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BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – In a decisive move, the Bristol Tennessee Municipal Regional Planning Commission has unanimously backed a proposal to rezone land along King College Road for a new residential development, bringing the plan one step closer to consideration by the City Council.
Should the City Council give its approval, the zoning of the site will shift from its current designation of R-1A Single Family Residential and R-2 Single Family and Duplex Residential to a PRD Planned Residential Development.
All seven commissioners present cast affirmative votes in favor of the rezoning.
While commission members believe this development will be advantageous for the city, not all residents share their enthusiasm. Some community members expressed their apprehensions to News Channel 11 regarding the potential impacts of the project.
“If they build 475 homes, we’re talking about 950 more cars every day wanting to access that road multiple times a day,” voiced Barbra Fancher, highlighting concerns over increased traffic.
“It’s like playing chicken trying to get your mail or to get out on your street,” Nancie Bolger told News Channel 11. “You know, with this new development, where is that traffic going?”
Vice Chairman Kelly Graham told News Channel 11 it is a great opportunity and that Bristol had not had a large development in 40 years, noting there has been some just none this size.
“We’ve had some smaller developments, some good developments, but this will take us for many, many years out there with development that will be very, very beneficial,” Graham said. “One thing will lead to another. Good housing will lead to people coming to town and it’ll help our industries.”
The 153-acre rezoning proposal is located near the 1800 block of King College Rd. Should the proposal pass two readings of the ordinance votes, the rezoning will become effective 17 days following approval.
A first reading of the ordinance is set for the City Council’s April 7 meeting.