Residents against possible annex

Loudon County Commission addressed a rumored annexation and zoning change on Dry Valley Road during an Oct. 16 workshop.

Mike Colacone, a member of the James Ridge Estates Home Owner’s Association, told commissioners the group opposes the annexation and zoning change being considered by Loudon for nearby property.

Currently zoned A-1 agriculture forestry, the proposal would change the land to M-1 flat industrial.

Colacone said HOA members and local residents oppose the change since the property is not adjacent to the city limits and Dry Valley Road is not conducive for commercial traffic. He said the thought of an industry in the middle of a residential community is disturbing to residents.

He said he and other James Ridge residents should be heard because they pay property taxes to support county schools, pay sales tax in Loudon businesses and purchase water and electricity from Loudon Utilities Board.

“There is more than enough area along Centre 75 for commercial M-1 zoning that hasn’t yet been developed,” Colacone said. “I think that would be a better place for any kind of manufacturing. In fact, we all do. Therefore, we humbly ask this commission to oppose this annexation and zoning change and to keep Loudon County from becoming an urban jungle.”

He asked those attending the meeting from James Ridge to raise their hands if they oppose the rezoning. More than half the people in the room raised their hands.

Commissioner Gary Whitfield, representing District 4, said he strongly opposes the annexation.

Whitfield said he asked the county attorney to research case law and write a letter to Loudon in opposition. While the area is in Loudon’s urban growth boundary, Whitfield said the property is not contiguous to other Loudon property, which constitutes spot zoning.

He said he would present the letter to commissioners for a vote at the next regular meeting.

“We are going to hopefully be able to sit down and work with the city, but we’re going to do everything in our power to protect this piece of property from this rezone,” Whitfield said.

Commissioner Bill Satterfield questioned if all members of Loudon City Council wanted the annexation and rezoning.

Whitfield said he didn’t know.

Commissioner Van Shaver said the matter has not been before council or the city’s planning committee. He said he understood the rezoning was removed from the agenda at a previous planning meeting.

Shaver said getting a letter to council as soon as possible was imperative.

“Loudon County does not seek another lawsuit,” Shaver said. “We don’t want to sue and fight with the cities on any of this stuff, but when they back you in a corner sometimes we have no options. We have to do what we have to do to take care of residents.”

In unrelated business, Satterfield said the committee charged with considering an update to the county website is moving toward a recommendation. Two potential vendors offer similar services and rates, he said.

He requested that commissioners vote at the next meeting if interested in pursuing an updated website.

If commission votes to approve, Loudon County Mayor Rollen “Buddy” Bradshaw said the matter would go to the purchasing committee and then the budget committee. A presentation by the two vendors would be planned for the November workshop.

Commissioners also discussed whether to limit the public comment portion of meetings. State law allows comments to be restricted to items on the agenda.

Shaver said he likes the policy for regular meetings but expressed concern about keeping the same rule for workshops. He said the more informal workshop allows residents to address commission regarding topics that are important to them.

After discussion, commissioners agreed to keep the comment period flexible for workshops as long as residents focus on matters related to the county and county business.

The next regular commission meeting is 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Loudon County Courthouse Annex.