Mayor Glenn Jacobs to commissioners: If you change Advance Knox, I won't approve it

Silas Sloan, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has warned Knox County commissioners he will not approve the Advance Knox Future Land Use Plan if they make significant changes.

Jacobs' sent a letter to commissioners after their April 15 meeting where At-Large Commissioner Kim Frazier proposed more than 20 amendments to the plan. The commission is set to vote April 22.

"I have great respect for each of you and understand you are representing constituents who have shared criticism regarding our plan," Jacobs wrote. "However, the proposed plan is a result of two years of dialogue, comprehensive and consensus building with you and the community at large. The time for wholesale changes has passed. I ask that you pass the plan as presented."

The Future Land Use Plan is half of the massive planning overhaul called Advance Knox. It specifies what types of homes and businesses can go where in anticipation of a surge in population growth over the next decade and a half and the development that will accompany it. If approved, Advance Knox will go into effect as early as May 1.

Frazier asked for more protections for rural areas and tighter limits on developments.

Jacobs said he would not sign off on the plan if any of the following changes are made:

  • Amendments that restrict developments for certain environmentally sensitive areas

  • Considering access to public services when approving new developments (including emergency and recreational services)

  • Adding or omitting any placetype, zoning or density in rural living areas

  • Any changes to how amendments get approved in the future

  • Adding requirements for projects, including forcing developers to pay for certain amenities or recreational facilities

"We cannot let the protests of any vocal minority cause us to balk on the precipice of a generational achievement for the people we are elected to serve," Jacobs wrote.

This isn't the first time Jacobs has put pressure on elected officials to approve Advance Knox.

After the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted against the Growth Policy Plan in March, Jacobs threatened to ask the state to mediate the dispute rather than rework the plan. He said some projects in Farragut would be "reprioritized" since they voted against the countywide planning changes.

Alderman Scott Meyer ultimately flipped his vote and the Farragut board approved the plan April 11. Meyer said he had discussions with Jacobs and Knox County leaders, who eased his concerns.

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: Mayor Glenn Jacobs to commissioners: Don't change Advance Knox

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