Zoning resolution tabled

Tempers flare at County Commission meeting Tempers flared Monday evening as the Sevier County Commission held their December meeting, the highlight of which was an almost two hour discussion of a Zoning Plan/Ordinance Resolution for the county. The meeting began sedately enough, with the adoption of a resolution concerning a proposal of the Tennessee Department of Transportation to construct a culvert on State Route 339, and a bridge over Flatt Creek on State Route 35 as requested by the County Mayor and the Highway Department. They also adopted a resolution to appropriate $7,500 to improve facilities at the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in a countywide joint venture effort with Lifestar/UT Hospital as requested by the County Mayor. County Commissioners also voted to adopt a resolution concerning participation and authorization to enter into a contract with the State of Tennessee Finance and Administration and Sevier County with relation to Geographic Information System (GIS) digital map data as requested by the County Mayor. The main part of the meeting was taken up with the questions of many of the commissioners to David Taylor, Head of the Sevier County Planning Commission. Commissioner Jim R. Keener was one of many who had pointed questions regarding the rough draft proposed by the Planning Commission. Many of the Commissioners simplified questions by asking how the zoning would affect them in various situations, for example if they wanted to build a garage in their own yard. Charlotte Abercrombie was introduced by Commissioner Darrell S. Lee to speak for the Jones Cove area. Abercrombie spoke of her experience with zoning and told the Commissioners that to adopt the Zoning Resolution would eventually raise the taxes of people in their county, just to support the staff involved. The concerned citizens who attended were quite vocal also, often loudly speaking out in protest at some of the ideas set forth. “This is ridiculous,” and “Shut ‘em down” were just a few of the things articulated to the Commissioners. At one point, Larry Waters the County Mayor, had to bring order to the room. The Commissioners finally decided to table the Zoning Resolution until they could all attend a workshop to fully understand what it meant to those whom they represent and were almost unanimous in their vote. The Commissioners of Sevier County are as follows: Larry Waters, County Mayor; Ronnie W. Allen; Fred A. Atchley; Ben Clabo; Gary Cole; James Dykes; Judy Godfrey; Mike Hillard; Marti Hamilton; Tim S. Hurst; Warren Hurst; Jim R. Keener; Phil King; Darrell S. Lee; Jeffrey McCarter; Charles McGaha; David Nolton; Bill Oakes; Ray Ogle; Greg S. Patterson; Tony Proffitt; Carroll Rauhuff; Garold V. Rhea; James Temple; Ronnie Whaley; and Kent Woods.