Lenoir City approves special ele

Lenoir City residents will officially head to the polls for a special election April 13.

Lenoir City Council unanimously passed during Monday’s regular meeting the second and final reading of an ordinance to proceed with a referendum to increase the local sales tax by 0.75%.

Revenue from the increase would be earmarked for Lenoir City Schools construction and expansion projects and for the construction and maintenance of a community/senior citizens center in the city.

A public hearing was held 30 minutes before Monday’s meeting. No one spoke. Council passed the first reading Nov. 27.

Registered voters of Lenoir City must vote “for” or “against” the ordinance. Council also passed a resolution to request the Loudon County Election Commission prepare for the special election.

The school district and city have actively advocated for the tax increase for several months.

On Oct. 23, Lenoir City Board of Education and council held a joint session to discuss growth in the schools and the options available. The session resulted in a signed Memorandum of Understanding between the city and school district.

Jeanne Barker, director of schools, thanked council for their efforts Monday.

“We know that we have a need and that is that we are a growing community,” Barker said. “As we know from our latest data from the state department, our school system is considered a fast-growing school system. We just found out a couple of weeks ago that we are growing over 6% this year. That’s unheard of. Ten percent in 10 years has been basically where we have been. This is 6% in one year.

“The need is great, and I am certainly very grateful to your support as we go to the people,” she added. “I hope that the people will support this effort because it’s very much needed and our children and families will need this opportunity as we continue to provide excellent services in the school system.”

Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens said he believes the increase would be good for the schools and city.

“As I’ve said many times, how much fairer can you get when you let the voters decide on if they want to do it or not?” Aikens said. “So we would certainly encourage everyone to check into it. Not on social media, but ask questions to myself, (Barker) or someone to get the true facts and not the bloggers out there. But again, it’s the fairest tax I feel like — and I hope city council feels like — and again we’re letting the voters decide.”

Council also approved and discussed first readings for annexations and property rezoning.

City planners recommended a parcel of 13.48 acres be rezoned from C-3 Highway Commercial District to R-3 High Density Residential District for an apartment complex.

Beth Collins, Lenoir City planner, said the property beside Food City is already in the city limits. She said the overall parcel was divided into three parts and two would remain C-3. The tract in the middle is the requested rezoning. She said the project developer would be required to conduct a traffic study.

Councilman Eddie Simpson, who serves on the planning commission, said the project has been in the works for four or five years and has been kicked back to developers several times before being unanimously approved.

Councilman Todd Kennedy said he has received calls about the property and mentioned previous plans included a movie theater.

Kennedy asked about the number of units planned and if there had been growth studies and reviews of zoning. He specifically referenced Barker’s focus on growth in the schools, adding numerous residents are complaining about traffic on U.S. Highway 321.

“I think everybody, whether they voice it or not, is somewhat concerned about growth,” Kennedy said. “I mean, I’m not anti-growth. I just want to make sure we do things properly.”

Collins said such studies have been considered by planners but would need to be outsourced because the city doesn’t have enough resources. She said she thought a study would be a good idea.

Aikens said he wouldn’t be against a study. He said traffic on U.S. 321 has been an issue for years, which is why $1 million in state grant funding was spent to upgrade traffic signalization. He asked for patience as the upcoming second signalization phase is completed in an effort to improve traffic flow.

Amber Scott Kelso, city administrator, said construction of the second phase could start in spring or summer.

“I guess I look at it, do you want growth or do you want a town to die?” Aikens said. “I certainly don’t want be like some of our neighboring cities, but I don’t want Lenoir City to die either. I want the growth, and I want the people to be able to raise their family here and go to school here and go to church and work here. I do believe Lenoir City’s been on that route, path for the last 10-12 years. Now, some people will disagree with that, and that’s OK, but that’s my belief.”

The rezoning passed 5-1, with Kennedy voting “no.”

Another property on the corner of Old Highway 95 and Adesa Parkway was requested by owners for annexation into the city with a zoning of R-3 High Density Residential District. Collins said there are no immediate plans to develop the property.

Owners of two parcels containing 16.35 acres on Town Creek Road West requested annexation and zoning of R-2 Medium Density Residential District for a proposed single-family subdivision. A traffic study has been discussed and will be part of the site plan pending approvals.

Both annexations and zoning were approved by council.

A public hearing and second readings for all three properties will be Jan. 8. The meeting for Dec. 25 has been canceled due to the Christmas holiday.