A request for a zoning change to put 117 townhome units on 10.8 acres at 7038 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road was deferred for 60 days.
Dawson Halliday said he lives in that area, but has been having trouble finding places to live for his 30 employees. He said they have to reside in Cleveland, Tn., or North Georgia due to the scarcity of housing they can afford.
Dr. Lisa Goolsby, a nearby resident, said she has 24 employees and they do not have trouble finding places to live in the vicinity.
Anne Underwood, who lives next to the tract, said the development would spoil the "farm type living with horses and chickens."
She said her neighbor had sold to Mr. Halliday only after he told her he planned to live there and raise his family and did not mention a townhome development.
The Planning Commission did approve a 118-unit development by Turner Homes LLC of Knoxville on 27.28 acres at 6725 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road.
Stefan Claar of Turner Homes said a part of the project is that Two Rivers Church will occupy the front part of the property with the residences in the rear. The church is now meeting in a gymnasium.
The latest plan is to have 50 single-family homes with the rest attached in various buildings.
The attached residences would be along the freeway, it was stated.
The residences will all be for sale with no rentals, it was stated.
Brad Dolan was opposed, citing the semi-rural character with large lots.