By Hugh G. Willett-knoxnews.com
LOUDON — A proposal to build a crematory in Loudon is meeting
objections from some locals concerned about the impact such a
facility might have on businesses and residents.
The Loudon
Board of Zoning Appeals will meet today to consider a request
for special exception to operate a crematory in conjunction with
a funeral home. The request was made by Larry Click of Click
Funeral Home, which operates funeral homes in Knoxville, Loudon
and Lenoir City.
The crematory would be operated in the old United Community
Bank building near the intersection of Maremont Parkway and
Highway 72.
Location of the crematory at the site is controversial, said
Russell Newman, Loudon County planning and codes enforcement
director. He said he has heard from a number of residents who
are not happy.
“We’ve had a lot of calls. Some people think it might have a
negative effect on the area,” he said.
Newman said that a special exception is required because
current commercial zoning regulations in the county do not cover
a crematory. The board will have to decide if the crematory is
compatible with current and future use of the property in that
area.
“They will look at what the other uses are in that zoning
area to see if this is a good fit,” he said.
The site of the former bank building is across the street
from a strip mall that is home to a Food City and other
businesses.
Romeo’s Pizza on Highway 72 is about 100 yards from the
proposed site of the crematory. Manager Julie James said she
just found out about the proposal Tuesday.
“Everybody is shocked,” she said. “Nobody told us anything
about it. They should have ordered an impact study.”
James said she opposes the crematory, and so do all the
customers she’s spoken with at her restaurant.
“Everything I’ve heard is negative. It’s going to impact our
business,” she said.
At Goodfella’s Outlet next door, owner Jay Alwadi said he is
not yet concerned, but he wonders if the community needs another
funeral home facility.
A package of information provided to the zoning board
includes a description of the equipment planned for the site.
The Power-Pak II Plus Smoke-Buster 166 cremation machine offers
100-minute or less cremation time and can handle up to six
cremations per day, according to the product brochure.
The controversy over a funeral home crematory isn’t new to
Loudon.
Residents of Fountain City last year opposed a crematorium
permit for Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel, arguing that their
property values would be affected and that there was potential
for pollution and odor from incinerated human remains. Chapel
operators said there would be no odor or smoke.
Because there were no existing zoning codes for crematoriums,
Knoxville City Council created new rules including buffers and
limits on where crematoriums can operate. Existing funeral homes
are grandfathered in under state laws and can add crematoriums.
Larry Click could not be reached for comment.