Fore Note

Fore Note: If this doesn't scare voters to the polls, nothing will.

Homebuilders backing foes of PUD ban

Hugh G. Willett news-herald.net

Homebuilders concerned about the local moratorium on Planned Unit Developments are throwing their weight behind Loudon County Commission candidates who oppose the ban on high density development.

A moratorium on PUDs in the county began in October and was extended in February. During a workshop last week, several commissioners began steps to make the ban permanent.

The Building Industry Political Action Committee, with the support of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Knoxville, is supporting several candidates for commission in the May 3 primary.

Within the last few weeks, mailers supporting candidates Julia Hurley for District 2, Seat A, Eddie Simpson for District 5, Seat B and Mark Matlock for District 6 have appeared in mailboxes in those districts. The mailers indicate they were paid for by HBAGK.

The selection of candidates to support was made based on information provided by those candidates at a forum hosted by the Homebuilders Association and Knox County Realtors at Avalon Country Club in Lenoir City in March, Ashley Burnett, president of HBAGK, said.

All candidates were invited to the forum to introduce themselves and explain their platforms, Burnett said. Based on their stated platform and discussions with organization representatives at the event, decisions were made to support specific candidates, he said.

Hurley is an incumbent who has voted twice against the PUD moratorium. She is facing William Jenkins and Dennis Lanham in the primary. Jenkins, who was at the Avalon event but did not speak, has indicated he is for controlled development but does not favor the ban on PUDs.

Matthew Tinker, an incumbent running for District 2, Seat B, has voted twice against the ban on PUDs. He did not speak at the Avalon event. He is facing Rosemary Quillen Hines in the primary. Hines, who spoke at the Avalon event, said she was not in favor of the ban.

The PUD moratorium is not the only issue the homebuilders are concerned about, Burnette said.

“We’re for a variety of housing options to meet the current shortage of homes in Loudon County and in other counties,” he said.

With regard to PUDs, the association believes the county should be using guidelines set by the planning department.

“Commission spent time working with planning to establish rules for PUDs,” Burnette said.

Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, Burnette said his association will continue working with all commissioners to address the need for more housing options. He said other candidates are welcome to seek the support of HBAGK.

“If someone wants to approach us we have an open ear,” he said.

Hurley said she attended the Avalon forum not to get an endorsement but to listen to builders and Realtors, get their perspective on important issues and explain her platform.

“I had the courage to stand up in front of a group of people and tell them what I am going to do,” she said.

Hurley said she might be in agreement with the homebuilders in opposition to the ban on PUDs but she is running to represent the people of Loudon County. She said she supports controlled growth so that the county will have the tax dollars needed for roads and schools.

“I grew up here,” she said. “I live here. I want this to be a great place for people to live.”

Simpson said he did not seek the endorsement of HBAGK nor did he ask the Building Industry PAC for help. He said he went to the forum at Avalon and told those at the meeting about his plan for controlled growth. He said HBAGK contacted him and asked if they could help.

“They haven’t asked for anything in exchange,” he said.

Simpson said he doesn’t think homebuilders are trying to control local development. He said builders simply want a set of rules from the planning department they can follow. He said the moratorium on PUDs makes it hard for builders to do business in the county.

Mark Matlock could not be reached for comment after repeated attempts.