Gatlinburg Planning Commission deadlocked

First time in over 14 years All who were present at the Gatlinburg Planning Commission meeting Thursday, December 16, agree that it was not your average meeting. The meeting began as usual, but when it came to a parcel of land located on Campbell Lead Road owned by the McLean Family, things got a bit interesting and the planning commission deadlocked for the first time in 14 years on an issue. James Tomiczek, President of Vision Engineering and Developing Services, Inc., presented the request of his clients, the McLean Family Partnership, to change the zoning on their location from R-2 to C-2. That means their land would be able to develop commercially, serving food and beverages to guests who stay at their development. After discussion with the commission, Tomiczek amended his request, with the approval of the owners, who were present, to just make a “pie-shaped” piece of the property C-2 that is adjacent to other C-2 property. There was a moment when Teresa Cantwell made the motion that they just not give a “knee-jerk” reaction to the plan, but let it proceed through the proper channels. There were 3 members of the committee who opposed and two who agreed. There was a moment of stunned silence, as Phil Nemeth, the vice-chairman, stated, “In all my 14 years on the commission, this is the first time this has ever happened.” The Planning Commission was favorable of the requests presented by the McLean Family Partnership, they just did not all agree as to how to handle the situation. The commission, led by Robert Maples, voiced the possibility of creating a whole new zone, one that is not quite as commercial as a C-2, but that gives much more privilege than a R-2. This idea will be suggested at the next Gatlinburg City Counsel meeting. The commission also considered the following items: · Final plat approval of “Backwoods Subdivision,” located on Mountain Drive, requested by Garry Shultz. · Approval of a re-subdivision of “Gatlinburg Getaway Phase Two Subdivision”, located on Boyd Boulevard, requested by James Kilburn. · Approval of a final plat for “Outback Downunder” Subdivision, located of Norton Creek Road, requested by Charles Taylor. It was also noted that this was approved by the county if certain improvements are made. · Approval of a minor subdivision for “Bon Air Motel” and “Quality Inn Creekside,” located on Bon Air Drive and LeConte Creek Road, requested by Colier Development and Creekside Resort, LLC. They are revising their road layout in compliance with the Gatlinburg Fire Department’s concern that the roads were unacceptable for the aerial trucks to turn on. They are also waiting on a turning template from the Fire Dept. · Approval of a revised PUD site plan of Westgate Resort, Inc. located on Winding Smoky Way, requested by Westgate Resort, Inc. · Approval of a master concept PUD site paln for “Bluegreen Resorts, Inc.” located on East Parkway, requested by Bluegreen Resorts. The Gatlinburg Planning Commission consists of Robert Maples, chairman; Phil Nemeth, Vice-Chairman; Teresa Cantwell, Secretary; and David Ogle Larry Clauborne, Dan Safelder, and David Ball, City Planner. The State Planning Office was also very much in sight, as they have a contract with the city of Gatlinburg to be of any assistance needed. Bart Hose, Sheryl Ely, and Ashley Heaton were in continual communication with David Ball, the city planner.