Lenoir City Council took the first step Monday toward rezoning property for a planned 166-unit, single-family rental community.

Councilmen Eddie Simpson and Jim Shields motioned and seconded, respectively, to approve the first reading to rezone about 23 acres at 1803 U.S. Highway 321 from C-3 Highway Commercial District to R-3 High Density Residential District, which passed 6-0. News Herald 5/12/21

Several folks had asked where this property was. According to the article the "single-family rental" properties will be located at 1803 U.S. Highway 321. According to the tax maps, that is the property located at the intersection of Hwy. 321 and Hwy. 70 directly across the street from Eaton Elementary and North Middle Schools. The property is currently owned by Horne Development.

For years we've heard that property was going to be a Kroger or a Lowes or some other big box type store. Now it appears it's about to be another rental project. Think that'll effect the schools?

A year or so ago, Mr. Horne approached Loudon County officials with a similar project located on property near Dixie Lee Junction. The project could not be approved because county planning policy only permits a maximum of 2.5 residential units per acre.

Can anyone explain why Lenoir City officials are so gung-ho to just open the flood gates to bring this much residential development that they can't possibly manage? What's the logic? 

There's going to be a steep price to pay.