Commission votes to allow controversial apt. complex in Seymour

Commission votes to allow controversial apt. complex in Seymour

By KRISTYN CADDELL
6 News Reporter 

SEYMOUR (WATE) -- Despite strong opposition from some Seymour residents, Sevier County commissioners voted Monday night to allow an apartment complex to be built in a neighborhood.

Last week, 6 News told you about a battle going on in Seymour.

Local developer Jesse Cook wants to build an apartment complex in the Shooks Gap neighborhood off  Chapman Highway.

Monday night, Sevier County Commission voted on whether to restore the zoning from commercial to residential.

But before the vote, residents had the chance to voice their concerns.

One person after the other took the opportunity to come face to face with Sevier County commissioners.

Each had their own reason why they don't want a local developer to build 24 apartments in their community.

"I cannot see how it is going to be beneficial to anyone," said one resident, Roger Hawkes.

Shooks Gap residents say the land is zoned for residential use, not commercial, and somewhere along the way it was changed.

They feel new apartments could create traffic and erosion problems.

"We just want you guys to fix the mistake and make it right," explained another resident, Mark D'Alessandro.

Despite their pleas, commissioners voted to keep things the way they are. That means the developer can move forward with his plans.

"We're very disappointed. We expected so much more from our commissioners," D'Alessandro said afterward.

County Commissioner Bill Oakes admitted there was a mistake along the way, but vowed to make sure the project is done right.

"Make sure it has the proper retention ponds, proper parking and everything is in line with the regulations," Oakes said.

The residents plan to have a meeting in the coming days to decide what to do next . They also say they plan to attend every planning commission meeting to continue to point out why this complex isn't good for their community.

The developer, Jesse Cook, didn't want to comment.