Two approved housing developments could add up to 72 homes in Choto
The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission approved two housing developments in the Choto area at its April 11 meeting. Combined, it could mean the area could see up to 72 new homes.
Choto has appeared in the headlines lately as the county grapples with growing smarter as the population grows and more homes are needed. Some outspoken residents from the west Knox County area have advocated against more development, and thus traffic, in the area.
One project rezones an agricultural property on Choto Road for residential use, and the other outlines a development plan for a 14-home subdivision at the border of Loudon County.
The commission approved the rezoning with an 11-2 vote. Commissioners Amy Midis and Nathaniel Shelso voted no.
The subdivision plans were approved unanimously, but commissioner Lou Browning was not present at the vote.
Commissioners Eddie Smith and Tamara Boyer were not present at the meeting.
Compared to recent developments in the area, like a 115-home subdivision approved in February, these two are smaller.
Northshore Drive subdivision
A 14-home subdivision next to the Loudon County line by developer Bodak LLC was approved.
The nearly 5-acre property is located on the southwest corner of Northshore Drive and Harvey Road across the intersection from the 115-home subdivision that was approved earlier this year.
Plans for the subdivision show all homes would be built on a cul-de-sac.
The planning commission's decision is final.
Choto Marina rezoning
Southwest of the proposed subdivision, Church Associates LLC moved forward on getting approval to rezone 29.33 acres from agricultural to planned residential.
Church Associates asked for two homes per acre, which would mean the maximum number of homes allowed on the property would be 58.
The planning staff recommended just one home per acre to stay consistent with the surrounding area, but the commission decided against that.
The commission approved two homes per acre under the condition the proposed subdivision could not access Caravel Lane by car. However, a sidewalk could connect the subdivision and the road.
The rezoning request will have to be approved by the Knox County Commission on May 20.
The developer plans to build townhomes, primarily along the water, and a few single-family homes, according to Taylor Forrester, who represented Church Associates.
How Choto neighbors have impacted local decisions
Choto neighbors have been vocal about their concerns and gripes with development in the area. It's a sentiment seemingly shared by many in District 5, which chose Angela Russell, an anti-development candidate, as its Republican nominee in the primary election.
Russell has criticized Advance Knox, an initiative that will guide Knox County's growth and development for the next 20 years.
Three Farragut aldermen raised concerns about traffic and development in the Northshore and Choto areas when they stalled Advance Knox's process last month by voting against it.
After the initial vote, Alderman Scott Meyer said he had spoken with Knox County leaders and got the assurances he needed to support Advance Knox.
The Farragut board is voting again April 11, and Meyer indicated he would change his vote, which would mean Advance Knox would be approved and move on to its final vote before taking effect as early as May 1.
Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email silas.sloan@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: West Knox County area Choto sees two subdivision proposals approved
