‘The traffic is horrible’ | Neighbors raise concerns over new housing development in West

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Just off Westland Drive near Pellissippi Parkway, homeowners in the Westland Oaks subdivision are pushing back over a new housing development. Several neighbors who live near the area said the roads can’t handle it.

“The traffic is horrible. Especially in the mornings, trying to get out on to Westland to take the kids to school,” said Becky Kowen, who lives in a neighborhood off Westland.

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission approved the plans in May, bringing 68 new multi-family housing units to the neighborhood.

At a community meeting Monday night, several concerns were brought to attention over the new development, but traffic safety was at the forefront. Public documents reveal the last traffic study was in 2019, before Westland Oaks was built.

“I don’t think a 2019 or even 2020 study would be relevant,” Kowen said. “There’s much more people now. There’s much more traffic now.”

WVLT News reached out to the developers about neighbors’ concerns. Vice President of Elmington Residential, Peter Davis, said the county is requiring the group to widen Westland Drive and add a turn lane to accommodate the increase in traffic. Davis said the county designed the improvements and will do the construction, but Elmington will pay for it.

“We have been and will continue to work diligently with Knox County officials to ensure our project has a minimal impact to its neighbors, schools, traffic and the environment,” Davis said. “We have heard the concerns from some in the area and have worked to address them as best we can. Please know that we are committed to being a good community steward and partner moving forward.”

Serese Marotta, who lives in Westland Oaks, said she doesn’t think a turn lane will be enough.

“One turn lane into Westland Oaks subdivision is not going to mitigate the burden that we’re seeing already in traffic,” Marotta said.

Neighbors also raised concerns about emergency response, claiming the roads are too narrow to accommodate emergency vehicles.

“The county needs to stop for a minute, figure out the infrastructure first then figure out the homes going in on top of that,” said Joseph Marotta, who also lives in Westland Oaks.

Some people who have voiced their concerns said they have hired a legal counsel to represent the neighborhood. A Knox County Commissioner said with approval on the project already granted that legal action is the only option for the neighbors.

This article was originally published by a www.wvlt.tv . Read the Original article here. .