The Gatlinburg City Commission, during the second and final vote, unanimously agreed to rezone portions of the former Fun Mountain property from C-1 (commercial) to C-2. In a C-2 zone structures can be higher by as much as 24 feet over C-1 zones.
Commissioners heard complaints from property owner Tom Thornburgh. He said he spoke for his family members and other neighbors who own property in the area—a few of whom attended the meeting.
“I own property that adjoins the (Fun Mountain) property,” he said. “We want it to stay C-1. We have a beautiful view. We’ve been good neighbors for a lot of years. We want good neighbors around us. We respectfully ask that it stays C-1.”
Allowing the buildings to be higher would block his view of the surrounding mountains and area, he said.
Thornburgh also believes that upgrading the property to C-2 would create an additional need for parking spaces, which the city may address with another parking garage type structure.
Though everyone gave Thornburgh their full attention, when it came time to discuss this item on the agenda, commissioners quickly approved it.
“We’ve already heard some public comments,” said Mayor Mike Werner.
Moving quickly through the old business, commissioners approved second reading of a property tax levying ordinance and amending the zoning ordinance to add an additional subsection to the R-2 district to incorporate accessory real estate offices a permitted use.
In new business, the council approved:
n An off-premise alcohol sale certificate of good moral character and a certificate of compliance for Epifanio Bordes, doing business as Epi’s Fine Wine and Spirits, 1359 East Parkway
n An on-premise alcohol sale certificate of good moral character for Chad Kennedy, doing business as Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina, 735 Parkway Suite 1
n A certificate of good moral character for Chad Kennedy, doing business as Johnny Rockets, 735 Parkway Suite 2 (wine only)
n A ground lease agreement with the Sevier County Board of Education related to the county greenhouse
n The purchase of a greenhouse facility
n An agreement with Enernoc to participate in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Demand Response program
n Declaring certain miscellaneous city property as surplus.
n A resolution authorizing the city to participate in the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool “Driver Safety” matching grant program.
The Beer Board, which is composed of the same membership and meets following the City Commission session, approved:
n An on/off-premise beer permit for Kennedy’s Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina and his Johnny Rockets
n rosborn@themountainpress.com
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