.jpg)
ssharp
JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Campbell County residents are continuing to express their disapproval of a proposed 600 home development in the Shanghai community. At Thursday night’s Campbell County Planning Commission meeting, Demory resident Robb Kerr addressed the commission outlining the problems with the proposed development.
The safety issues with Shanghai Road were the first concern Kerr asked the commission to consider.
“At the best of times” it can be difficult for two cars to pass, he said. Once the tourist season starts, the road becomes more dangerous.
If the road is widened, who is at risk of losing their property, Kerr asked the commission. He also asked the commission what would happen to the environment when construction started. What impact would it have on not only the residents but the land itself, he asked.
The Shanghai community is also home to a cemetery and several unmarked graves. How will this sacred ground be handled, Kerr pressed the commission with.
Crafted Milestone, LLC, the group behind the tentatively named “Elk Stone at Norris Lake, who do they plan to sell these homes to was Kerr’s next question. “Definitely not for us Campbell Countians,” Kerr said. The people who live here call Norris Lake, he said.
Building utilities for the development will also be disruptive for the community. Putting in power and water will require “extensive excavation,” Kerr said. What impact will that have on the area? He also noted the development’s proximity to the lake asking what happens with the sewage the subdivision will create.
“They take us for granted,” Kerr said of the people who come to Campbell County. They do not consider the culture or traditions of the area, he said.
In an Oct. 20 interview with WLAF T. Phillip Carlyle, chief manager of Crafted Milestone, LLC, said when a venture has come this far, Crafted Milestone “doesn’t back down.” CLICK HERE to read that story.
Calling that statement “passive aggressive” Kerr referred to the people of the area when he said, “none of us easily intimidate.”
One commissioner, Eugene Justice, broached the topic of the road and the addition of construction equipment. “It can be tight,” he asked.
“Shanghai Road is dangerous to begin with,” Kerr said. It becomes “extremely crowded” with tourist season. “That is what we are concerned about,” Kerr said.
On Oct. 24, WLAF published a poll on the proposed development with 80.3 percent of respondents saying they did not want ‘Elk Stone at Lake Norris” in Campbell County. CLICK HERE to view the poll. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 11/10/2025-6AM)
I have seen this area referred to as “Lake Norris” on more than one occasion. I was born in LaFollette and am now 62 years old. It’s Norris Lake. We don’t need a bunch of outsiders renaming the lake. And we don’t need a 600 house subdivision in out at Shanghai.
These people sound like bullies. No one needs a 600 house subdivision and the area is called Norris Lake.
I’m absolutely against this! If they want to build subdivisions then go out town and build them by the main roads where that many people will have better access to traveling.
Those who vote to approve this subdivision must be held accountable. Vote them out of office. Who in their right mind would suggest approval without state DOT traffic assessment during high traffic season. This would include environmental studies of sediment control during deforestation and construction by the state.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
I disagree with this all the way there is already enough sub divisions here all this will do is bring property taxes up because of people who don’t even live here 99 percent of ur lake homes here are rentals owned by people out of state so if u want higher land taxes and more expensive stores go for it
There is too many people out in Demory already. We like living away from the tourists. It’s bad enough during tourist season. We don’t want another 600 “luxury” homes here. Past the Demory Mart the county won’t repave the roads as it is, and driving into town already takes 30 minutes or longer because morons can’t drive on curvy roads, or in bad weather. Imagine adding more people who can’t navigate curves in the dark.
Developers come over here and just do whatever they want. They dont have the rights to build, we dont have to accommodate every single person that wants to live here and communities need to be heard and respected.
I agree! I certainly do believe in good ole southern hospitality but, this is something that would put strain on the area. Many people come here and disrespect our area as is. Imagine what this would do? Add a little fuel to the fire.