Land Use Study?

Back in January 2023, Lenoir City councilman, Todd Kennedy, called for a study for land use and zoning for the city. Kennedy also said he wouldn't vote for any more high density developments until the study was complete.  Two and a half years later, it looks like the city is finally about to do the study. Of course, this is after thousands of new apartments and housing units have already been approved and built.

Unlike Loudon County, the city is going to hire a firm for, thousands of dollars, to perform their study. Back in 2021, Loudon County commission held town hall meetings across the county to take input from the residents in the communities to find out what they wanted to see when it comes to development. Overwhelmingly, Loudon County residents wanted strong controls on residential development. Thus, the county took swift actions to adopt zoning policies that would prevent mass over development like that is happening in Lenoir City and surrounding counties.

Based on discussions at city council meetings, it appears city officials have asked Loudon County Economic Development Agency director, Jack Qualls, to assist in the study process. Qualls is the person who has for years screamed, roof tops, roof tops, roof tops, to local officials and has been instrumental in Lenoir City's out of control development with no consideration to infrastructure.

Hopefully, at some point, the city officials will allow the residents of the city to give input. In fact, I bet they could save a lot of money if they would just listed to their citizens first.

BACK
6/16/25