‘Dry’ well so far getting support to block ‘water runoff’ project
Paul Dry has lived on seven acres along Northshore Drive for a dozen years. In addition to opposing increased traffic and other issues, he concerned about what a new proposed development will do to his property that already suffers from water runoff.
The development is Choto Landing, tentatively planned for 56 townhomes comprised within 14 two-story buildings on 11.65 acres. It is being built on the former Loy Family Farm property, which was rezoned by Knox County Planning Commission in 2020.
When it rains, Dry already experiences water runoff he and his son have had to address by constructing a French drain to help diversion. Additionally, nearby neighborhoods also have experienced flooding and runoff from the Loy Farm, he said.
Dry said he “actually found out about the previous development in January 2022, but found out about the current development in mid-June 2023.”
However, “Why have officials been so secretive about it?” he asked during a recent interview on his property, where he points to a tree-lined buffer on the development’s land that he has been told will likely be removed.
“It frustrates me, I feel like I’m being told, ‘nothing to see here, move along.’
“I’ve been screaming about it since that time, and it’s like nobody is paying attention,” he added.
Dry has set up two oversized signs, one facing east and one facing west, both along Northshore Drive on property he owns, trying to rally area residents to fight the development.
In addition to visiting his website, www.chotolanding.com, or requesting e-mail support by writing stopchotolanding@gmail.com, Dry is hopeful residents will attend the upcoming KCPC meeting, which begins at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, to voice their displeasure.
“I hope 500 people will show up,” he said.
Dry also is concerned about financing for Choto Landing.
According to the www,chotolanding.com website, “It is our understanding that the development will be paid for largely with tax dollars through a government program known as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC).
“The LIHTC Program is a financial incentive paid for by … taxes for the construction of low-income housing. Individuals residing in the development earn 60 percent or less of area median income.”
“The developer, DGA Residential, LLC, (Dominion Group), will receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their federal income tax liability over a ten-year period,” the website further stated.
According to the website, legal counsel has been retained to help fight the project.
In a meeting with Dominion officials Thursday, Aug. 17, “It was a cordial meeting discussing the water, which they say their plan is good and (concerning) the buffer between the properties … most of it will remain,” Dry said.
“Daniel Sanders, our attorney, questioned them about approval from politicians, which they could not say they had approval from any one,” he added. “Daniel also asked them if they would delay their presentation to the Planning Commission a month or so, and they said definitely not.
“They also think that this is a great project for this area, which of course they would.”
Attempts to contact John Schoonmaker, Knox County Commissioner representing 5th District (the area in question) for comment were unsuccessful as of deadline Tuesday morning, Aug. 22.
