedback for that one, so let's just say it doesn't count.

Soooo, if you're interested, you can click right smack here for the call log. And you can click right smack here for copies of the emails.

Please note that I have the originals but also requested that the county redact the email addresses and phone numbers, so the crazies that post over on the KNS site don't get a hold of them. (I know my people wouldn't do that.) I only mention it in case someone wants to talk about transparency on behalf of the county. It was my call.

Based on the records, it appears that two out of the 16 callers didn't like the ban. One said she would not vote for the mayor again. Wow. For banning dirty old men and women from a library? Pretty sure she has bigger issues than that.

The other wanted proof that a sex offender in the library had ever molested a child. Wow. I think the idea behind Burchett's plan is to make it to where a sex offender never does molest a child.

Others pretty much said they supported the move, and one person said: “They can have two options – castration or stay out of the library.”

Most people who sent emails to Big Tim were in favor of the ban, although about half of them don't live in the county. One person sent some bizarre response, so I'm not sure what side of the fence he is on.

He probably doesn't know either.

Anyway, have fun.

I just figured I'd post something today.

East Sector Plan coming back

It appears that commissioners again are finally set to vote – for what seems like the thousandth time but probably isn’t – on the East Knox County Sector Plan, a long-term guide for economic development.

But, area residents who want to keep the land pristine and rural shouldn’t worry. Because the nefarious, divisive, controversial (blah, blah, blah) Midway Business Park proposal is still off the table.

However, Commissioners during their monthly work session agreed 9-2 (Sam McKenzie and Vice Chairman Brad Anders cast the dissenting votes) to put the rest of the proposal on Monday’s agenda.

In the meantime, county Mayor Tim Burchett said a “visionary” committee he put together in January to brainstorm ideas for the remaining land where the park was planned will report back to him in about 60 days.

“We haven’t really set any parameters,” Burchett said, talking about the marching orders sent to the committee. “We’re just looking for (new) ideas and solutions.”

(On a side note, the good doctor and Commissioner Richard Briggs pointed out that the committee – comprised of business park opponents and supporters – doesn’t own the land. So, the group making the proposals really doesn’t have any control of the outcome. It will be up to the Development Corporation of Knox County – the owners – to act on the recommendations.)

The land in question? About 380 acres off the Midway Road exit from Interstate 40. The Development Corp. bought it for almost $10 million and set aside roughly $17 million to develop it. (Its nerd-name by the way is “E.C.O. 7”.)

As it stands right now, according to Metropolitan Planning Commission Executive Director Mark Donaldson, developers could currently build five units per acre (either houses, complexes, duplexes, whatever), on the land.

However, as pointed out by one of the coolest-named community activists around, Lisa Starbuck: Nothing is getting built on the land right now because there isn’t any sewer out there.

As far as the rest of the East County Sector Plan goes?

Commissioner Dave Wright (whose district includes the area) said: “It’s been worked on for three years. It’s current, it’s up-to-date and people like it.”