Sevierville Annexes 66 Acres Along Old Newport Highway

Sevierville has annexed more than 66 acres of vacant property along Old Newport Highway, expanding the city boundary and establishing zoning for future commercial and residential development.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen gave final approval Aug. 17 after three readings. The annexation covers three parcels. One is zoned intermediate commercial, while the other two are zoned for low-density residential use.

No specific project has been announced. City officials said interested parties have discussed the property, but the owners have not identified a final development or construction schedule.

The land had previously been considered as a possible park site. That concept did not move forward, leaving the property available for other uses. The newly approved zoning now creates a clearer framework for private development proposals.

Intermediate commercial zoning can accommodate businesses serving surrounding neighborhoods and motorists, while low-density residential zoning limits the intensity of housing on the other parcels. Any detailed project would still have to go through the applicable city planning, site-plan and permitting process.

Residents and nearby business owners raised concerns about traffic during the annexation discussion. Old Newport Highway is already a growing Sevierville corridor, and a sizable development could add vehicles at entrances and nearby intersections depending on the eventual use.

For now, the vote changes jurisdiction and zoning rather than beginning construction. The story will become more concrete when a developer files plans showing what will be built, how the property will be accessed and what infrastructure improvements may be required.