During a recent Townsend Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, April 13, two proposals for outdoor-oriented, overnight rentals caught the attention of officials, leading to discussions about potential updates to existing ordinances.
“The times, they are a-changin’,” planning commissioner Michael Talley said. “Use to be brick and mortar is what everybody thought and expected, but it’s different now.”
As per a report, the larger of the two requests came from Yonder Hospitality, a Nashville-based company known for its innovative concepts in hospitality.
Yonder Hospitality proposed a 130-unit hotel/campground with an additional 36 camping spots for recreational vehicles. Spokesperson Luke Searcy described the idea as “a hotel with dirt and grass-floored hallways” and highlighted the unique features of the development, including an outdoor movie theater, a pool, hot tubs, and food trucks.
“We have a lot of innovative concepts, and we appreciate the opportunity to innovate, but we probably also need to make sure we’re consistent with our ordinance,” said Mayor Don Prater. “And if the ordinance needs to be updated to reflect that, now would be the time.”
The property of interest, encompassing over 35 acres, is currently divided into multiple pieces with different zoning designations, including residential and business. Rezoning is required for the development, as the two 4.5-acre pieces designated for live-in residences need to be changed to business designations. This process could take at least three months, contingent upon Yonder’s property purchase.
However, defining the type of structure proposed by Yonder within Townsend’s ordinances has proven challenging.
City planner with East Tennessee Development District, Joe Barrett, explained that Yonder’s units are stationary and smaller than a cabin but not mobile like recreational vehicles. Barrett compared them to yurts in Pigeon Forge but noted that yurts are not as permanent as Yonder’s proposed structures. This ambiguity in defining the structures has become a hurdle for potential development, and officials are working to find a solution.
“If this is the wave of the future, then we may be seeing something like this or at least a combination of different types of uses that would be at a campground,” Barrett said.
Yonder has previously developed a property near Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah with similar components to their proposed Townsend development. In a draft of the development proposal presented by Searcy, statistics estimate that approximately 800,000 vehicles, or roughly 2 million people, pass through Townsend annually to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Townsend Mayor Prater acknowledged that the timing of the innovative development proposals is interesting, as the town is currently working to define its characteristics and add regulations to protect its unique character.
Another proposal from a campground owner, Greg Scully of Mountaineer Campground, to add camping pods to his property was also discussed during the same meeting. Scully’s pods, described as being about the size of a shed and shaped like teardrops with shingled roofs and wooden frames, would be considered hard-walled tents and must be situated outside a designated flood zone.
Building codes enforcement officer Chuck Queen confirmed that Scully’s pods would fit into existing codes as long as they are located outside of the flood zone. However, like Yonder’s proposal, pods are not currently defined or regulated structures within Townsend’s ordinances.
To test the success of the proposed development, Scully mentioned that he would start with only one of the camping pods on his property, and if it proves to be popular, he would consider adding more. He expressed his desire to offer unique camping experiences to visitors while adhering to existing regulations.
The discussions during the planning commission meeting highlighted the need for the town to revisit its campground ordinances to address the emerging trends in outdoor-oriented hospitality. The town officials are now tasked with defining and regulating these innovative concepts, such as Yonder’s hotel/campground and Scully’s camping pods, to ensure they align with the town’s vision and values.
Mayor Prater emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with the town’s character, stating, “We want to encourage new ideas and economic growth, but at the same time, we need to protect the charm and authenticity of our town that draws visitors to our area.”
Townsend has long been known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty attracting tourists seeking a peaceful getaway. As the town continues to evolve and adapt to changing tourism trends, officials are keen on finding a balance between innovation and preservation.
While the proposals from Yonder Hospitality and Mountaineer Campground have sparked discussions about updating ordinances, the officials are also seeking input from the community and other stakeholders. Public hearings will be held to gather feedback and opinions on the proposed developments before any decisions are made.
In addition to defining and regulating these innovative concepts, officials also consider the potential impact on infrastructure, traffic, and environmental concerns. The proposed developments would require careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure responsible and sustainable growth in the area.
Despite the challenges and complexities, the town officials are optimistic about the opportunities presented by these innovative development proposals. They recognize the potential for economic growth, job creation, and increased tourism in the area. However, they also emphasize the need to balance modernization and preserving Townsend’s unique character.
As discussions and deliberations continue, the officials are committed to thoroughly evaluating the proposals and their potential impact on the town. Any changes to the ordinances will be carefully considered and implemented to ensure they align with the town’s long-term vision and values.
Isn’t it intriguing how Townsend’s campground rules review could influence tourism? Imagine the buzz around Yonder’s unique structures and Mountaineer’s camping pods shaping the town’s charm. Your thoughts on this?