For the first time since 2019, a Lenoir City council member voted "NO" to one of mayor Tony Aikens agenda items, and this was a big one.

Councilman Todd Kennedy, bucked the tiger at last Monday's council meeting, voting "NO", to the Aikens supported, 300 apartments to be located beside Food City. Kennedy cited concerns with that much more residential development, apartments, at that location. Kennedy stated he had had several calls from people about the apartment complex.

During the 2022 council campaign, Kennedy ran on a platform of managing and controlling the residential growth in the city. Kennedy took office about a year ago.

Sadly, Kennedy was the only council member to vote "NO" on the Akins approved 300 apartments. Councilman Eddie Simpson, who is also a member of the city planning commission, said he felt this project was good for this property.

Obviously, Mr. Kennedy can not turn the sinking ship the city has become around by himself, but maybe if other council members see that he can stand up for what's right, it might give a couple more of them the courage to do the right thing. 

Below is a link to the council meeting. The discussion of the 300 apartments begins at 16:45-29:56. Please take the few minutes to listen to this conversation. Jim Wilburn was so shocked when Kennedy voted "NO", he hesitated on calling the next name. But for sure, pay close attention to councilman Eddie Simpson's take on the 300 apartments. According to him, if the city doesn't approve all these apartments, they will have to raise taxes. Guess he forgot he just voted for a 17% property tax increase in 2021. Simpson is one of the three council members, along with the mayor who will be up for re-election in November 2024.

Click Here To Watch The Council Meeting

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