Loudon to get chains on 72 — Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell plans approved

By: Brandon L. Jones Source: Loudon County News-Herald 04-07-2008 The Loudon Regional Planning Commission Wednesday recommended the approval of site plans for a new Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell restaurant on Highway 72 in Loudon. One problem with the site that arose but was quickly solved was the matter of water drainage off the property. "The site is below the minimum size that we require on-site storm water detention," said Planning Director Russell Newman. Site plans, he said, show the water draining off the back side of the property, but it was later discovered there was a catch-basin installed some time back, "so that part of the plan will be reworked and the drainage will tie into that." With the drainage issue at bay, another problem that was posed at a previously held Loudon County Economic Development Agency (EDA) meeting was sewage. The sewer line on the roughly one-acre piece of property was reportedly not adequate. Due to the lot being subdivided, the extension of sewer lines is necessary. Apparently, a 330-foot line will have to be installed and joined to the line on the adjacent property at the estimated cost of $6,000, as was mentioned by EDA President Pat Phillips during that previous meeting. A positive, in way of sufficient space for customers, is the building is slated to have 42 parking spaces, surpassing the city’s minimum requirement by 17. "I like it," said Commissioner Carlie McEachern. "I make a motion we approve this site plan." Commissioner Lewis "Charlie Brown" Garner, who also serves on Loudon City Council, seconded the motion, but Dennis Brennan, another commissioner, wasn’t finished with his line of questioning. "The lighting. . . ?" he questioned, inquiring of the type to be used at the restaurant. He was assured it would be "minimal" by engineers of the project and the owner of the property, Jack Sims. Garner joked, "We’ve got enough lighting down there — they’ll see you anyway," speaking of the adjacent businesses’ lighting. After a bit more commentary around the table regarding the matter, Brennan agreed "it looks like a great plan," prior to the unanimous vote to further the approval of the site plans.