What is happening

Had you heard there is a proposed development to connect Yosemite Dr. and Farland Dr? The concept plan, as of September 11, 2024, is to build 22 houses on 7 acres of the 13 acre lot between Timbercrest and Far View Hills. The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission will hear arguments on this proposal on October 3, 2024.

The Planning Commission case is 9-SC-24-C. The plan on the case webpage is expected to change as the developer updates their concept and site plans: https://knoxplanning.org/cases/9-SC-24-C

This proposed development will impact traffic, the tree buffer, wildlife, the tranquility of the pool, drainage, the ridgetop appearance, and property values in Timbercrest and Far View Hills. See the Concerns section below for description of the neighborhood’s concerns.

What we are doing

The Timbercrest Neighborhood Association (TNA) and Timbercrest Recreation Club (TRC aka the pool) are organizing neighbors. We are asking for input from neighbors in the form of a survey to inform our decisions on how to respond to this proposed development

TNA, TRC, and several individual Timbercrest residents have hired a lawyer to represent us in the Planning Commission case. This representation has already proven important to postponing the original hearing to allow the neighborhood time to assess the situation and organize. We are raising $10,000 in donations to pay for legal fees.

Neighbors from Timbercrest and Far View Hills as well as pool members have met several times to discuss our response to this proposed development. We are organizing into a unified front.

Do not contact the developer or property owner. Any communication should be through TNA or TRC. If you have a comment or concern please direct that to TNA or TRC. The survey is a great way to do that.

What can you do?

1. Complete the Timbercrest Development Survey!

 

2. Donate to the Timbercrest Legal Fund!

 

3. Make a public comment on Planning Commission case 9-SC-24-C. Be brief, have a clear point, and try not to repeat other comments.

 

4. Volunteer to canvas the neighborhood asking for input. We will provide a script, QR codes to the survey and donation pages, and paper copies of the survey. Contact TNA to volunteer.

 

5. Talk with your neighbors to spread awareness about the new development and the neighborhood response. Share this page!

 

6. Attend neighborhood meetings to discuss the proposed development.

 

7. Attend the Planning Commission meeting on October 3, 2024, 1:30PM, in the Main Assembly Hall of the City-County Building. 400 Main Street, Suite 403

Concerns

The following neighborhood concerns were compiled from comments and letters posted to the Planning Commission case webpage, lists from TRC and TNA, comments from Facebook, and discussion at the first neighborhood meeting. These concerns summarize the broad concerns expressed by neighbors from Timbercrest and Far View Hills as well as pool members. The top level bullets are used in the Timbercrest Development Survey for you to rank in importance.

 

1. Environmental and Soil Stability Concerns

Soil Slippage: Multiple letters highlight the risk of soil slippage due to the steep slopes and unstable soils in the proposed development area. The Knoxville-Knox County Hillside and Ridgetop Protection Plan identifies this site as having high slippage potential, and construction on these soils could lead to landslides​.

Stormwater and Erosion: There is concern about the drainage system's ability to handle stormwater runoff, which could cause erosion, flooding, and sediment overflow into the Timbercrest Recreation Club pool and adjacent properties. The proposed retention ponds are seen as inadequate, and their placement close to the pool raises concerns about safety and mosquito breeding.  ​

Tree Removal and Buffer Loss: The removal of trees and natural vegetation is a significant concern. The community values the wooded buffer for privacy, noise reduction, and ecological benefits. This is particularly important given the proximity to industrial areas and highways.

 

2. Traffic and Safety Concerns

Increased Traffic: The proposed connection between Timbercrest and Farland Drive would increase traffic through the neighborhood, raising safety concerns for pedestrians, children, and cyclists. Many residents oppose this connection, arguing that it would turn Timbercrest into a thoroughfare​.

Traffic Study Request: Residents have requested that a traffic study be conducted before the development proceeds to better understand the impact of additional homes on the local roads.

 

3. Design and Compatibility Concerns

Lot Sizes and Density: The proposed development’s lot sizes and housing density are incompatible with the existing neighborhood. The steep slopes and small lot sizes violate the Hillside Protection Overlay Zoning District requirements. Residents argue that the proposed lots should be larger to align with the neighborhood and minimize land disturbance.

Construction and Truck Traffic: The steep roads in Timbercrest are not designed to handle heavy truck traffic during construction. Residents are concerned that this will create safety hazards, especially in areas where children walk to school.

 

4. Impact on Timbercrest Recreation Club and Pool

Retention Pond Location: Residents are particularly concerned about the retention pond's proximity to the pool, fearing that it will lead to water overflow and erosion. Additionally, the potential for increased mosquito activity near the pool is seen as a significant health and safety issue.

Buffer Maintenance: Maintaining a natural buffer of trees between the pool and the new development is critical to preserving the privacy and tranquility of the recreation area.

 

5. Hillside and Ridgetop Protection Violations

Non-Compliance with Hillside Protection Standards: Several letters argue that the development violates the Hillside Protection Plan, which limits the disturbance of steep slopes.  The community is requesting a geotechnical analysis and a tree management plan to ensure that the risks of landslides and erosion are properly addressed.

 

6. No new development should be allowed

Timbercrest and Far View Hills should oppose new development as much as possible.

 

Survey

TNA, TRC, and the Timbercrest neighborhood are asking for your opinions about the proposed development. You can make your opinion known by completing the Timbercrest Development Survey: https://forms.gle/9TiY5eJJufAQ6opn7

This survey should take just a few minutes. The survey asks you to rank the six concerns listed above from most important to you to least important to you.

The results of the survey will be used by TNA and TRC to make informed decisions on how to respond to the proposed development.

Donations

The Timbercrest Legal Fund is managed by TNA. TNA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be made by check payable to Timbercrest Neighborhood Association or online at: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/97U4bqPg6y 

Communication

TRC and TNC have created a new mailing list called Timbercrest conservation to communicate updates about this case and future issues related to the green space around our neighborhood. To sign up to follow the further discussion, visit: https://timbercrestneighborhood.org/mailman/listinfo/conservation_timbercrestneighborhood.org

We feel we have collected most points about the development from you, our neighbors. If you have novel arguments that you have not heard expressed in the neighbor meeting or on the Planning Commision webpage, please include that in your response to the survey or email it to the mailing list.

Do not contact the developer or property owner. Any communication should be through TNA or TRC. If you have a comment or concern please direct that to TNA or TRC. The survey is a great way to do that.

Planning Commission meeting details

The case will be heard at the October Planning Commission meeting. The meeting will be October 3, 2024, 1:30PM, in the Main Assembly Hall of the City-County Building. 400 Main Street, Suite 403

If you attend the Planning Commission meeting, we ask that you sit together and in solidarity with the Timbercrest folks. Each side of the case, “for” and “against”, will be given only 5 minutes. The lawyer representing TNA and TRC will speak on behalf of the neighborhood.

Public comments (https://knoxplanning.org/cases/9-SC-24-C) are open until 3PM the day before the meeting. We encourage you to post your unique opinion.

Please share this info with your neighbors who may not have access to the internet