The state plan to extend PPE from the end at Old Knoxville Road through homes, homesteads/ farms farmland and Wetlands…..to end on E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
Adding unnecessary traffic and congestion. -Ruth Holloway
Watch the TDOT virtual video of the route planned for the Pellissippi Parkway Extention with added narration by CAPPE president Jay Clark. Click here, TDOT simulated fly-over video, narrated by Jay Clark CAPPE President.
BLOUNT COUNTY (September 19, 2021) – Citizens Against Pellissippi Parkway Extension (CAPPE) members and supporters are strongly encouraged to attend the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in-person meeting 5-7 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 21.
The presence and support of as many concerned citizens as possible are needed. It’s of the utmost importance for CAPPE members and supporters to be present.
If you need a ride, Email saveitdontpaveit@gmail.com or call Jay Clark at 865-340-9183.
Important Information
The meeting will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, September 21 at Heritage High School, 3741 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804
LIKELY FORMAT:
- Presentation by TDOT staff in the auditorium
- Q&A at a microphone in front of an audience. Questions are supposed to be focused on the design of the PPE. We don’t know how much time will be allowed for each person or for the entire Q&A. If you plan to speak, be prepared with questions rather than lengthy comments. You can include your name and brief info about yourself and thank TDOT for the opportunity, but all of that takes up valuable time for question(s)!
- Time to view maps and speak one-on-one to TDOT staff
OPTIONS to have your concerns recorded in the public record: the Q&A (public forum); speaking to the court reporter; or submitting written comments, which must be received by TDOT by OCTOBER 12. (The address for written comments is at the end of this email.)
However you choose to comment (public Q&A, court reporter, and/or mailing written comments to TDOT), please include one of the following lines/messages, in your OWN WORDS if you prefer:
- I have concerns about the impact the PPE will have on our community.
- I am very unhappy with the decisions leaders are making that might negatively impact our community’s future.
- The PPE is an example of bad choices for our community’s future.
By using these phrases, we hope to connect our opposition to the PPE to the increasing sense in the community that Blount County is developing randomly and too rapidly, a message we want County officials to hear (and associate with the PPE!).
MAPS AND SPECIFICS: You can talk one-on-one to TDOT staff about a specific piece of property, for example; questions of where the PPE route crosses or borders properties, location of sidewalks, length of off-ramps, and so on. The public notice for the meeting asked that issues related to specific properties be addressed in one-on-one conversations with TDOT staff.
Folks, at this stage stating our opposition to the PPE, is a message that also extends to our elected officials representing Blount County and the City of Maryville, those with the authority to tell TDOT “No, thanks” on behalf of their constituents and affected communities. Our elected representatives, officials. We need to be heard by those who have the authority For this we need numbers, and we need pointed questions. (See talking points, attached.) TDOT will try to make this meeting a non-event. Don’t let this happen! Press coverage is expected.
Again, let us know if you need a ride or other assistance to attend. Email saveitdontpaveit@gmail.com or call Jay Clark at 865-340-9183.
Thank you for your steadfast support all these years!
The CAPPE Board of Directors
Address for written comments (DEADLINE OCT. 12):
Project Comments
Tennessee Dept. of Transportation
Suite 700, James K. Polk Building
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243-0332
Click here for CAPPE Suggested Talking Points