On Wednesday, The Loudon City Planning Commission denied Knoxville developer, Dan Barnett/Dry Valley Realty LLC/CO Blue Ridge Realty Inc's request to have his property annexed into the city. The vote was unanimous except for Loudon City councilman, Tim Dixon, who also serves on the planning commission. When asked why he supported the annexation, he replied, "why wouldn't I?"

A very large crowd of 50-60 residents were in attendance at the 12:30 pm meeting in opposition to the annexation. Several addressed the planners with their concerns about the annexation and rezone.

Loudon City mayor/realtor, Jeff Harris, attended the meeting in support of the annexation as did Dan Barnett/Dry Valley Realty LLC/CO Blue Ridge Realty Inc. both also addressed the planners.

While the planning commission denial was a good thing for the Dry Valley community and beyond, the final decision on the annexation still lies with mayor/realtor, Jeff Harris and the city council. The council will hear the proposal at their November 13 council workshop, 6:00 pm then a vote could be held at their November 27, 6:00 pm council meeting.

An entire, rural community from Loudon to Philadelphia oppose the annexation and rezone but an out of town developer wants it so it appears that mayor/realtor, Jeff Harris and at least one councilman, Tim Dixon want it. Supposedly, one other councilman has said, those who oppose it don't live in the city, they can't vote against us in an election anyway. That may in fact be true, but I bet all those in opposition have lots of friends and family who do live in the city that can vote against them. 

Mayor/realtor, Jeff Harris and the council have a big decision in front of them. Do they ignore dozens of residents who will be negatively impacted and who oppose the annexation and rezone, do they ignore the county commission who has already written a letter of opposition to the annexation and rezone and may be forced to take legal action, and now, will they totally ignore their own planning commission who voted against the annexation by a 7-1 margin and approve the annexation and rezone at the request of a Knoxville developer?

Why on earth would they?

Why would they even consider it at this point?

Really makes you wonder who's driving the boat now.