In a recent meeting held by the City of Knoxville's Board of Zoning Appeals, community members voiced strong opposition to a request for variances related to signage for a proposed gas station at the Midway Business Park. The meeting, which took place on July 18, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the impact of large directional signs on the rural character of East Knox County.

Local resident Elaine Clark, who has lived in the area for 25 years, emphasized the importance of maintaining the community's rural aesthetic. She argued that the proposed signage, which includes heights exceeding current regulations, would disrupt the viewshed and contradict the community's efforts to preserve its agricultural landscape. Clark pointed out that the area serves as a gateway to the French Broad River Corridor and the state's first birding park, underscoring the need to protect its natural beauty.

Another speaker, representing Scenic Knoxville, reiterated that the applicant had not demonstrated any hardships that would justify the requested variances. They stressed that the existing signage standards are not arbitrary and should be adhered to in order to maintain the integrity of the community's planning efforts.

Kevin Murphy, another community member, highlighted that the East Knox Community Plan, which was adopted as part of the city's general plan, should guide decisions on variances. He argued that approving the requested signage would conflict with this established plan, further reinforcing the community's stance against the proposal.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is now faced with the challenge of balancing the applicant's needs with the community's desire to preserve its rural character. The outcome of this decision will have lasting implications for the Midway Business Park and the surrounding area, as residents continue to advocate for adherence to the standards they have worked hard to establish over the years.