City Council Meeting, Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The proposed changes to the East County Sector Plan is an important issue to a great many people and I will be brief in my position on this project. I am not going to vote for the amendment to the Sector Plan.
Certainly I want to see the City of Knoxville grow. Certainly I am for business and opportunity, but I am also mindful of the legitimate interests of neighborhoods and residents, as well as being responsible with taxpayer dollars. The Chamber of Commerce and The Development Corporation just haven’t made the case in this particular instance. As you know, I served on City Council previously and had serious reservations about the City of Knoxville taking in this property at the time. Even the proponents of the amendment to the Sector Plan acknowledge the difficulties in developing it, not the least of which are the issues in providing adequate sewage.
In these extremely difficult economic times, every member of the City Council should be cognizant of just how and when we spend taxpayer dollars. I am aware there are those who maintain we will see a return on whatever money is invested in this project. Frankly, I am not sure I agree. I don’t think the timing is right, nor do I believe this is the best plan.
I think we need to be selective in approaching the question of expanding existing industrial property and I think there are existing sites which would meet the need of any business that might come to Knoxville.
Again, I want to do all I can to encourage logical growth and no one is more interested in helping to bring jobs to this community, but I also believe in a reasonable approach without sacrificing every other interest in the name of growth.
I simply wanted to make my position clear and thank you for taking the time to read this statement.
