CCRGD

Congratulations to Thomas Deakins

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:20:00 +0000

Good friend Thomas Deakins prevailed in a tough race for the 6th District School Board race. I hope everyone in Farragut will help Thomas in the cause to fully fund the Hardin Valley High School.

From the Farragut Press:

“The first thing I want to do is to help [Knox County] commissioners work together to make sure the Hardin Valley School is fully funded,” Deakins said. “When this school was put on the books, it was originally planned for two-thousand kids. The idea of going to a school for thirteen hundred is not a good thing because what that is going to do to impact Farragut High School is that it will not alleviate overcrowding. That’s what it boils down to.”

Super Ingles arriving soon

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 22:56:00 +0000

The Farragut Regal Cinema and the Farragut Towne Square shopping center have been purchased by Ingles Markets, Inc. The theater will be torn down and a new Super Ingles will be built at that location.

West Farragut has a bright future.

FMPC talks Old Stage light

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:54:00 +0000

From the Farragut Press:

Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Stage Road and Kingston Pike by spring of 2007 “is a great possibility” according to Farragut town leaders.

“To say it’s a done deal, not exactly, to say we think it’s a great possibility, the answer is yes,” Farragut Mayor W. Edward “Eddy” Ford III said during the bi-monthly Farragut Municipal Planning Commission meeting Thursday, July 6, in Town Hall.

Darryl Smith, town engineer, said the time frame was “about six months” after required paperwork is sent to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for their approval, adding up to “probably eight or nine months” before a traffic light at Old Stage and Kingston Pike actually would be up and operating.

The Weigel's debate continues

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 17:25:00 +0000

There have been some improvements to the design of the Weigel's project at Smith Road and Kingston Pike. The nagging question of the variance for the Smith Road entrance remains. It is the quintessential government question, should a variance to save a business money be allowed when the public perceives that the variance will compromise public safety.

The debate continues.

Roundabout questions still exist

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 15:31:00 +0000

The idea of temporary three way stop signs is being considered for the roundabout at Northshore Drive and Concord Road. Having spoken with both Craig Leuthold and Mike Hammond about the roundabout I can tell you that this idea of stop signs is due to public pressure. The people of Southwest Knox County are furious over the roundabout. The question is whether their feelings matter. Like so many things in the past few years public input does not carry the same weight as it used to.

The contract for roundabout construction will be let in September. Time after time we have been told the roundabout is the only solution.

That is not correct. I spoke with Bruce Wuethrich of the Knox County Engineering Department. There are other options. I will have more information on this subject after I meet with Allen Childers of Canon and Canon engineering who did the design for the roundabout.

The importance of the traffic light at Old Stage Road

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:13:00 +0000

The greatest growth in Farragut is in the Southwest quadrant. The two most dangerous intersections are Old Stage Road at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road at Kingston Pike. The slow process for a traffic light at Old Stage and Kingston Pike has begun.

Link to Leonard Brown website

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:03:00 +0000

I encourage everyone in District Five to ask for a paper ballot and vote for Leonard Brown for the District Five C seat. Don't take the chance on what is behind Door Number Three.

Vote for a solid member of our community and a long time leader in the Republican Party in Knox County.

Doc Brown's website is here.

Leonard Brown endorsement

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:41:00 +0000

I want to take this opportunity to inform the citizens of Knox County that I am withdrawing my write-in candidacy for County Commissioner, District 5 C.

The recent decision of the Tennessee Supreme Court to impose term limits on County Commissioners resulted in four write-in candidates for the Republican Primary in District 5C. After much discussion with the other candidates, I determined that Dr. Leonard Brown shares my passion for advancing educational resources, public safety, road improvement, and supporting local businesses. Therefore, I endorse Dr. Leonard Brown for Knox County Commissioner. I want to thank my supporters and encourage them to ask for a paper ballot on May 2nd and write-in Dr. Leonard Brown for District 5C.

Sincerely,
Garry Strand

Ask for the paper ballot

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 21:33:00 +0000

ISN’T IT TIME FOR A CHANGE?

DID YOU KNOW IF A TERM LIMITED INCUMBENT IS ELECTED HE CANNOT SERVE HIS TERM?

DID YOU KNOW IF HE IS ELECTED HIS PARTY GETS TO CHOOSE HIS REPLACEMENT FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION ON AUGUST 2ND?

