If you don't build it, they won't come.

These are the two trains of thought when it comes to residential development.

I hear the statement all the time that you can't stop residential growth. This is somewhat true, but officials can certainly control and manage the growth without letting it destroy a community.

Every local government can and should examine their current zoning policies to make changes and adjustments to account for the unprecedented growth in our area.   

Loudon County has been extremely proactive in getting ahead of the mass influx of development in our area. Lenoir City and Loudon city have taken no steps to prepare and protect their communities from the onslaught of development. Why does Lenoir City and Loudon refuse to even review their very old, outdated policies. Lenoir City councilman, Todd Kennedy, has been calling for a review of the city policies for a year. Unfortunately, his request has been ignored.

With the Lenoir City election over, it's likely Lenoir City mayor Aikens and the majority of the council will be right back at their same slash and burn development policies.

Comparison of zoning policies:

(R)=Residential, (A)=Agricultural

In Lenoir City,

• R-3 zoning allows for 24 units per acre
• R-2 zoning allows for 18 units per acre
• R-1 zoning allows for 2.9 units per acre

In Loudon,

• R-2 zoning allows for 5.8 units per acre
• R-1 zoning allows for 4.3 units per acre

In Loudon County,

• A-1 requires minimum lot size of 5 acres
• A-2 requires minimum lot size of 2.5 acres
• R-1 requires minimum lot size of half acre
• R-2 (multi family) requires minimum of half acre per dwelling unit