The Isle of Farragut
I keep hearing from people outside our town that Farragut is a stuck up little princess of a town that does things their own way and that if others don't like it, well, they can just kiss the town's "rear end". Lately, I can see why. We have over-crowded schools. We also have people that drive like they own the entire road, other people that drive like they are in the Farragut 500! As a result, we have the ever increasing problem of traffic accidents and injuries/fatalities. There is also no law enforcement for such a large number of residents (not to knock the KCSD, but they have to service an entire county, not just Farragut). There are businesses that give it a go, but the town doesn't support them (you can probably name at least 2 or 3), so they pack up and leave. Well, I'd better stop ranting before the establishment thinks I'm totally hating the town (which I'm not).
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Anonymous comments are allowed, but keep them clean, o.k. We don't want to become the editng police!
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Anonymous comments are allowed, but keep them clean, o.k. We don't want to become the editng police!
posted by Mike at 8:11 AM
27 Comments:
I agree that we are labeled as our own little isle. Of course, getting our OWN zipcode doesn't help the matter at all...
True, but what does it say when most of the residents don't even know there's a meeting. How many people look at the town calendar they get each year promoting Farragut/West Knox businesses? It has each meeting listed there.
My problem is that its inconvenient to watch on Charter Cable or attend in person due to my schedule. Like a lot of residents in my age group, I think that we have too much going on in our personal lives to get involved with town politics.
Well, right now I'm going through some personal stuff, but I at least make some time for my own subdivision by serving on its board. That's a place to start. Not everyone can be on a board, but you can help and the more people we get participating in our community, the better!
Howdy...just happened along your blog and am curious as to why you want to live in Farragut. Personally, I live in a neighborhood contiguous to downtown which is quickly being revitalized. I can walk to the symphony, opera, Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, KMA, great restaurants and my office. I'm not from around here but I am amazed that the folks who have discovered what I have don't seem to be native Knoxvillians.
Frankly, Farragut is nice but has so little to offer and my friends who live there talk about how transient it is and how superficially like "Stepford" it tends to be with unimaginative neighborhoods clustered with cookie-cutter houses.
Why Farragut?
Well, to be honest, I moved to Farragut because it is only 8 minutes (on a bad day) to work! It's close to everything I need and I do use the walking trail that goes through my subdivision.
I like whats going on downtown, but for me, I'd rather travel down there once in a while, rather than every day coming out west knox to work.
Eight minutes isn't bad at all for a commute. It is sort of "chicken & egg" .... businesses (employers) followed the suburban sprawl to Farragut. I prefer the many sidewalks of an urban setting personally but I do like the nice parks of Farragut.
Basically, the issue with this entire blog is suburban sprawl. You can't undo the past but you can affect the future.
The schools in Farragut have the worst crowding and I'm told the worst drug problems. The traffic is bad and crime is growing. I have to wonder how much of Farragut's appeal is simply based upon segregation...not racial but socioeconomic?
Fixing the problems which you list simply makes the area more appealing and could thereby exacerbate sprawl continuing a perpetual cycle. As opposed to this, we (Knox County) should embrace Smart Growth concepts and implement increased taxes for those creating the sprawl. A denser population is simply easier and more economical to service; if that density doesn't appeal to a population (such as those who have chose to reside in Farragut), why should everyone have to pay for their choice?
Give Farragut residents the stick before allowing them to ask for the carrot.
Give Farragut residents the stick before allowing them to ask for the carrot.
I am for Smart and Sensible growth. Let me get that out there now. Right now, however, growth is essentially uncontrolled in Farragut. Most towns as they develop grow from the center out, right? Not in Farragut. Our town is put together like a jigsaw puzzle. Developers take any swatch of land they can get, develop it, get their $$$ and leave the results to the FBMA and the FMPC as well as the homeowners. The town has done very little if anything to stop it and unfortunately back in April when the opportunity for change was given the residents didn't take it.
I don't know what we can do.
