Staff opposes rezoning near Forks of the River Park citing floodplain and water‑quality concerns

Jesse presented a request to rezone approximately 29.5 acres at 3611 East Governor John Sevier Highway from planned commercial/business and manufacturing to industrial (mining and heavy industrial place type). Staff explained that most of the property falls within a stream protection designation that aligns with FEMA’s 100‑year floodplain and that Swan Pond Creek and Forks of the River Park directly border the site.

Staff noted the applicant’s plan amendment materials indicate an intention to pursue an asphalt production facility on the site — one of the more intensive industrial uses in terms of emissions and potential water‑quality concerns. Jesse told commissioners staff recommend denial because approval would represent a spot change to a mining/heavy industrial place type in an area that the comprehensive plan designates for business park and town‑center uses and because the requested uses could pose risks to water quality and to park users.

Why it matters: rezoning to heavy industrial near a public park and in a floodplain could create long‑term environmental and public‑health tradeoffs; staff framed the request as inconsistent with plan policies that encourage conservation and protect natural features.

What happens next: staff recommended denial; the commission will consider the request in light of plan criteria and potential impacts to adjacent parkland and watershed resources.