DID YOU KNOW THE INCUMBNET JOHN GRIESS IN OUR DISTRICT 5C IS DOING JUST THAT BY ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE

A VOTE FOR A TERM LIMITED INCUMBENT IS A VOTE FOR THE UNKNOWN

TERM LIMITS ARE INTENDED TO BRING NEW IDEAS AND NEW BLOOD TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT

IF YOU AGREE, YOU MUST ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT AND WRITE - IN THE CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT 5-C COUNTY COMMISSIONER

FOR FAR TOO LONG, TOO FEW PEOPLE HAVE MADE TO MANY DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THE FUTURE OF KNOX COUNTY

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT
VOTE FOR A WRITE - IN CANIDATE

Big chance for Farragut

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 01:16:00 +0000

An important opportunity for the Farragut tax base has come with the chance to bring Gander Mountain to the Farragut side of Turkey Creek. It won't be an easy sale as there are some sign issues. Hopefully the Town of Farragut can work out a solution to bring a top flight sports and outdoor retailer to Farragut.

Gander Mountain, a Minnesota-based outdoor chain, is the nations second largest sports and outdoor retailer.

Let's find a way to make this happen.

FBMA approves Town Admin assistant

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:35:00 +0000

From the Farragut Press:

The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the hiring of an assistant town administrator during its regular Thursday meeting, March 9, with four affirmative votes and one abstaining.

Alderman Thomas Rosseel abstained from the vote to hire Gary Palmer, 35, of Michigan, because of what he deemed was confusing language by Vice Mayor Mike Haynes.

Rosseel told the board during the Oct. 13, 2005, meeting, when the position of assistant town administrator was discussed, a motion made by Haynes referred to the assistant town administrator position as an “exempt” position.

Rosseel, after the meeting, said the personnel policy of the town basically has two designations. One is exempt service, which refers to a position that is hired and terminated at the pleasure of the FBMA. The other designation is an exempt salary position, which refers to a position that has an immediate supervisor and that supervisor decides whether to promote or terminate.

Rosseel said he believed the word “exempt” in Haynes’ motion referred to the exempt salary position, making the assistant town administrator subject to Farragut Town Administrator Dan Olson. “I’m sorry you didn’t understand what you were voting on,” Haynes told Rosseel.

As it stands now, Rosseel said Palmer would be hired and terminated at the pleasure of the FBMA. After the meeting Haynes said he didn’t know whether it was unusual for a town to have both a town administrator and assistant town administrator that answered to the FBMA.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I’m concerned with what we do in Farragut. I believe from a policy standpoint someone such as, in this case an associate town administrator who is also a person by the job description who steps in if the town administrator is incapacitated or unable to fulfill that role, I think that they should be responsive to the board. We’re the ones elected by the public and charged with seeing that the town is run properly.”

Haynes said while there are some philosophical differences in opinion, he said the board is unanimously in support of this position as being necessary for the town and in support of Palmer in this position.

Town of Farragut best in state?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 17:22:00 +0000

The Farragut Press has an interesting article about an award won by the Town of Farragut. My take on this is our town still has much work to do. Yes we have educated, skilled, and successful residents. But Farragut is not business friendly. Not yet, but improvements are being made.

The next step is a review of the existing ordinances especially the sign ordinances. The development of the Campbell Station Connector will be the real test of how our town is improving the business climate.

Let's not pat ourselves too much on the back. There is more work to be done.

The Farragut Independent gives their viewpoint:

OK, read the article above before proceeding. Seriously, read it first BEFORE you make any judgements, o.k.

I personally had to do a double-take when I saw it in the FP last night. But after reading the article, I must admit that based on the factors that were used for selecting the town, that they are probably right in selecting Farragut. That being said, Farragut still has much further to go to be truly business friendly. Why are we still losing businesses to Knoxville & surrounding areas? Why do we still have storefronts and other businesses that are empty? What else has the town done to encourage business to come in? Come on, is the town going to "rest" on the laurels handed to them, or raise the standards even higher?

Personally, the first thing I'd like to see consistent business signage in the ENTIRE TOWN! If that means we give those businesses that are not currently meeting the standards (for whatever reason) incentives to do so (as well as credits for those who have complied), then let's do it!

From the Farragut Press:

Tennessee Center for Policy Research president Drew Johnson presented the town of Farragut an award Monday, naming it the “Most Business-Friendly City” in the state.

