letter to the editor
In praise of three ‘yes’ votes for Knox Growth Plan amendments
Congratulations to Mayor Glenn Jacobs and his administration for clearing a major hurdle in the Advance Knox planning with Town of Farragut approval of changes to the Knox County Growth Plan. Advance Knox involved a 24-month strategic initiative to review the county’s plan.
The effort included sharing feedback from more than 4,000 citizens. This process looked at population gains throughout the county, infrastructure needs, terrain and geography for development and the preservation of farmland as well as numerous other factors related to growth and density.
Approval of the Growth Policy Plan amendment required approval of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council and the Farragut Board of Mavor and Aldermen. Knox County Commission approved the amendment unanimously by an 11-0 vote; Knoxville City Council then approved the amendment by a 7-2 vote and the Town of Farragut approval was a 3-2 vote.
Kudos to Mayor Ron Williams, Vice Mayor Louise Povlin and Alderman Scott Meyer for their foresight in approving a plan that limits density development in areas bordering the Town of Farragut and sets densitv limits on farmland to two houses per acre. Also, their vote continues the strong relationship the Town of Farragut maintains with Knox County, which provides Farragut with its education system (and a planned new school), law enforcement and public safety services, library services and a recently opened Senior Center.
Their vote also ensures significant road and infrastructure improvements to corridors leading to and from the Town.
It benefits all 495,000 citizens of the county with the three local governments: Knox County, City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut.
Mike Arms, Farragut
