Avalon has long been one of the more desired communities in Loudon County.  We have over 350 homes, more than 800 residents of all ages, and enjoy the quality of life our neighborhood affords us. We believe as Loudon County Commissioners, you are equally as proud of Avalon, and the tax base we provide.  

 

As Loudon County and Lenoir City have grown, Oak Chase Blvd. has experienced a significant increase in traffic from Highway 70 through to Watt Road.  This non-resident traffic tends to travel at speeds exceeding the posted limits of 25mph. The increased traffic is throughout the day, but most heavy during typical rush hours in the morning and afternoon, the same times our children are out and residents are enjoying a casual walk, many with their dogs.  Avalon residents have the expectation of living in a safe, secure community without Oak Chase Blvd taking on the characteristics of a heavily traveled county road.  No doubt, additional development on Hickory Creek Road will only add to the already undesirable traffic situation on Oak Chase Blvd.

 

Hickory Creek Road is a two-lane narrow, winding road. There is no engineered shoulder and at places there are dangerous drops from the roadside. Oncoming traffic finds it difficult to pass one another, and there is no room to move safely aside for a larger oncoming vehicle.  At the Knox County portion of Hines Valley Road there is a severe curve and large trucks have difficulty making that turn resulting in erosion of both sides of the road and damage to the paved surface.   Oncoming traffic must wait until the large trucks have navigated the turn to avoid having to leave the road.

 

Already on Hickory Creek Road are several commercial businesses near the Loudon/Knox County line, with particularly large heavy truck traffic from the Milan Trucking terminal and Tennessee Trash. If commercial vehicle traffic of this nature is allowed to move on the proposed rezoned portion of Hickory Creek, it will only magnify the current hazardous condition.  Similarly, if any additional development along Hickory Creek Road is allowed, all users will be put at risk of additional traffic and road condition hazards.

 

While we recognize economic growth is good for the community and we support managed development, we cannot support development that is unsafe for users of Hickory Creek Road.  Accordingly, the Avalon Homeowners Association opposes the rezoning of the proposed properties on Hickory Creek Road to C-2.  We also oppose the approval of any commercial or residential construction or building permits until road conditions along Hickory Creek Road in both Loudon and Knox counties are addressed and corrected to provide safe travel for everyone.    

 

*To vote you must have Resident access to this website.  To gain Resident access, click the Register link at the top right hand corner of this page and complete the form.