New Commish likes differences
Saying she appreciates “how differently things are done here versus other communities” from first-hand experience, Concord Hills resident and Homeowners Association board member Shannon Preston is Mayor Ron Williams’ newest appointment to Farragut Municipal Planning Commission.
She will assume her new role at the Thursday, July 15, meeting, taking the place of long-time Commissioner Betty Dick, who retired in June.
Preston is a four-year Farragut resident, but had lived just outside Town limits a decade prior. She and her husband, Jeff Preston, originally are from Atlanta and have two children.
With a background in economics, finance and title work, her volunteer efforts on various boards and committees has included 13 years of HOA board service, including Concord Hills.
Loop Road apartments concern
Preston first came to the attention of both Williams and Town Vice Mayor Louise Povlin earlier this year when Knox County approved apartments along Loop Road, which spurred discussion among residents, specifically in Concord Hills, as the development abuts that subdivision. In a meeting with County officials, Preston brought up several issues while pointing out the initial 2:1 slope ratio of the project “is in direct opposition to the Hillside and Ridgetop Protection Plan adopted by Knox County,” while saying improvements would be needed to Loop Road to help carry more traffic. She also suggested sidewalks be considered “for future pedestrian and student safety.
“Joe and I are still attempting to work with the county in regards to the incoming Loop Road apartments, which are not in Farragut but right on the border,” she added. “When driving around Farragut and other surrounding areas, one can see how differently things are done here versus other communities.”
To prepare for FMPC, “I started researching the Town, including the book about the group of dedicated Founders,” Preston said. “All this inspired me to want to champion that cause and preserve the legacy set forth by those founders ...”
Mayor’s recommendation
“Shannon has a host of HOA experience and past history in economics, which means she is used to deep research,” Williams said. “... She was also highly recommended by the Vice Mayor to (Town administrator) David (Smoak).”
