Mayor and Council,

 

A request to annex three parcels of property totaling approximately 65 acres at the intersection of Beals Chapel and Martel Road has been made to the Lenoir City Planning Commission. The Planning Commission has forwarded that request to the council for consideration.

 

At the county commission meeting on May 7, commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to the Lenoir City Council asking that they not annex this property into the city at this time. Apparently, the owners intent to ask for annexation rests on the fact that he would be allowed to build in much greater density under city regulations than under county regulations. County regulations would only permit 2.5 units per acre.

 

The reason the county regulations have limited density is the lack of certain infrastructure, mainly roads. The proposed development, in that area, under city regulations will put extreme pressures on the roads and intersections at that development and through out the area. The property is also adjacent to and will overwhelm the barely passable railroad underpass.

 

First Utility District out of Knox County does have a sewer line in the vicinity and Martel Utility provides water service for the area but LCUB doesn't provide any of those services in that area. The entrance to the property is nearly two and a half miles from the existing city limits.

 

A large portion of land in that same area is also in the Lenoir City Urban Growth Boundary and if this property is annexed it could encourage owners of other undeveloped property to request annexation for the same increased density putting an even greater strain on the roads and infrastructures.

 

This annexation will not be good for the county nor would it seem the city is in any position to provide city services this far outside the city.

 

Thank you for your consideration.   

Loudon County Commission