TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Townsend residents are raising concerns about a proposed development by Offland Hotels.
In May 2023, we reported on a potential campground that Yonder Hospitality was proposing for Townsend, but they have since changed the name to Offland. Those plans also changed and evolved into a proposed hotel.
“Right now, they call it a hotel. It doesn't look like any other hotel in Tennessee, but they call it a hotel,” Townsend resident Tommi McEvoy said. .
The proposed hotel plan was approved by the Planning Commission, but some residents like McEvoy remain dissatisfied.
“We want people to be able to come to the river and hike and enjoy the bears,” McEvoy said. “If they rezoning the 27 acres, they will definitely lose the two mother and calf habitats that are known to exist on those 27 acres.”
Pat Jenkins is another resident who agrees with McEvoy. He fears this peaceful side of the Smokey family will no longer exist.
“I feel like that way of life has now become a slogan,” Jenkins says. “I’m very concerned that all the businesses are using it to bring more customers into town.”
The couple welcomes tourists, but said they fear the hotel will turn Townsend into a place like Gatlinburg.
“We're not anti-business, we're not anti-tourist. Obviously that's where a lot of our profits come from,” McEvoy said. “We want to be an alternative to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If developers come here, that will go away.”
There is currently a petition online with thousands of signatures.
“We have over 4,000 signatures from both local residents and visitors,” Mr McEvoy said. “We want to keep the peace in Townsend. No music or loud stuff should be played in outdoor movie theaters until 10 or 11 p.m.
Townsend City Manager Danny Williamson said the Planning Commission approved the plan based on three contingencies. These emergencies include TDEC conducting stormwater tests before issuing a building permit, TDOT approving curb cuts, and developers contacting state archaeologists to find out the steps and ensuring graves are found. This includes listening to recommendations when appropriate.
Once the developer achieves these contingencies, Offland will return to the Planning Commission and present an updated plan, Williamson said.
We contacted Offland but did not receive a response prior to publication.
