Keeping Townsend’s ‘unique character’: City seeking residents’ help to prepare for the future

TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Often referred to as the peaceful side of the Smokies some in the City of Townsend hope it stays that way as it prepares for the future.

The Community Plan Advisory Committee or CPAC is currently working on developing the long-range plan for the area. Townsend Mayor Don Prater said it was last updated over 10 years ago.

“It’s important to have a modern updated vision for the city of Townsend,” Prater said. “One that’s congruent with what our residents want. And then also be able to help guide us as we do that more granular process of updating our codes and ordinances.”

Tomi McEvoy, a Townsend resident, hopes more restaurants will make their way to the city.

“We would like to see it not too much changed from what it is now,” McEvoy said. “Certainly more restaurants to support the tourists that already come, certainly more services, particularly food. We already have accommodation that is not full 100% of the time.”

Part of the purpose of this plan is to aid city leaders with decisions in the future when it comes to proposed developments and codes.

“It really lays out the guidance, for the planning committee, commission and for our board of commissioners as we encounter different proposals,” Prater said.

McEvoy hopes the peaceful side of the Smokies remains peaceful.

“I would like to think that we can continue to offer an option to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and you can get those things by driving 40 minutes it’s not that far, but to come back to a place bears are literally roaming freely,” McEvoy said.

Prater said the committee is working on balancing what residents want while also preparing for more tourists in the future.

“We have a very unique character here that we are working mightily to be able to preserve and protect,” Prater said. “We want this to be a great place for residents to live we also want this to be a great place for our businesses and visitors as well.”

Prater encourages folks to attend the CPAC meeting. They take place every third Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall.

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