SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The City of Sevierville has finalized the annexation of more than 66 acres of vacant land along Old Newport Highway, opening the door for future residential and commercial development.
City leaders approved the annexation on third and final reading Monday night, completing the annexation and zoning process for the property.
According to city planning documents, the annexed area consists of three vacant parcels. The city has designated one parcel for intermediate commercial zoning, while the remaining two parcels are slated for low-density residential zoning.
The property had previously been considered as a potential site for a city park, but those plans were ultimately abandoned.
While city officials say no specific development proposals have been approved, planning documents indicate that several entities have already expressed interest in the property. The city has not publicly identified those parties.
Business Owner Welcomes Growth
Local business owner John Allgeier, who owns Smoky Mountain Design Center nearby, said he views the annexation as a positive step for Sevierville’s future.
“I think it would be nice to have a conglomerate of neighborhoods and local businesses for other people to be able to experience Sevierville,” Allgeier said. “It is a hidden treasure. Once people find out about it, they want to move here.”
Allgeier said the area’s growth mirrors trends seen across East Tennessee and believes the community can benefit from welcoming new residents and businesses.
“There’s not a place that isn’t growing,” he said. “You might as well accommodate the people moving here and show them who we are.”
Residents Question Infrastructure Capacity
Not everyone is enthusiastic about future development.
Kathy Sanchez, who lives near the property outside city limits, said her concerns focus less on growth itself and more on whether roads and infrastructure are prepared to handle it.
Sanchez questioned whether existing zoning and infrastructure planning adequately address increasing development pressure.
“I think the city and the county need to get together and fix this zoning,” Sanchez said. “The infrastructure just is not available right now for this kind of development.”
She also expressed concerns about emergency response access on already congested roadways.
“What worries me the most is the effect it’s going to have on the citizens that are here now,” Sanchez said. “Are we going to be able to get ambulances, fire trucks, et cetera, through a road that is now backed up bumper to bumper in the evenings?”
Traffic Remains a Common Concern
Despite their differing views on growth, Allgeier and Sanchez agree on one issue: traffic.
Allgeier acknowledged that additional development will likely require transportation improvements.
“We’re excited,” he said. “I know they’re going to need to probably widen the road here a little bit. There’s a little bit of traffic at this stoplight in the mornings, but those are small hurdles, I think, that we’ll be able to get through.”
With the annexation and zoning process complete, city officials say they will evaluate future proposals for the property based on what they believe best serves Sevierville and its residents.
At this time, no formal development plans have been submitted or approved for the site.
City of Sevierville has finalized the annexation of more than 66 acres of vacant land along Old Newport Highway (WVLT)