WE SHOULD CHARGE IMPACT TAXES AND USE IT FUND THE NEW SERVICES NEEDED.
Impact fees--I don't know which way I feel about them. On the one hand they pay for the upgrades necessary for the subdivision and town to be built out. However, on the other hand, that cost gets passed on to the new homeowner, thereby increasing the cost of the home. Regardless, it's the homeowners who end up paying, isn't it?
Yes it is the homeowners who pay for it...but NEW homeowners. In other words, it would be more expensive to build new subdivisions in Farragut...thus thwarting sprawl and most of the problems contained on this blog
Mike said...
It's close to everything I need and I do use the walking trail that goes through my subdivision.
***When you live in the suburbs, you have to go somewhere to walk; when you live in a cool urban environment, you walk to go somewhere.***
Drugs, cookie-cutter housing, excessive sprawl, chain restaurants, crime and traffic are Farragut problems that don't appeal to me.
Be part of the solution and leave the problem...it's called "Farragut".
Mike said...
Impact fees--I don't know which way I feel about them. On the one hand they pay for the upgrades necessary for the subdivision and town to be built out. However, on the other hand, that cost gets passed on to the new homeowner, thereby increasing the cost of the home. Regardless, it's the homeowners who end up paying, isn't it?
The homeowner should pay the costs because they receive the benefit. I like the idea of impact fees. Why should everyone else have their taxes go up so a new development can be built on a secondary road?
If you listen to the home builders you would think taxes would go down with the housing growth we have. The reality is that taxes go up with new development.
Drugs, cookie-cutter housing, excessive sprawl, chain restaurants, crime and traffic are Farragut problems that don't appeal to me.
Be part of the solution and leave the problem...it's called "Farragut".
Except for sprawl and chain restaurants the reasons you list above are why I moved from downtown to Farragut. I have not seen a dead body in Farragut. I did when I lived downtown.
In you like concrete then live downtown. I like playing golf, walking on the walking trails, and fishing. Farragut is perfect for the life I enjoy. I have yet to have anyone beg me for money living here.
The sprawl haters walk to the downtown pub and bitch about Farragut. How funny. This is my favorite analysis of the sprawl haters:
http://www.knoxpatch.com/news.asp?id=350
Downtown (But Slightly East of Center) Knoxville
by Bjorn Knoxley
Do you like to walk for blocks to find anything green? Do you think the sky should only be visible when you look straight up? Would you rather an empowered city worker clean your sidewalk rather than you mow your own yard? Then downtown Knoxville is just the place for you. With plenty of concrete, old buildings, and trendy people, you cannot get more politically correct than moving into a quaint loft renovated by someone hoping that the revitalization of downtown will line their pockets with exponentially increased property values!
Nothing says “communal” like endless city blocks crammed with concrete boxes, some that are even old and therefore architecturally more magnificent than a Wal-Mart. The feeling of living in an ant-farm will escape you as you revel in the delights of a rooftop party. Your friends, the upstairs, downstairs, next-door, and across-the-hall neighbors, will help you grow as a person when you are exposed to them in close-quarters, especially when they stomp across your ceiling or play their world music so you can hear it through the thin walls of your lush lofty flat.
Traffic is not a problem, as you are morally opposed to the automobile. You will feel ecstasy as you join internet groups and pat your fellow communal pals on the back about your progressive views. Parking is irrelevant because you can put your Segway on the freight elevator and park it in your closet. You have no need to journey beyond the confines of your little town; because an SUV driver might kill you, and besides, you can order everything you need off eBay.
Stroll the streets of downtown Knoxville, but don’t blink because you might miss an architectural masterpiece or a beautiful concrete pad designed for mass assemblies before you wind up at one end or the other. You could throw a rock and hit the art district, but don’t, because those Victorian houses sure are fragile. Folks in the suburbs have to fight traffic and find a parking space to enjoy these delights, but not you.
Pray for rain, if you believe in that sort of thing. It will wash the dirt and grime away leaving you with a pristine, paved surface. But not too much rain because the sewers might back up and cause the rats to emerge and sleep on your doorstep.
