Comments from individuals who did not express a preference regarding the extension of JWP:

1. A social impact study is a mandatory, yet often overlooked, part of all environmental assessments. I do hope this will be done if and when a decision is made to construct the parkway. Like everyone, we don’t want a road in our backyard, but if one is to be built I hope the residents are considered. If you widen and straighten Sevierville Pike speeding would worsen and its already a problem. Some areas are using lumps (clearly marked) to slow traffic down. Looking at short term I’d like to see Chapman improved and nothing else. But the long term does suggest we will need something done to handle growth. So I’d like to see the parkway done as long as environmental assessment is done thoroughly and completely – this includes social impact study. I would also like to see Sevierville Pike repaved, but not straighted in any way – we have a problem with speeding now and that would worsen it. I think that Chapman significant improvements are the most pressing and believes this needs to be done ASAP. We may find no need for anything else. I want to be clear – I don’t want to see Sevierville Pike straightened nor widened. I don’t want the parkway either but would work with you on this if it goes to the John Sevier or County Line . Also prefer Chapman Rails/Mass transit.

2. As a citizen of the greater Knoxville community, I am concerned that development of the South Bank of the river through the Knoxville area will be allowed to occur in a haphazard way, without first developing a comprehensive plan for this potentially valuable area. I feel that the value of the property along the river will be enhanced in its ability to serve the whole community, as well as in its ultimate commercial value, if we proceed carefully in developing such a plan before making any more piecemeal decisions. It would be a shame to see the effort to improve downtown Knoxville devalued by neglect of the great possibilities for the South Bank. I understand that the development of a comprehensive plan will be time-consuming and expensive, perhaps delaying development, but, at the same time, the potential payoff is enormous. Please add mine to the voices advocating greater investment in the planning process.

3. I worry about displaced homeowners. How many will be involved? Also, are the karst formations avoided? The parkway has already gone through my neighborhood. There it sits. I use it and the new bridge. Still I am conflicted about extending it. It will serve Seymour . My daughter, who opposes the extension, is out of town on business and could not be here. I have never been able to decide.

4. Regarding the extension – affected by life changing crash on Chapman- 1994. Need major improvements on Chapman no matter where it ends on John Sevier because the traffic will impact it where it needs improvements the most – (Co. of South Knox) East Marine Rd , etc. danger areas. Regarding Improving Chapman and other roadways but not building the extension – would be hard to give Chapman the lanes it needs to handle all, but left turn lanes have to be done to protect lives. My concern is for improved safety and most all the safety for Chapman, left turn lanes needed, extra flow of traffic in growth changes to prevent further injury/death. I desire to be updated in detail on decisions and changes because my heart is in this for us all. Against freeway due to speed. Turn signal for traffic flow toward town needed for turn into West Hendrons Chapel. Add traffic lights in Co. part of Chapman to slow speed of traffic.

5. Regarding the extension – Go ahead and install turn lanes

6. Regarding the extension – AM concerned about environmental impact on wooded/wildlife areas.

7. Take TDOT plan but go on down Dick Ford to John Sevier

8. My concerns are for after a road is built, that it be billboard-free. This should be part of the planning and design and legislative process on the front end. The scenic quality of the area should be protected and enhanced. Even though I am not a South Knoxville resident, I would like to thank Councilmen Hultquist and Woodhull for the opportunity afforded the community for public input and to be a part of a public process. Although not affected individually, my husband and I as well as all of us in Knox County are affected by the transportation decisions which will be made. Our comments are not about where or if the road will be built to best serve safety and transportation needs but to express our concerns about what will or will not happen after the road is built. Namely – will it be lined with billboards? Or will it be a billboard-free parkway? In the past, billboards seem to follow or even precede road construction in Tennessee . In my opinion, this is a quality of life issue and a scenic protection concern, just as other important environmental issues that I’m sure have been expressed earlier. When I-440 in Nashville and I-640 in Knoxville we planned the legislation decided on the front end that these roads would be “billboard free” Unfortunately here on I-640 a billboard company preempted this intention and applied for and received 100 billboard permits that they claimed to be “grandfathered” Even at that time, it was a violation of Federal Code, just as it still is – bit it was not enforced. May I read from the code? 750.707-“This exception shall not apply in instances where large numbers of permits were applied for and issued to a single sign owner, obviously in anticipation of the passage of a state control law”. (I will have a copy of this part of the Federal Code for the Councilmen) This is one reason for my speaking this evening, so this will not be repeated here, We also gave similar written comments to TDOT at the public hearings on the proposed Knoxville Parkway (orange route) if and when that road is built. When your Task Force comments go before the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) I ask that this “billboard free” concern be a consideration either by TDOT or the legislative process and please convey that this community puts a value on the scenic quality of roads and that it becomes part of the design or designation process from the beginning. Back in 1984 when we first became involved in scenic conservation issues, we were naïve enough to think a “David” could tackle the “Goliath” outdoor advertisers – now we still are optimistic enough to believe that “many Davids”, speaking as one voice, can determine that “billboard-free” can be a reality. If Knox County would even adopt what the City of Knoxville did and say “No New Billboards” that too would assure a “billboard free” Parkway here. Thank you again for this opportunity for comments that I belive will protect and enhance the scenic beauty of our area.

9. Regarding the extension - Chapman Highway is the problem. If you have driven on it for 6 months you will know it is life threatening. To extend James White Parkway would offer some relief, but the problem remains. Turn lanes are a must! Fix Chapman. Regarding the improve Chapman and other roadways alternative – in 8 to 10 years when the extension work begins, the James White Parkway will become needed. What preliminary work is done to repair caves and sink holes will occupy workers the first few years before any road construction begins. Improve Chapman to remove most dangerous spots first, and then begin the long time work on the parkway.

10. Tie into Sevierville Pike at some point north of John Sevier Hwy. Eventually improve Sevierville Pike to the Sevier County Line.