Concerns over road safety dominated the Loudon County Commission Workshop Meeting on September 15, 2025, as officials and residents voiced their apprehensions regarding the proposed entrances for a new subdivision on East Matlock Bend Road. Commissioner Randolph highlighted the potential dangers of the narrow road, particularly for school buses and large trucks navigating a blind hill near the Yogi Bear Campground.

Residents expressed alarm over the existing conditions, noting that school buses have already been seen veering outside their lanes on the treacherous switchback. One speaker emphasized the need for the commission to consider the practical implications of overdevelopment, urging that safety should take precedence over the number of houses proposed for the area.

The discussion also touched on the necessity of having two entrances for developments of 35 lots or more, which could lead to a significant increase in traffic. While some commissioners acknowledged the need for road improvements, they pointed out that the development had already been approved by the Loudon County Planning Commission prior to recent changes in road standards.

In a related discussion, Pat Hunter raised questions about the enforcement of agreements between the county and a local entity regarding property maintenance. Hunter stressed the importance of ensuring that all parties uphold their responsibilities to prevent liability issues.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing road safety and the implications of development in the area remained clear, with officials promising to consider the concerns raised by residents. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how to balance growth with community safety.