SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – A proposed development project along Red Bank Road in Sevierville has sparked concerns among local residents, many of whom are worried about the impact it could have on the area’s infrastructure and daily life. The project, which would bring approximately 1,000 new homes to the region, has left neighbors questioning the area’s ability to handle such significant growth.
Weston Underwood, a longtime resident of Red Bank Circle, has voiced his opposition to the development, citing the sheer scale of the proposal as the primary issue. “It’s not that I’m against development, but the sheer number of homes in such a small area is concerning,” Underwood said. “This community simply cannot handle 1,000 new homes, along with the people and vehicles that would come with them.”
Underwood, who grew up in the area, expressed particular concern about the traffic that would result from the development. “You’re not just affecting Red Bank; you’re impacting anyone who travels on Highway 416,” he explained. “Adding 1,000 to 3,000 new people and vehicles to the road is a recipe for disaster.”
The development is slated to occupy a 200-acre plot of land, which would also include commercial zoning in addition to the residential homes. As part of the planning process, the Sevierville Planning Commission hosted a public forum at the Sevierville Civic Center to gather input from the community. The room was filled to capacity, with dozens of concerned citizens eager to express their concerns.
“We’re here to gather information and understand what questions need to be asked,” said Vincent Snider, Chairman of the Planning Commission. “Transparency is key, and we want to make sure the community is involved in this process.”
Among the concerns raised during the meeting were the limited entry points to the development, as there are only two existing access routes to the area. Residents also questioned the qualifications of the developers, who are not local to the area, and expressed frustration that the land was not zoned for residential development. However, the primary issue discussed was the anticipated traffic congestion.
Current traffic conditions on Red Bank Road are already a source of frustration for many residents, and the prospect of thousands more cars on the road has only amplified these concerns. “There’s a lot of development already happening in this area, and tourists are beginning to flock to this road. But if something goes wrong, whether it’s an emergency or just getting in and out of the area, there’s not enough capacity to handle it,” said Underwood.
In response, Snider assured the public that traffic would be a primary focus moving forward. “A preliminary traffic study has already been done, and we’ll be looking into it further to ensure it’s thorough. Road construction and improvements will be addressed by the developer,” Snider said. “We are committed to gathering as much information as possible before we make any decisions.”
The planning commission emphasized that the public forum was just the beginning of the process. “This is an initial presentation, an opportunity for conversation and to hear from the community,” Snider explained. “Afterward, the proposal will be brought back before the Planning Commission, where we will either approve or deny it. If approved, it will move to the mayor and aldermen for three readings before final approval.”
With the issue still in the early stages of discussion, residents of Sevierville continue to voice their concerns, hoping that their input will help shape a development plan that works for both the community and the city. The Planning Commission has promised to take all feedback into account before making any final decisions.
