TOP PHOTO:  Bob Fannon (left) and Jonathan Broyles of Riggs Drug

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – “On this piece of property we are looking to buy, the front of it, 1, 2, 3, 4 (lots), is zoned commercial but lots 20, 21 and 22 are not (zoned commercial).  I’ve come to ask if we could get that commercial so we can build a building on that piece of property,” said pharmacist Bob Fannon of Riggs Drug.

Fannon is referencing the former Johnny Dunaway Law Office building and surrounding lots (ABOVE) at the corner of East Central Avenue and North 6th Street near Walters Funeral Home.    It was at a  City of La Follette Regional Planning Commission meeting that Fannon made his request known.

(Left to right around the table) are Mike Stanfield, Ed Wheeler, Mark Hoskins, Bob Fannon, Jonathan Broyles, Jimmy Jeffries, Dewayne Gibson, Olivia Thompson and Joe Bolinger.  (Below) Mayor Mike Stanfield takes a close look at the city block being discussed.

“What this body, the planning commission, needs to do is to vote to pass it on to the full council.  It would take making the whole block commercial so it’s not considered ‘spot’ zoning,”  said city administrator Jimmy Jeffries.  “Taking the entire block commercial will not increase the property taxes for the homeowners on the block.”  It was also said that everyone within 200-feet of the proposed zoning change will be sent a letter notifying them of the current talks,” City of La Follette Clerk and Human Resources Officer Stan Foust said.

Mayor Mike Stanfield said  there are only three houses on the entire block.

Further along in the short meeting, Surveyor Scott Bowlin added, “A concern is that we need to get with the state about the entrance (to the proposed new building).”

Lafollette Planning Commission member and City Councilman Mark Hoskins said, “That would be very crucial.”  Bowlin went on to say, of course we know about the top of this hill; this crest.  Hoskins pointed out that there should be, at the very minimum, a flashing light there.

Prior to Tuesday’s special called planning commission meeting, (left) Bob Fannon and Jonathan Broyles visit with Mark Hoskins (out of the frame).

Fannon commented he’s pushed for time and would like to get this approved soon.  Jeffries said it would take a first reading for the ordinance, then a public hearing and a final reading with council casting its votes.  “We could have a special called council meeting,” Hoskins said.  Jeffries commented he would ask Reid (Troutman – City Attorney) for direction in the matter.

Lafollette Planning Commission member Ed Wheeler made the motion to vote to send Fannon’s request on to the full council.  It was seconded by Stanfield.  The meeting, that ran about 12 minutes, adjourned after the unanimous vote by the planning commission to send the request on to the full council. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 07/17/2019-6AM)

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