Thanks to your efforts, we have achieved major concessions from the developers of Post Oak Bend. They’ve agreed to a number of important traffic safety improvements to Tooles Bend Road and Tedford Lane too numerous to mention here. They also promised:

• Water and sewer line improvements
• A new wastewater treatment facility
• The protection of 21 acres along Tooles Bend from future development.

In addition, the developer has entered into an agreement to drastically improve the intersection of Northshore Drive and Tooles Bend Road.

The developer will be responsible for or will share in the cost of all the needed infrastructure improvements. Also, approvals are still needed by the developers from TVA and Army Corps of Engineers, which we will make sure are done properly.

In addition, the State of Tennessee has undertaken a plan for major improvements to Northshore Drive.

We didn’t get everything we wanted but we should be proud of our efforts. We also need to stay in the game to make sure the promises that were made are kept, and to continue to push for more needed improvements.

This is far from over. So stay tuned and stay involved. We’ll keep you updated, here and on our Facebook page. Again, thanks for fighting for smart development in Knox County!

Diane Montgomery

Bryan Spears

Northshore Corridor Association

Details from the MPC meeting

Opponents to the Tooles Bend Road development came out in force for the second straight Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting. The commission did approve the concept plan for a 622 unit lakefront development in Southwest Knox County. But thanks to the community outpouring of concern, we achieved major concessions from the developers of Post Oak Bend.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/mpc-approves-controversial-southwest-knox-development/51-593975387

As part of the Post Oak Bend approval, developers agreed to a bundle of traffic-safety related road improvements, including upgraded access points and improved guardrails and rumble stripes along Tooles Bend Road. The developers also promised to include water/sewer improvements, including a new wastewater treatment plant, and all necessary state and federal permits.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2018/09/13/post-oak-bend-planning-committee-knoxville-knox-county/1289427002/

Metropolitan Planning Commission staff noted the water and sewer systems must be in place before final plat approval for the Post Oak Bend Development on Tooles Bend Road. Also, planned condominiums that are part of the development will require separate approval because they would be along a scenic highway. Numerous road improvements must also be in place before final plat approval is granted.
http://knoxfocus.com/2018/09/mpc-approves-concept-development-plans-post-oak-bend-residents-objections/

Prior to the September meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the News Sentinel reporter that the MPC staff would recommend the approval of the controversial Post Oak Bend development plan — subject to a list of conditions.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2018/09/11/post-oak-bend-knoxville-opposition-traffic/1125106002/

Thank you to everyone who attended Thursday’s MPC meeting. It’s important that officials understand the deep level of community concern about this proposal. We also need to continue to press the developers of the Bailey Farm for specifics and stay engaged every step of this process.

Serious, unanswered questions remain:

• How can Tooles Bend and Tedford Roads safely handle the increase in traffic?
• How will this affect an already congested Northshore Drive?
• How will water and sewage needs be addressed?
• Where will the pipes run? How would that affect nearby properties?
• Who will pay for the infrastructure upgrades?
• What will be the development’s impact on our schools?

As we’ve said repeatedly: We’re not against development. But we want smart development that includes community input. We’ll continue to press for answers to these and other questions before the next MPC meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Diane Montgomery
Northshore Corridor Association

Take a drive down Tooles Bend Road and see for yourself how tricky it can be. (Pro tip: watching this video is a safer bet than trying to negotiate the road when there are school buses, emergency vehicles and delivery trucks sharing the narrow lanes. And if you’re brave — and really careful — take a drive on Tedford Road, which is even worse!)

https://www.knoxnews.com/videos/news/2018/08/08/take-drive-up-and-down-tooles-bend-road-knoxville/937180002/

Our attorney, Tom Hale, made the case that the Metropolitan Planning Commission has the authority to require transparency and community input involving any development on the Bailey Farm. His primary source? A memorandum filed by the family with the MPC back in 1993, when the property was rezoned from agricultural to residential. His request was simple: Let’s follow the guidelines originally established for the property by the Bailey Family and the MPC.

https://www.knoxnews.com/videos/money/business/2018/08/09/attorney-speaks-protestors-questioning-post-oak-development/949385002/

The Metropolitan Planning Commission granted a much-needed postponement on the proposed Tooles Bend Road development, as recommended by its staff. To date, many unanswered questions remain on what the project would mean for road capacity, water and sewer access, fire protection and other issues.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2018/08/09/knoxville-knox-county-post-oak-development-planning-commission/937139002/

The Knoxville News Sentinel provided an in-depth, balanced look at the proposed Post Oak Development on Tooles Bend Road. It detailed the heavy opposition to the plan, risks posed to cars and buses, and potential dangers to fire protection. Check out the thoughtful coverage and the serious concerns raised by neighbors and commuters.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2018/08/09/post-oak-bend-development-plans-southwest-knox-draw-opponents/934459002/