Each day, we eagerly watch for the falcon, skunks, foxes, salamanders, and other stunning wildlife that make this place their home. This connection to nature is a crucial element of our lives here.

Unfortunately, our oasis of natural beauty is under imminent threat. Developers have set their sights on the 22-acre wildlife refuge at 1407 Montvale, a sanctuary teeming with life and a vital part of our community's ecosystem. Their plans will not only destroy the habitat of countless animals but also severely impact our daily lives.

The development project will contribute to overcrowding our already strained schools and worsen the traffic congestion on our roads. These changes will erode the quality of life in our neighborhood and threaten the balance we've struck between urban living and natural beauty.

Statistics show that urban sprawl can lead to displacement of wildlife, increased pollution, and loss of community identity. According to the National Wildlife Federation, such unchecked urban development endangers not only the ecosystems but also the communities closely tied to them.

We can change this narrative. By halting this destructive project, we preserve not only the wildlife refuge at  Montvale but also the fabric of our community.

Let us stand together to save Bob, Betty, and all the wildlife with whom we share this earth. Let us protect our schools, ease our roads, and maintain the harmony between human development and nature.

Please join us in demanding that our local authorities deny any development permits for this project. Together, we can make a difference. Sign this petition to protect our beloved wildlife refuge and uphold the values of preservation and balance in our community.

Your signature is a step toward safeguarding our natural legacy for future generations. Please sign and share this petition widely.

Why You Should Be Concerned Too

How Can We Help? 

1. Sign our Online Petition!

2. Show Up! 

3. Contact your Representative

Write your Representatives!

Feel free to simply copy and paste this language into an email: 

Dear [Commissioner / Council Member / Mayor / Representative Name],

I am a resident of Maryville and am writing to share my concerns regarding the proposed 90-unit townhouse development at 1407 Montvale Road to be discussed at the February 19th Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting.

I am concerned that the proposal for a high-density development is not appropriate for the Residential District nor for this particular section of the Montvale Road corridor.

The proposed high-density development — approximately 90 multi-family townhouse units on this parcel, with an average of roughly 10 units per acre —is inconsistent with the City of Maryville Zoning Standards for the Residential District and inconsistent with the City of Maryville Land Use Plan 2035. Additionally, Montvale Road functions as a transitional corridor, and this proposal more closely resembles urban infill development than what currently exists along this roadway.

I am also concerned about infrastructure impacts, particularly to traffic and stormwater management. A development of this density will generate significant additional vehicle trips, yet there has been no clear demonstration of how Turnberry Lane or Montvale Road can safely accommodate this increase. Similarly, the plan relies heavily on detention and common areas for stormwater control without providing assurances regarding long-term maintenance or downstream impacts on neighboring properties.

Finally, I am concerned about the precedent this proposal could set. Approval of this level of density within the Residential District at this location may encourage similar developments elsewhere in the city resulting in incremental changes that outpace infrastructure capacity and long-term planning goals.

I respectfully ask that you carefully consider these concerns and advocate for development decisions that align with the goals of the City of Maryville Land Use Plan 2035 to respect and protect the character of the city, those attributes that make Maryville a desireable place to live, and maintain a safe, beautiful, and prosperous community.

Thank you for your time and for your service to the City of Maryville.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Street or Neighborhood (optional)]

Maryville, TN

Here are the representatives we recommend contacting: 

Reference: Special Exception Zoning Appeal for 1407 Montvale Rd in your email and copy the email addresses listed below: 

development@maryville-tn.gov

Mayor Andy White: awhite@maryville-tn.gov

Vice Mayor Fred Metz: fmetz@maryville-tn.gov

Council member Sarah Herron: sherron@maryville-tn.gov

Council member Tommy Hunt:  thunt@maryville-tn.gov

Council member Drew Miles: dmiles@maryville-tn.gov

City Manager Greg McClain:  gmcClain@maryville-tn.gov

5. Share this cause with other concerned citizens