Feeling charitable? You can be made to feel better about yourself by donating to any one of many homeless folk who roam the streets like lost souls. Besides, if you don’t, they may rob, shoot, or assault you. Or better yet, set up a soup kitchen in the alley behind your loft complex.
Work downtown? Why fight the hustle and bustle when you can just walk 6 blocks to your fabulous newly renovated flat? Most people we know love to live where they work. It builds a much better communal spirit.
Plasma Donation Center
Don’t have money for rent again? Donate plasma! You can raise almost $300 a month selling your body!
No Parking
Keep the ignorant suburbanites out, or at least amuse yourself for hours watching them drive around in circles while trying to park their SUVs, by making parking scarce and then charging richly for it. Have the city police tow in vehicles from the Sheriff’s lot to tie up meter spots. Then puzzle for hours on end over drinks at the pub wondering why downtown does not flourish.
The City-County Building
Why drive and look for parking when you can take a cab or just walk on over to pay for your public intoxication citation?
UT Stadium
Why get bogged down attending games and rooting for teams other than UT’s? Get those other stadiums out of downtown and move them to the suburbs.
Market Square “Mall”
A perfectly flat piece of new concrete, completely void of any grass. Admire a couple of random oaks as they poke up through their designated rain-runoff square. Enjoy shopping at one of the three or four boutiques. Enjoy food at the restaurant. Complain when port-a-potties are left out overnight.
Free Gym Membership
Not really, but who needs a gym when you get to walk up 5 flights of stairs because the elevator is broken? Or when you get to walk everywhere you go, or sometimes run when it’s raining?
Convention Center
It’s always available for your event, and it’s nearby. So during the evil auto shows, you can jeer at the crowds from the comfort of your window or complain when the conventioneers head to the suburbs for real food, drink, and good times.
Lofts
Enjoy life in a loft, built in one of many downtown buildings that were once condemned, but which we promise have been put back in code and up to standards by developers that were not looking for tax breaks or quick profits by escalating rents and property values.
Warehouse District
Wear a special badge, only provided to residents of downtown Knoxville, that will keep you from getting mugged, raped, or killed while walking late at night through our warehouse district. Only naïve suburbanites will be victimized here, on their way back to their SUVs.
Activities for the Whole Family
· If you bothered to have kids, or they don’t already hate you, take them to the various water squirt/fountain things set up around town, except not in the winter because they might get sick.
· Feed the carp.
· Feed the river rats.
Trendy Restaurants
· Le Irish Pub: While there, you may feed your mind with insightful banter from fellow progressives while you feed your stomach with fine ale, stout, or un-sweet tea.
· Brew Pub: We don’t remember the name because it’s changed more often than our disposable razors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy their fine home-brewed brew.
· The Trash Bin: Why pay when you can just run down a back-alley and eat from a trash bin? But beware: Tuesdays are trash day and they’ll be empty for a few days after.
Night Life
To keep from confusing people and to work around structural problems, all of downtown’s nightclubs have been relocated to a single complex. Depending on which night and what time you go, expect to be entertained by a different experience, whether it’s live music or the DJ's personal repetitive-beat-generating software, you will have a great time guaranteed. Be sure to carry your special downtown badge so you don’t get raped, murdered, or robbed on your way home!
Historic Buildings
There are many historic buildings in downtown Knoxville, although we aren’t sure why they’re historic. We heard a rumor that Hank Williams might have died in one of them, or at least shortly after visiting one. But regardless, they are OLD, and most of them are condemned, but not for long due to our Building Inspector Buyout program. Many will soon be lofts!
The Theater
Do you enjoy going out to the movies? Unless downtown activists can successfully block it again, there may one day be a movie theater built for your enjoyment. If so, we hope you like art movies! But don’t expect a parking garage nearby, especially not a well-lit one. Shucks, you can’t have everything.
Soon to be constructed
· Nothing.