Johnson said this is the first year for the award and the TCPR chose Farragut from more than 50 cities. The award was decided based on four categories — a fair and reasonable tax structure, a satisfying community environment that draws high-quality employees, a skilled labor pool that delivers high return on investments in human capital and local amenities that draw customers and make it easier to do business.

Kroger reveals new complex for Farragut

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 20:41:00 +0000

From the Farragut Press

The Kroger Company plans to locate a flagship store in Farragut as part of a retail development estimated at more than $30 million.

During the Jan. 19 meeting of the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission, a Kroger official as well as one of the developers sought input from the Commission on the project, proposed to be located along Kingston Pike and the Campbell Station Road extension.

Tim McNamara, head of the real estate development for Kroger, told commissioners Farragut was chosen as the location due to the proximity of Wal-Mart and Target, two of Kroger’s competitors.

“This will be a flagship store and a flagship location,” he said. “We feel this will be the perfect location for it.”

more

Traffic lights in Farragut

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 16:24:00 +0000

Over at "Can Farragut Change" the Farragut Republican writes about traffic lights in Farragut. The suggestion for a second left turn lane at Lovell Road and Kingston Pike is a good idea. Find some time to contact the Knox County traffic department and request they get busy on this.

Sometime in January or February TDOT will have traffic counters at Virtue Road near Kingston Pike to see if this intersection has enough traffic to meet TDOT warrants for a traffic signal. It is very important to Farragut that this traffic signal be approved. With the new Weigel's store at Smith Road this traffic light will be greatly needed. If the traffic light does not meet TDOT warrants it will be at least one year before TDOT will reconsider the intersection. When you see those traffic counters be sure to tell you neighbors to use Virtue Road so the traffic count will be sufficient.

YMCA to build a new facility at Concord Park

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 16:18:00 +0000

From the Farragut Press:

"A unanimous vote by the Knox County Commission has paved the way for the YMCA of East Tennessee to build a new facility at Concord Park in Farragut, the YMCA announced.

The project includes the redevelopment of the site, by filling in the old Concord pool, adding new tennis courts and enhancing the access to the golf course and biking trails.

The commission vote gives the YMCA a renewable 25-year lease on the property and provides a permanent home for the Farragut Family YMCA, which is located at the corner of Kingston Pike and Lovell Road. Its current lease expires in 2007."

First Utility District Meeting Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 22:55:00 +0000

An alert reader emailed me with the information that First Utility District and officials from the Town of Farragut will have a meeting Monday the 14th at 9:00 AM. There was no mention in the paper what the meeting is about but any meeting listed in the newspaper is open to the public. Regular board meetings for First Utility District are once a month on a Monday at 7:00 PM. For a schedule call 966-9741.

Take care on Turkey Creek Road

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 03:03:00 +0000

Be careful on Turkey Creek Road as you approach Virtue Road. The new Sheffield subdivision is beginning road construction in the subdivision. Heavy equipment will be entering the new development and their is a blind entrance as you travel West along Turkey Creek just before the new subdivision entrance.

If you encounter any safety issues with this subdivision entrance contact the Town of Farragut at 966-7057.

TDOT to talk red lights at FBMA tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 02:27:00 +0000

From today's Farragut Press, "Seeking state help for an estimated $800,000 price tag for a center turn lane on Kingston Pike at Everett Road, Farragut town officials have invited a high-ranking Tennessee Department of Transportation official to spell out state traffic qualifications for signal lights at Everett, Old Stage and Virtue roads.

Fred Corum, TDOT Region One director, is scheduled to speak and field questions during tonight’s Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting in Town Hall beginning at 6:55 p.m.

The town will seek explanations about its warrants — or criteria such as traffic volume, frequency of left turns, frequency and severity of accidents — that would justify signal lights."

It would be interesting to see if Northshore Drive and Concord Road could qualify for a traffic light.

Interesting discussion on Impact Fees at FBMA

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:35:00 +0000

Jim Duncan with Duncan & Associates made a presentation on impact fees to the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen last Thursday the 20th. I have watched this a few times on video tape and Jim Duncan is clearly one of the most knowledgeable people on this subject.

The most surprising thing I learned was that properly coded impact fees do not cost developers out of pocket money. In some cases they can actually save the developer money. Duncan presented the case of impact fees as a win win scenario. Good for the town and good for those that make and buy homes.

It will be interesting to see how this develops. Most developers and contractors see impact fees as a tax. I am sure there will be great discussion as the Town of Farragut examines this issue.

