thedailytimes.com : Your 24/7 news source

Residents came out strong Thursday night against a proposed residential facility for recovering drug addicts.

In response, the Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied a request by Cornerstone of Recovery for a special exception to allow assisted care living facilities and resident facilities at 1329 W. Hunt Road.

The plan called for housing for up to 130 people.

David Patterson, a professor of social work at the University of Tennessee, said the people being treated at the facility would not be dangerous.

"I am aware of the population that is proposed to be in this facility," he said. "These are people who are through the acute phase and in long-term recovery. The likelihood of danger with this kind of population is minimal."

But Former Blount County Director of Schools Alvin Hord spoke against the request.

"I am not here to speak against Cornerstone or any such facility," Hord said. "I worked with students and parents that had these problems. I do not think it needs to be in this kind of area. This property is kind of an island surrounded by houses. ... I am here to speak against this. I urge you to reject it. I have many people here in support of my position."

The motion to deny was made by BZA Member Gordon Wright. "I applaud the effort of Cornerstone, ... but I have some concerns about the health, safety, and the welfare of the general public," he said. "... Under these conditions, it's a beautiful place, it's just in the wrong place."

The BZA also voted to delay consideration of an unlighted, 180-foot-tall cellular tower located on property that fronts on Fox Hollow Road in Townsend. The tower application was the subject of some questions and community opposition.