· Nada.
· Zilch.
Soon to be renovated
· An old building.
· Another old building.
· An old and condemned building.
Summary
In summary, if you are looking for a place to live in extreme close proximity to other progressives like yourself in a communal experience like none other than Stalingrad itself, pack your bags (but not too many because there isn’t much space—but don’t worry, you don’t like your space anyway) and come on down to downtown Knoxville! Directions: head east on I-40 until the bottleneck. Exit right and hurry to the special downtown badge dispensary by the river. Parking not provided.
Concerning Impact fees, should new homeowners have to pay for the lack of planning by our town fathers? Should it and/or can it be imposed on Commerical or Industrial Development only? I still don't have an opinion on this, btw (which is why I'm asking the questions to become informed enough to get an opinion), so continue to comment!
Mike,
To answer your question, let's imagine that far east Knox County becomes the new hot area. Hundreds of subdivisions go in, roads must be constructed, utilities must be put in place and several new schools built. The result is that 1/2 of Farragutians move here.
Who is to pay for all of this?
Impact fees put a leash on uncontrolled sprawl. If this had been put into place 15 years ago, Farragut would likely be the quaint little hamlet that we all moved here for...of course, our home prices would have been higher but you get what you pay for and we have paid for nothing but rather have ridden the backs of the taxpayers in the areas of Knox County that have been left.
Jim
living in Farragut and loving it said...
I have not seen a dead body in Farragut.
I guess you missed the Radio Shack murders, Scott Loveday's murder, the Village Green home invasions, etc. According to law enforcement, the safest neighborhood is now Old North Knoxville...just 5 minutes north of downtown.
The satire from KnoxPatch is cute...it's easy to be a naysayer.
Constantine
The satire from KnoxPatch is cute...it's easy to be a naysayer.
I will grant you that there is limited fishing downtown. You would be insane to eat any fish you reel in. Where are the golf courses, tennis courts, soccer fields, and parks downtown? I think the YMCA still has basketball. There used to be tennis courts at Cal Johnson Rec Center.
Other than eating, drinking, and looking at stuff, what does downtown have to offer to people that enjoy recreation and fellowship out of doors?
For 30 years we enjoyed the Westside Theater at Dixie Lee. Having lived both the urban, suburban, and country experience I prefer to go with the green.
Who is nay saying who?
Fixing the problems which you list simply makes the area more appealing and could thereby exacerbate sprawl continuing a perpetual cycle. As opposed to this, we (Knox County) should embrace Smart Growth concepts and implement increased taxes for those creating the sprawl. A denser population is simply easier and more economical to service; if that density doesn't appeal to a population (such as those who have chose to reside in Farragut), why should everyone have to pay for their choice?
Give Farragut residents the stick before allowing them to ask for the carrot.
Hold on a second. You make it sound like others are subsidizing the people that choose to live in Farragut. Care to back that up with some facts?
The people in Farragut pay the highest taxes of anyone in Knox County for county property taxes. We do not receive enough coverage from the Sheriffs Department and our schools receive the least amount of money per capita from Knox County Schools. Our schools are the most overcrowded in the system.
We are paying much more than our fair share for what we are receiving. The fact we have good roads is because of the Town of Farragut not Knox County.
Your comment that, “A denser population is simply easier and more economical to service” is simply an urban myth no pun intended. It may sound logical but where is the evidence?
I appreciate you like living where you do. I hope you understand that is not for everyone and it certainly doesn’t make those of us that prefer the suburbs “bad guys.”
There are Smart Growth designs that do allow people to have more than the small yards of 4th and Gill. Impact fees help everyone in the long run because they make for better and more resell able developments. The scrape and burn methods of making suburban developments is old school. Allowing developers to use plastic or metal pipes for sewer and drainage simply means the homeowners and taxpayers will have to redo these pipes at great expense later.
We need to find a way to intelligently grow the remaining undeveloped areas of Knox County in a way that does not create a balloon note for those that pay Knox County property taxes.
