Developers recently petitioned the Knoxville Planning Commission to remove the planned district designation (overlay) on the undeveloped property surrounding the lake in front of Cazzy's. In late 2020 and without notice to the residents of the Northshore Town Center, developers requested the removal of this overlay so that they could proceed with a proposed apartment complex on that property. Removal of this overlay would, in effect, scrap the town center concept residents and business owners bought into. 

In 2004, a design guideline overlay for the Northshore Town Center was filed and approved with the Metropolitan Planning Commission. This plan included single family/multi family dwellings, as well as retail and office spaces. The space was to be a walkable, mixed-use attraction and the first of its kind in the area. Over the years, residents have had to concede to many alterations to the master plan. 

Removal of this overlay would give the developer the freedom to build virtually anything they want in the middle of our neighborhood. The Northshore Town Center neighborhood, in particular, was annexed by the City of Knoxville specifically for the development of this concept: a walkable, mixed use space consisting of restaurants, retail shops, and single/multi family homes. 

In addition to the overflowing frustrations felt by the Town Center residents surrounding the seemingly bait and switch tactics in the development, there are also serious concerns surrounding the fact that no one seems to have seriously considered the impact an additional apartment complex in this small vicinity will have on our schools, our environment, and our poorly planned road system. Additionally, our emergency services must come from the city. 

We are opposing the removal of the overlay and asking the Knoxville Planning Commission to DENY the petition submitted by the developer in order to preserve the concept and the quality of life as it was originally planned and enacted.