The Johnson City Board of Commissioners convened on August 21, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including zoning designations and land use planning as part of the Horizon 2045 initiative.

The meeting began with a public comment from a resident at 10 Stroudflower Place, who expressed concerns regarding the zoning designation for properties along Claude Simmons Road and Knob Creek Road. The resident requested that the area be limited to rural residential zoning, arguing that the current recommendation, which includes neighborhood residential allowing for multifamily units, could exacerbate traffic issues. They highlighted the significant increase in traffic due to recent developments and noted that the two-lane road was not designed to handle the current volume. The resident emphasized the need to protect property values and ensure that any future developments are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Following this, another resident, Ms. Hilton, addressed the board to follow up on her previous inquiry regarding the management of deindustrialization in the South Rhone Corridor and Buffalo Mountain area. She supported the adoption of the Horizon 2045 ordinance and pointed out the significant reduction in industrial zones proposed in the future land use map, which aligns with community priorities.

The discussions underscored the community's concerns about balancing development with the preservation of residential character and safety on local roads. The board is expected to consider these public comments as they move forward with the Horizon 2045 planning process.