Special Opportunities

Karns Overlay District

The purpose and intent of the Karns Overlay District is to encourage and provide for enhanced property development within the Karns commercial corridor along Oak Ridge Highway. Objectives to be attained by establishing this district include:

• Protection of adjacent residential land uses
• Reduction of visual distraction through uniform sign criteria.
• Scenic enhancement through increased landscaping of public and private property.
• Provision of architectural design guidelines
• Encouragement of sidewalk and bicycle facilities in both public and private spaces.
• Development of incentives to accomplish these goals in cooperation with business owners, residents, and stakeholders in the Karns community.

The intersection of Oak Ridge Highway and Byington-Beaver Ridge Road has the potential to become a pedestrian-oriented center for the Karns community, even with the proposed widening of Oak Ridge Highway to a four-lane divided section and the possible widening of Byington-Beaver Ridge Road. The construction of the Karns Connector will reduce the amount of traffic along Byington-Beaver Ridge Road, thereby reducing the need to widen this road beyond a three-lane section. Pedestrian facilities would be extended along Oak Ridge Highway and Byington-Beaver Ridge Road to tie together schools, churches, the Karns Library, Karns Community Park, shopping centers, offices, residences and other community facilities. Transportation enhancements can produce an attractive intersection with pedestrian facilities, landscaping, lighting, street furniture and a community gateway.

The design of the intersection of Oak Ridge Highway and Byington-Beaver Ridge Road emphasizes pedestrian safety.

Elevated sidewalks with tree canopies offer safe, shaded walkways.