It don't happen often, but I'm speechless!!!!

If I could offer advice to the County, it would be to ignore this as much as possible. Making a big noise will simply give them more publicity and I doubt that there's any way to stop it. From what I can find out, these places tend to fly quietly under the radar. They pay taxes and strictly obey the local laws. Property values tend to go up in the nearby areas, which I find surprising.

My one question is how they plan to handle visibility from the river? I would hate to see a boat jam on the Clinch from curious rubber neckers.

The colony in Cumberland County has been flying quietly under the radar for years. No problems there!

Oh no! This will bring emotionally concious people that smell good, a higher standard of living, a local economic boost, and environmentaly concious liberals to Roane County.

Also GLBT communities have lower crime so the new jail will be even more a waste of tax payers money. What a nightmare, kick them out!

One email I've seen seems to be all in a panic about thousands of naked GLBT's showing up in Roane County. Other than the absurdity of the mental picture (didn't really want to go there, did you?...But you did...)the more absurd thing is the call for Churches to get petitions.

I thought this was a joke at first, but it is very real. I have found out all this info from word of mouth and checking out the website. Please pass the word on since we may have to all show up at the Zoning Committee when it meets to discuss this resort and if they will rezone it for commercial, which will be a free pass for this type of resort to flourish and grow very large, drawing hundreds, if not thousands, our way. I do not know much else.

Exactly what will those petitions say, and what legal grounds will they say gives us the right to stop this resort? Because they are Gay?...Don't think that will do it.

Has anybody wondered if this is for real, or is it possibly a scam? The best thing folks can do for Roane County is to ignore this thing and if it isn't a scam, collect the taxes they'll pay.

I understand what you're saying and I think the questions about traffic are valid. I know of fairly large resorts that make do with no better roads and unfortunately for your case, the planning commission has approved similar rezonings (from a business standpoint only, mind you) and will have a tough time defending itself if it doesn't approve the change.

I too am concerned about the "privacy" issue from both sides of the fence. What will the scene be at the water's edge? Will there be a privacy fence at the adjacent property lines?

There are some very nice homes in that neighborhood and all of them I looked at yesterday seem to be well kept, even the modest ones.

You say, "ignore this thing, and collect the taxes from it"
Ask yourself. Would you be as accepting of this type of development if it was next door to you in the Whites Creek area?
What if it was a campground for sexual predators or sex offenders? Would that be okay with you as long as the county could collect taxes on it?
Don't be so quick to sell your soul for tax revenue.

You misinterpreted what I said.
I didn't accuse THIS particular group of being sexual predators.
I said what IF it was a campground for sexual predators or sexual offenders (who wanted a campground).

To explain: If one "titled" group can create a campground for their exclusive selves, why couldn't another?

But there is some transference and some folks, as I did, will associate the words with the resort.

So, having said that, I would be working against such a resort because a destination spot for predators and offenders would have a different set of legal options and hurdles, and a criminal group has no right to exist for the purpose of committing crimes they like.

This is just a business for a particular demographic, however different from you and me. (I'm making the assumption that you don't like to run around nude in public... forgive me if I'm wrong :)

Having worked in Asbury Park one of the largest "gay" communities and also home some of the nicest, hard working, professional, sincere people I have ever met in my life. Just as we all have chosen our lifestyle they theirs. While it is not my personal choice, I also do not believe that choice makes them a bad person. I know plenty of BAD straight people. The clothing opptional would startle me either way gay or straight, but thats my own hang up :) Growth and development scares all

A gay couple lived beside me for a number of years and were as good a neighbor as you would want to have. I have friends and acquaintences who I know are gay though they have never really confided it to me.

The life anyone chooses to live is between them and God, not them and me.

A "campground" is, by definition a transient place. There are restrictions on the amount of time a camper can be parked in them (I think its 180 days a year). If they intend to have a "lodge/inn" on the premises that's another story.
Will this place be a "destination" or a "residence?"
I don't think the tax revenue would be that substantial based on a "campground" assessment vs regular housing.

My concern here is the perception of it being an "open air" campground (on the lake front), clothing optional, six-man hot tub, etc. gives the impression that it will be a "no holds barred" place and I don't think I would want that in my neighborhood, nor anyone elses.

I don't think the tax revenue would be that substantial based on a "campground" assessment vs regular housing.

I think there are a lot of questions that should be asked, but let's be careful.

I have one of those clothing optional six person hot tubs at my house, and it's none of your business what anybody does in it. (so far it's all pretty tame, but everybody has those fantasies)

Let me ask this, while I'm thinking about it: If this was a straight resort would it be ok?

How about a Swinger resort?

Now add clothing optional to those options?

I'm going to try to post a poll but I'm not sure which questions to ask. Anybody have suggestions?

I think ANY resort and whatever "theme" it upholds should be subjected to the concerns of the neighbors that surround it.

Now let's hope this gets addressed that way, and not with prejudice. There are significant issues that need to be conditions in any zoning change. Privacy and non-interference with the neighbors chief among them.

After reading the Channel 8 report, it seems to me that the owner/developer might just be using "scare tactics" to get a better/higher offer for the property.
He admits that the contract with Rosebud can be canceled if a higher/better offer comes along!

Has anybody wondered if this is for real, or is it possibly a scam?

Any idea what the selling price is? The website is just a little too in your face for me to think it's totally up and up. That is one more reason why we shouldn't fall into hysteria over this thing.