Just got back from the public hearing on the proposed "sports complex" zoning changes in Blount County. The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 6:30 and last 30 minutes, was a little late getting started and was still going on when we left after 8 PM.

To sum it up, there was overwhelming public opposition to the proposed changes. Participants were vocal, and there was enthusiastic applause and cheering for those who spoke in opposition.

We estimate there were 250 people there, maybe more. It was standing room only and spilling out into the halls. 32 people signed up to speak. When we left, 23 had addressed County Commission. Of those, 18 were opposed to the changes, and five spoke in support. Of the five, four were developers or builders, including Simmerly, the sports complex developer.

(We sat right next to County Mayor Jerry Cunningham and developer Darrell Tipton. They did not seem to be happy campers.)

The buzz we heard from one person who had spoken to some commissioners was that the zoning changes would likely not pass.

One surprise involved a small private airport adjacent to the proposed site of the sports complex. The owner pointed out to County Commission that the relaxed building height restrictions would interfere with takeoffs and landings and would not be within regulations that close to his runway. He said it would create a safety hazard that could shut down his airport. He also noted FAA restrictions on flight over open assemblies such as would occur at outdoor athletic events. This is, I believe, a new wrinkle.

I will have more notes tomorrow. I will say, though, that we were pleasantly surprised to see so many smart, progressive Blount Co. residents in one place. This issue has the community mobilized.