Homeowners willing to fight ‘front yard’ greenway path
Planning Commission delays action after hearing residents’ concerns
After hearing concerns by residents, Farragut Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to defer approval of preliminary design plans for the proposed Turkey Creek Greenway extension to the abutting portions of Turkey Creek Road during the FMPC meeting Thursday, May 16.
“It sounds like, from an engineering point of view, (the plans are) OK, but it looks like there are some issues to be resolved before we really want to recommend approval to Board of Mayor and Aldermen,” Planning Commissioner Jon Greene said.
“I definitely have some real concerns,” Planning Commissioner Jeff Devlin said. “I’d love to extend the greenway, but there are some pretty significant issues out there.”
The proposed preliminary plan shows an extension of Turkey Creek Greenway from the current western terminus on the west side of Brixworth subdivision to Sheffield subdivision and Virtue Road and improvements along Turkey Creek Road.
“The project will include nominal widening of Turkey Creek Road — approximately 3 feet — and add curb and gutter along the north side of the roadway,” Town engineer Darryl Smith said. “We anticipate six properties will be affected.
“Upon completion, the Turkey Creek Greenway will be connected by sidewalk through Sheffield subdivision to the Little Turkey Creek Greenway, which was completed earlier this year,” he added.
“Future improvements to Virtue Road will include a greenway connection from the bridge over Little Turkey Creek to the Grove at Boyd Station, which will be connected along Boyd Station Road to McFee Road.”
Jason Elliott, principal engineer with LVA Engineering in Alcoa, said the trail would be extended 1/3 of a mile. “There are quite a few retaining
walls along the greenway,”
he added.
Residents sound off
With that, Dustin Anderson, who has property along the proposed extension, voiced
his concerns about the
greenway crossing his driveway, as well as the retaining walls.
Anderson said motorists driving along Turkey Creek Road see a nice yard — but once the retaining walls are built in front of his property, “all you see are walls.
“It’s going to be a big financial burden for me to get water and sewer,” he added.
Additionally, Anderson said the greenway going across his driveway would cause the driveway to become too steep, making it dangerous during inclement weather.
While Elliott noted 'a slight increase” in slope, John Neal, an attorney who represents three families opposed to the extension through their front yards, contended the slope is too steep.
Planning Commissioner Noah Myers suggested Anderson talk with his neighbor
and have a shared driveway that could reduce the slope for both residents.
“We could look at that (solution) if both residents agree,” Elliott said.
Anderson also warned his property maybe illegally subdivided. “It shows two separate parcels,” he added.
“We can’t purchase the right-of-way until we know (that status),” said Vice Mayor Louise Povlin, who also is an FMPC member.
“I think there are some serious practical issues,” Neal said.
“All the folks affected by (the extension) strongly oppose it,” he added, warning of impending litigation because of “contractual relationship between one of the residents, David Galbraith, and the Town.”
“In 2005, you gave your word (the property would not change),” said Janet
Galbraith, who represented David Galbraith, her father.
“And your attorney, Tom Hale, has a conflict of interest,” said Neal, who added Hale represents a family who also is involved.
Steve Williams, a Virtue Road resident, objected to widening Virtue Road, as motorists already use the road as a “race track.”
He also objected to extending the greenway at Virtue Road, noting the Town has no security and the speeding he said takes place.
