Loudon Annexation 3

Even though the proposed annexation/rezone of the property on Dry Valley Road was withdrawn from the Loudon Planning Commission, it appears Mayor Jeff Harris and at least a couple councilmen still feel the annexation is a good idea. I guess, to heck with the people who live in that community that don't want it.  

There are two major flaws in the proposed annexation/rezone that property.

1. While it is in the Loudon UGB, Urban Growth Boundary, it is not contiguous with the current city limits, meaning the city must have an agreement with the county to annex. The county won't agree.

TCA 6-51-104(d)(3)

(3) For purposes of this subsection (d), the boundary of the main part of the municipality is defined as the corporate limits of the territory containing its town seat or city hall. Territory that does not adjoin that boundary before a proposal to annex it is introduced cannot be annexed except as provided in this subsection (d).

TCA 6-51-104(d)(4)

(4) The resolution shall include the plan of services adopted under § 6-51-102. The plan shall be prepared by the municipality in cooperation with the county in which the territory is located. The municipality and county shall enter into an interlocal agreement pursuant to § 5-1-113 to provide emergency services for any interceding properties and to maintain roads and bridges comprising the primary route to the area thus annexed as the municipality and county deem necessary.

Some Loudon officials claim the property is contiguous with the current city limits even though the property considered for annexation is separated by at least 700' by Interstate 75.

Contiguous: Being in actual contact, touching in contact,
along a boundary or at a point

Unless Loudon officials can change the definition of "contiguous" they can't make the properties touch each other. 

2. The idea of rezoning the property to M-1 would be considered "spot zoning" and that's illegal in Tennessee. All the surrounding properties are zoned A-1, Agricultural. There's no way they can fix that little problem.

The Loudon County commission will be discussing the issue at tonight's commission meeting.

Below is a letter commission received pertaining to the proposed annexation/rezoning.

Honorable Mayor, Commissioners and State Representative,

I am writing on the behalf of the James Ridge Homeowner's Association and Community, which lies within the County limits.

Recently we have seen several attempts by the City of Loudon to annex property and change it from agricultural to M1 (Manufacturing) near or adjacent to our community and within a residential area with no regard for County residents. For the record our community did not object to the parcel of land at the corner of Robeson Springs and Dry Valley Rd slated for the Weigel's Bakery complex since it lies in the corridor of center I75, contiguous with City property and designated for future MI by the County and City.

However, this recent request concerning parcel 047018.00 ( 176 acres) is not contiguous with City of Loudon boundaries , actually borders James Ridge development and affects residential property that currently exists across from it on Dry Valley Rd.  It is our understanding Loudon County Commission must approve, by Inter-local agreement, the City annexation before they can proceed.  Therefore, we  humbly ask you to deny the request for annexation and land designation use by the city and property owner.

Dry Valley Rd is not conducive to commercial traffic due to it's winding, hilly topography.  The thought of light industry in the middle of residential areas that will omit foul smelling odors, dust and noise is what homeowners in the area moved away from, seeking the serenity of a quiet rural community, which we are grateful to Loudon County for establishing.

It is obvious the City of Loudon does not share your ideology with recent moves that demonstrate high density, inner city communities, as well as allowing some businesses (i.e. the faltering drive-in movie theater at the corner of 72) to exist within their limits.  At a recent meeting of the City, the Mayor stated he does not have enough industrial land to support his community.  We beg to differ.  The Center I75 Industrial Park has vacant parcels that have yet to be developed and are suited for what the Honorable Mayor is seeking.

A continuation of the City of Loudon exploits will develop into what Knox County and Farragut have turned into.  I have included this email to our HOA Board members so that you will have their contact information.

Thank you for your service,
 

Michael Colacone, VP
James Ridge Homeowner's Association
Loudon County, TN 37774

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10/16/23