Residents oppose Noble Metals expansion citing zoning violations in Oak Ridge community

Concerns over Noble Metals' operations dominated the Oak Ridge City Council meeting on June 9, 2025, as residents voiced frustrations regarding ongoing issues with the business's expansion and its impact on the neighborhood.

Residents reported that Noble Metals, which had previously sought to expand its operations to include building materials, has continued to bring in construction debris despite being denied permission to sort materials on a specific lot. One resident highlighted that they had submitted around 60 complaints through the city’s codes portal, only to see them marked as duplicates and closed without further action. “We really do not want to go the attorney route,” the resident stated, emphasizing their desire for the city to address the situation rather than pursuing legal action against Noble Metals.

City officials acknowledged the complaints and the complexities surrounding zoning laws, particularly following the change in ownership of Noble Metals. The council discussed the potential for a nuisance claim if evidence showed that conditions had worsened since residents moved to the area.

In a more positive note, the council celebrated the achievements of four young ladies from Robertsville Bridal School, who recently won a state competition for their design work on the local animal shelter. They are set to represent Oak Ridge at the national level in Nashville in just a few weeks.

Additionally, the council addressed concerns about sediment control from various land-disturbing activities around the city, agreeing to schedule a briefing on stormwater management challenges.

As the meeting concluded, city officials reiterated their commitment to addressing community concerns while fostering local development and business growth.