Yesterday was the Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting on the Use on Review, Concept Plan for Innsbruck Farm off Ruggles Ferry Pike in East Knox County.
The Use on Review passed with only 2 no votes. Commissioners said there was NOT much they could do because the zoning was changed in 1988.
The builder/developer Blaine Chrisman of Louisville talked about the Blake Farm. However, many believe that the driving force for this is the son in law of one of the two living Blake’s. That person is, Former Black Wednesday Knox County Commissioner Phil Ballard. He and his wife were featured in a WVLT story talking about the last of the family farm.
WVLT story with Ballard
As a direct descendant of a branch of the Blake family. It aggravates me that Ballard is using his in-laws name and reputation, without being at the MPC meeting. BUT could do a television news story. I’ve known him nearly all my life, so it’s normal for Phil in my opinion.
By the way, there is still a working Blake Farm and those Blake’s began selling sweet corn this week just a few hundred feet up from this property on Ruggles Ferry Pike.
The next question is will this now go to court, court of appeals and ultimately the Supreme Court like the Southwest Knox County Tooles Bend property has?
Let’s hope so. The discovery in any legal action could get interesting.
MPC Commissioners meeting 7/8/2021
Blaine Chrisman, the developer and builder
Tim Vineyard, East Knox County Resident making the communities pitch to disapprove the plan
The massive crowd opposing Innsbruck Farms
David Harbin, Civil Engineer for the developer pitching the development to MPC
the signs were plentiful in the Main Assembly Room
Citizens waiting for the tine to go for the issue. The meeting began at 1:30 pm, Innsbruck did not come up until 4 pm
Listening and being respectful
Showing support for disapproval
The Commissioners said their hands were tied
Commissioners appeared less than impressed with the crowd
meeting underway