Does the roundabout make any sense?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:25:00 +0000

Good article in the Farragut Press about the roundabout planned for next spring at the intersection of Northshore Drive and Concord Road. There has been extensive coverage of this over at "Can Farragut Change?" so I will not rehash the discussion here. I will be contacting Knox County engineer Bruce Wuethrich and I will let you know what he has to say about this roundabout.

Based on what I know I am confused why a traffic light is not an option. Those of us that have fought for a year and a half for a traffic light at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road have learned that step one is State TDOT approval. However, someone must file the application with TDOT. More on this soon.

Letter to the Editor of the Farragut Press

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 14:56:00 +0000

Now that the results of the Development Review Process Evaluation Committee have been “accepted and endorsed” by the Farragut Mayor and Board of Aldermen, it would be constructive for the community to discuss the question of where do we go from here? First I suggest that Farragut residents read the minutes of the DRPEC, which can be found at http://www.townoffarragut.org/review-final.pdf

Reading carefully through the minutes, I have found suggestions from the DRPEC committee that bear further consideration. The most important suggestions that should receive more review by the Town of Farragut and Farragut residents listed by committee member are:

Mike Haynes:
~ Should have annual workshops for the development community to train them on Town requirements and explain why the regulations exist.

Fred Jones:
~ Staff is very knowledgeable, but they are overworked and he recommends adding another planner.

Joel Garber:
~ Timeliness of review and communications must be improved. Staff review comments should be sent to the developer at least seven (7) days prior to planning commission meetings.

Bob Hill:
~ Do not forget that the Town was formed due to residents’ dissatisfaction with the development process of Knox County. We need to keep residents involved in the process. Town/citizenship participation has to be a priority.

Harold Cannon
~ Discontinue bi-monthly plan commission meetings and go to one meeting per month, with development review meetings similar to Knox MPC.

David Wooley:
~ A clear message about the staff’s obligations/responsibilities from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Board and planning commission need to review ordinances and regulations to be certain that they reflect the Board’s desires.

I feel this was a great start, but more work must be done. One of the key decisions of the DRPEC was to create a new position of Assistant Town Administrator who would report to Farragut Town Administrator Dan Olson. I feel this is not the best return on investment for the Town of Farragut. Steve Hildebrand, Farragut Municipal Planning Commission member is quoted from a letter he wrote to the FBMA, “Regarding recommended actions, I do not see the value in adding a new staff person to oversee all of the development process. The current Town Administrator should provide the functions requested of this position. I believe there should be additions to the staff in Engineering and Community Development.” I agree with Mr. Hildebrand. I feel that salary for the new position of Assistant Town Administrator could pay for almost two new staff members, one in Engineering and one in Community Development, and would provide a better end result and a better value for the Town of Farragut.

I also agree with Harold Cannon, attorney John King, and Farragut Town Engineer Darryl Smith that the most important single improvement to the current system is to “Discontinue bi-monthly plan commission meetings and go to one meeting per month, with development review meetings similar to Knox MPC.” Unfortunately, the committee chose not to implement this suggestion. I urge the FBMA to reconsider this key issue. This will improve the process and the turnaround and is the simplest and most cost effective suggestion that has been made.

Architect and DRPEC committee member David Wooley suggested a review of the ordinances to make sure they reflect the FBMA’s desires. I urge the FBMA and MPC to review the existing ordinances to make sure they reflect the desires of the residents and voters of the Town of Farragut. Our Town was formed due to “residents’ dissatisfaction with the development process of Knox County.” When I look at the development in the Turkey Creek area, I have no problems with the signage ordinances. Why can the Town of Farragut not adopt signage that will bring and keep businesses in our town?

In the Farragut PressTalk, a caller commented on the old Frontier Market next to the U-Haul and how it is an eyesore. Yet our existing Town ordinances make this property almost impossible to sell or develop. Ordinances for setbacks and landscaping make it difficult if not impossible to develop commercial property on less than two acres. So do our existing ordinances create eyesores and blighted properties like the old Frontier Market? Why not review these ordinances and see if improvements can be made?

Concerned Citizens for Responsible Growth and Development now has a blog. You can comment on these issues and become part of the discussion at http://www.ccrgd.blogspot.com/

What can be done about the old Favorite Market?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:52:00 +0000

Is it time for the Town of Farragut to review existing ordinances that make it difficult to sell or improve blighted property like the Favorite Market on Kingston Pike? This property was not originally part of the Town of Farragut. When this area was annexed into the Town the Favorite Market was grand fathered with respect to ordinances for setbacks and landscaping. Today the property cannot meet existing ordinances. So what should be done?

