Special Opportunities
In addition to proposed land use and transportation improvements, various areas that require more detailed planning have been identified. These are called “special opportunities” in that they have significant economic development, urban design, transportation, or park and recreation implications that should be given extraordinary attention. The opportunities listed below were identified and proposed by MPC staff, shared with citizens and refined accordingly. Detailed studies of these opportunities are included in this plan.

• The Tennessee Technology Corridor: The boundaries of the Tennessee Technology Corridor are within this sector. The Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority (TTCDA) follows a comprehensive plan developed as a guide for their planning principles. The existing TTCDA comprehensive plan was last revised in 1992 and needs to be updated, particularly in view of infrastructure improvements and development trends.
• East Hines Valley: The land that lies between Ball Road and Ball Camp Pike, west of Oak Ridge Highway will undergo significant changes in this decade. With pending road improvements and sanitary sewer extensions, the trend to subdivide the larger agricultural tracts into residential subdivisions will continue. Opportunities to create pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, greenways, and parks should be explored.
• Hardin Valley “Village Center”: With road improvements underway along Hardin Valley Road and Campbell Station Road, the intersection at Steele Road is of particular significance for future land use. Already the location of the elementary school, this area has potential to be a “village center”—a place with such future public assets as a park-like square, a branch library, well designed shops, sidewalks and a mix of housing.
• Karns – Overlay Zone with Design Guidelines: Planned road widening of Oak Ridge Highway and improvements to Byington Beaver Ridge Road will enhance movement through Karns. Road designs that cater to pedestrian movement and avoid strip commercial are encouraged in this area. Design guidelines will ensure consistent development of the area.
• Everett Road Interchange: If the Orange Route is constructed, the intersection with Hardin Valley Road should be relocated to Everett Road to minimize the impacts in the Hardin Valley area and capitalize on economic development opportunities in the I-40/Watt Road interchange area, which is already commercial and industrial in character.

This village center offers a mix of uses including
residential and retail services.

Opportunities to create pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods with tree-lined, elevated sidewalks should be emphasized in new residential developments.