If there are any ”bad guys” it is those politicians that allow developers to cut corners and build substandard developments that the homeowners and taxpayers have to fix downstream.
As a Farraut resident, I have to agree with the person supporting a denser population...it is just common sense. Let's not forget that "urban" doesn't just mean downtown but includes the neighborhoods surrounding downtown such as Sequoyah Hills, Island Home, Old North and Fourth & Gill. These areas have great parks and recreation areas that could be even greater if county resources were not stretched thinly by sprawl.
living in Farragut and loving it said...
I have not seen a dead body in Farragut.
***
And don't forget the sprawl necessitates more windshield time thereby increasing traffic deaths.
AC said...
Your comment that, “A denser population is simply easier and more economical to service” is simply an urban myth
Actually it's not unless you can explain how:
A new school being built is less costly than using one that is underutilized which wouldn't have been if not for farflung growth.
A sheriff's deputy can be "beamed" to Farragut...he/she has to drive there...thus more windshield time, cruiser depreciations, operating expense, etc.
Utility lines don't magically appear nor do water and sewer lines; these are not free.
The list could obviously go on and on.
A new school being built is less costly than using one that is underutilized which wouldn't have been if not for farflung growth.
Why is the school underutilized? Because people that have children do not wish to live there. People live where they want to live and this is why Farragut is so popular.
Find a way to make the area you support more popular rather than telling people why the suburbs of Farragut are so wrong.
I would love to see your area be more popular. It would remove some pressure off our town. It takes more than cutting us down. You have to find ways to make the urban experience appealing for families with children.
Talking about the evils of sprawl will not help much. Is anyone listening?
i agree with the sprawl guy. i just read that we have the same number of school children as 10 years ago. why not rezone inward?
Rezoning inward seems to make perfect sense whereas building another new, shiny school will create more sprawl----where does it end?
Knoxville is blessed with wonderful urban neighborhoods but my realtor said that they were unsafe. I was very disappointed to learn that those neighborhoods actually have less crime than Farragut.
Luckily, Farragut can achieve greatness but will need to stop the overbuilding which consumes enormous resources---it's pell-mell and we end up with overcrowded roads, a declining environment and overcrowded schools.
Some keep talking about the fact that we Farragutians pay the most property taxes...well, per capita any way. This is a short-sighted response though....if our higher priced home had been built on available land closer to the center of Knoxville, existing infrastructure...both fixed (i.e. roads) and variable (i.e. police & other EMS services) would have been better utilized and the higher property taxes could have been used to make the urban center even better. We caused the sprawl and need to quit the silly whining...pay up a few thousand per household annually and get the services you're crying for. We're the ones that stretched the resources and are obviously the ones that should pay...and we should pay more...we caused the problem!
Jon
Farragut is a Republican stronghold and will not go for more taxes. We want our cake and the ability to eat it to---even at the expense of our neighbors.
Several folks on this blog have written about the public infrastructure costs of suburban sprawl and have done a nice job of identifying them. Others seem to think that it is Downtown v. Farragut.
The issue of sprawl is about density and not downtown living v. Farragut living. Farragut is a very good example of uncontrolled sprawl and to add to a previous poster's thoughts about the cost of public infrastructure, don't forget the private sector too.
If you were a business owner,would you rather service a market that is widely spread out meaning multiple locations or one that is more dense? The answer is obvious: a denser population means a greater ability to service folks without unnecessary and duplicative bricks and mortar and extra employees.
A denser population would also result in greater feasibility of public transportation which would in turn improve our environment and contain the traffic problems persistently mentioned.
So in summary, the growth of Farragut has harmed our community by increasing sprawl; however, it is not too late to enact good urban planning. The way to do this is to limit continued growth in outlying areas. That's the correct strategy. The correct tactics would be to simulataneously promote areas between Farragut and downtown, between Halls and downtown, etc. etc. while creating financial penalty for sprawl in terms of impact fees.
Ben Harringer
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