Knoxville — The Planning Commission voted to postpone action for 60 days on a proposed planned‑development (PD) project on Del Rose Drive that would convert roughly 301.34 acres with RN4 zoning and hillside protection into a multi‑phase residential plan with amenities, after a lengthy public hearing with strong neighborhood opposition.

Taylor Forrester, speaking for the developer, said the team structured the proposal to provide community benefits that are enumerated in the planned‑development ordinance and that the project would include walking trails, “two miles of walking trails,” and a contemplated public‑private partnership to provide a portion of workforce housing through KCDC. Forrester asked the commission to support the concept or to postpone with direction for further revision.

Opponents cited flooding, increased truck traffic from nearby land uses, road safety (Del Rose and Riverside access), and uncertainty about whether amenities labeled as public would truly remain publicly accessible. “Continuing to build with no forethought for the people's safety is negligence,” said a neighborhood commenter who said many homes already experience flooding; another opposed speaker argued Riverside Road was “completely inappropriate as an access road.”

Several community organizations and housing advocates also addressed the commission. Drew Harper, vice president of YES Knoxville, encouraged commission members to “withhold your veto” and to approve more housing to meet a local shortfall; Dustin Durham described the housing shortage from a renter’s perspective. Neighborhood speakers emphasized petitions and hundreds of written comments opposing exceptions requested of the PD zoning.

Commissioners and staff focused their discussion on the PD criteria: how the proposal meets the nine enumerated public‑benefit tests, whether amenities are guaranteed and maintained, and how the city would be a potential beneficiary or enforcement party for any public features. Commissioner Adams urged clearer, binding language for public amenities and cautioned that amenities that become effectively private would “fail” the PD exchange. Vice Chair Huber suggested the commission provide specific guidance to staff and the developer rather than denying outright.

After robust discussion, the commission voted to postpone for 60 days to allow applicant and staff to refine the plan and to produce clearer commitments on public amenities, maintenance agreements and coordination with parks, the mayor’s office and utility departments.