STOP CHOTO LANDING: Community Protest Set for 6pm Tonight at The Cove

Lack of Services: This area lacks the necessary services to support low-income residents. The absence of accessible retail grocery options, healthcare, schools, school buses, public transportation, employment opportunities, sidewalks and roads will result in hardship for those who move into this development. Additionally, current and former police, fire, emergency services, teachers, and non-profit volunteers and organizations that serve low-income residents have each raised independent concerns about the extreme strain on resources each organization is currently experiencing and the further strain that will occur should this project move forward. The current level of strain on police, fire, and emergency services alone is enough to warrant an investigation into county operations. Since 2020, the number of residents living in the area has grown exponentially, while the number of safety and emergency personnel has not. There are simply too many people here and not enough police, fire and safety personnel to go around. 

Infrastructure Challenges:  The proposal for Choto Landing faces dire infrastructure challenges, including inadequate drainage systems that could lead to sewage and flooding issues for both the project itself and surrounding homes. Flooding is already a serious issue in several of the neighborhoods in closest proximity to the project site, with excess water damage resulting in foundation and structural problems of nearby homes. The construction of Choto Lading would further exacerbate the drainage issue and cause serious safety concerns.

Dangerous Traffic Situation: The intended development site situated directly on Northshore Drive is currently one of the most dangerous roads in Knoxville. Serious traffic collisions, many resulting in fatalities are already the norm on this narrow stretch of road that is already grossly overwhelmed with traffic volume. The street is not designed for additional high-volume use and lacks the necessary ingress/egress and turn lanes to support such development. Due to accidents and delays, rush hour traffic takes hours to clear in the morning and evening, every single day. 

Community Disregard: Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the proposed Choto Landing is the way this development was approved without a hint of community input. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Dominion Group have intentionally sidestepped the concerns and voices of the very residents they are meant to serve.

Misuse of Tax Dollars: Currently, our team is running a thorough investigation into the sweetheart deal surrounding the Choto Landing development and how it came to be. The project will enrich Dominion Group by more than $4.3 million dollars if it is successfully completed, not to mention countless state and tax benefits for the company, its investors and executives through the LIHTC tax program. We are looking into how the deal managed to move so swiftly without community input and why the land value was inflated at such a high rate. As taxpayers, voters, and constituents, we demand answers and transparency.

The Impact Surrounding Low-Income Housing: Statistically, areas surrounding low-income housing developments often experience decreased property values and an increase in crime, making our community a potential target for negative influences that none of us should tolerate.