Knoxville — The Knoxville Montessori School asked the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission to rezone a 1.46-acre site along Kingston Pike from RN1 to RN3 with hillside protection retained, saying the change would allow additional primary‑structure classroom space. The commission approved the sector plan, one‑year plan and the rezoning after public comment.

Amy Sherrill, representing the school, told the commission the school has “a desire to add additional classroom space” and that RN3 would let the school add a separate small building rather than be limited to accessory‑sized additions. “One of the primary reasons that we're seeking this change is so that we can have additional primary structures on the property,” Sherrill said.

Neighbors who live directly behind the site said they already experience persistent noise and fear further expansion will worsen quality of life. “I'm just asking for a sound buffer, something to allow me to enjoy this beautiful day,” said George Schimick, who lives on Thistlewood Way and said he can hear children from his yard. Schimick asked specifically that the school “commit to a buffer wall versus planting a few trees.”

Sherrill said she could not commit on behalf of the school's board at the hearing but said the school had “been incredibly open about talking with the community” and “would welcome that conversation.” Multiple commissioners urged the school to work with neighbors on mitigation. Commissioner Browning said he would “highly, highly, urge you to get the board to meet with the opposition and highly consider that sound buffer.”

Commissioners approved the sector plan and rezoning with staff recommendations; hillside protection will continue to be a factor in any future plan review. Staff and several commissioners noted that RN3 was a middle‑step zoning that could produce townhome forms but that townhomes would require a separate special‑use review.

The school may pursue design and permitting for new classroom structures; if a building plan proposes greater intensity or new building forms, it must return to the commission for site‑level review where materials, buffers and hours of operation will be considered.