How do you feel the Town of Farragut looks today?

From a call to the Farragut Press Talk 9-22-05:

I am calling to express disappointment about how the Farragut Mayor and Board of Aldermen refuse to do anything about the eyesore between the U-Haul and David's Carpets on Kingston Pike at the entrance of Stonecrest subdivision. The service station, which has been unoccupied for about 15 years, has weeds overgrown all around it. The Farragut codes department says that they cannot do anything about the overgrown brush because the ordinance for residents, which calls for enforcement if grass is over one foot [high] or weeds are over one foot, does not apply to business property. The idle property, I am told, belongs to a carpet company in Dalton, Ga. A letter from me to the company was ignored. I just wonder why the Farragut administration can't pass an ordinance that applies the same rule of codes to unoccupied businesses that it applies to occupied residences? This is not the first time they have sided with big business instead of what's in the best interest of the residents of Farragut. But that buildings been there so long. This town is known for that building more than it's known for its museum or anything else. Everywhere I go, people say, oh, you live down there.

MPC Weigel's meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 18:17:00 +0000

Last Thursday the Farragut MPC workshopped the proposed Weigels expansion of the Kingston Pike and Smith Road store. Many residents from Sugarwood were present and many of them took the opportunity to speak to the MPC.

The surprise of the evening however involved a request I made to the MPC in this workshop. Actually it is a request I have made for over a year and a half in many MPC and BOMA meetings. The request is to have a traffic light at Kingston Pike and Virtue Road. Chairman Bob Hill ask Town engineer Darryl Smith if he felt the traffic light would be important in regards to the Weigel's store. Mr. Smith said he felt the time had come that the TDOT warrants could be met for this light.

Mayor Eddy Ford instructed Mr. Smith to file the application with TDOT for the traffic light. On behalf of CCRGD and all the people that use Virtue Road I would like to thank the Mayor, the MPC, and Darryl Smith for beginning the process to bring this needed traffic light to our Town.

The plan Weigel's has brought forth makes sense except for two issues. First is the requested variance for the Smith Road entrance. I recommend the MPC reject this variance. It is too close to Kingston Pike and does not allow enough cars to turn right out of Weigel's on to Smith Road. While I understand Attorney Robert Leonard's argument that this will be harder for the fuel trucks to negotiate the more important need is the safety of the customers of Weigel's.

The other issue is the right out only on Kingston Pike. That should be removed. There is another right out only just down Kingston Pike opposite the Sugarwood entrance and it is better to have only one right out only turn lane.

The Farragut MPC will vote on this issue on September 15th. Speak then or forever hold your peace.

Leslie Tucker covers the Development Review Board for the Farragut Press

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 17:03:00 +0000

Another good article from Leslie as one of the most important questions of the committee is looked at. Darryl Smith recommended that the Farragut MPC go from two meetings per month to one meeting per month. The committee decided not to follow that recommendation but rather decided to add to the number of staff meetings.

From Leslie's article in the Farragut Press, "Town engineer Darryl Smith addressed the DRPEC asking the town to consider reducing the number of FMPC meetings from two to one a month. “[Developers and staff] could work a lot of things out before they even get to the Planning Commission,” Smith said.

The group chose not to make that recommendation but did suggest adding to the number of meetings requested in the review process. “Having that required meeting, [the developers we spoke to] felt this would be an opportunity to speed up the process in the long run. . . . What we may lose in time in the first meeting, we’re gonna gain tenfold back in the process,” Honken said.

The Commission also recommended that an additional meeting be held following the staff’s initial review prior to the project being brought to the FMPC. The Commission felt that this meeting would help to answer developers’ questions and resolve issues informally."

Hopefully the Mayor and Board of Aldermen will reconsider. Darryl Smith's idea was one of the best things to come out of this committee. Adding more staff meetings while keeping the two MPC meetings per month does not make much sense unless more staff is hired and more office space is added.

Farragut Independent looks at the hurried pace of life in Farragut

noreply@blogger.com (Garry) — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 16:03:00 +0000

Over at the Farragut Independent an interesting post and comments on why people in Farragut rush from place to place.

http://farragutindependent.blogspot.com/2005/08/are-you-really-that-pressed-for-time.html