Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cocke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with medium priority
Election Certification
A tie between two in-laws for the final Parrottsville commission seat has been certified in Cocke County, so the winner could be decided by a coin flip or card draw. That means one local race is now down to chance rather than votes.
Election Tie
Two in-laws in Parrottsville are deadlocked at 38 votes each for the same local commission seat, so a recount or coin flip could decide who represents you. It’s a tiny margin with real consequences for local representation.
Commercial rezonings in Cosby and Parrottsville
Two properties were rezoned to C-2 Commercial: 1880 Hartford Road in Cosby and 2331 Happy Hollow Road in Parrottsville, opening them to commercial development.
Pigeon River rafting threatened by I-40 construction
Rafting interests say I-40 work is channelizing and shallowing the Pigeon River, possibly making sections unrunnable. Commissioners approved $50,000 from rafting fees for an engineering plan, with the state chipping in about $80,000.
Speeding and cut-through traffic in Cosby
Residents petitioned for more traffic enforcement on Stone Group Drive and Indian Camp Creek, where drivers cut through and blow four-way stops. A public safety meeting was called.
Proposed French Broad River boat ramp and park
A land conservancy may donate nearly an acre near Del Rio for a public put-in, possibly pre-staging swiftwater rescue gear. No vote yet.
Lithium-ion battery fire safety
A recent fire near the landfill at a scrap metal facility may have been caused by a lithium-ion battery, prompting public safety coordination with fire departments, EMS and the EMA director. The hospital, a major battery user, is working on a shelter-in-place plan.
Highway department temporary offices
The highway department got a one-year lease extension while its building is rebuilt; architects are procured and drawings underway, with FEMA-related grading requirements to be confirmed.
Bike trails and Innovation Park development
The Hogstop Bike Trail environmental work is 75% done with the Forest Service now involved at no fee, and the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park pad is finished with utilities design underway — all funded by grants, not local taxpayers.
Lithium battery disposal
The Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting June 2 at 5:30 p.m. on lithium battery disposal, with fire departments, ambulance service, and rescue squad invited.