Commission approves access for EZ Stop
Commissioners stressed their authority is limited to town-controlled access. “All we are controlling is the access to that property…this development is controlled by Knox County,” Commissioner Louise Povlin said. She added the historic Village of Concord overlay does not extend to the commercial area, which has long been zoned Neighborhood Commercial — a designation that allows a gas station.
The project includes a 5,000-square-foot EZ Stop Food Mart, a 2,000-square-foot restaurant, and a 14-pump gas station at the intersection of Concord Road and Second Drive. Nearby residents had opposed the development, arguing it was incompatible with the historic neighborhood, but the Knoxville-Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals denied the challenge, 6-2, in February 2025.
Town staff noted the proposed work — including a deceleration lane — falls entirely within Farragut’s
jurisdiction along Concord Road, a state route with its right-of-way in town limits. Access to the roadway
was pre-established during prior Tennessee Department of Transportation improvements. A raised median
along Concord Road will remain, restricting traffic to right-in, right-out access, and the sidewalk along the east side will mostly remain undisturbed.
Staff recommended approval with conditions, including that the developer obtain a right-of-way permit and provide a $20,000 irrevocable letter of credit to restore any damaged areas. Town officials likened the project to a similar one on Outlet Drive, where development outside town limits required minor improvements inside the town’s right-of-way.
