Just got off the phone with Mike Farmer… Roane County’s Mayor.

We talked for a bit about the proposed campground just across the Clinch River from Kingston. He sounded like he’s tired of talking to people on the telephone about. Can’t blame him I guess! Anyway, his concerns are similar to what the neighbors have about what originally marketed itself as a “clothing optional” adult campground for the GLBT community. Farmer is most worried about the infrastructure surrounding the area. The road leading to the campground property is really only wide enough for one vehicle and the noise/traffic/utilities that a large campground would require would likely not fly. He seemed to think the Planning Commission will be listening to the community, but, as he pointed out, you never know.

Link...

Another interesting bit… Roane’s planning commission has actually taken the time to print off copies of the request for zoning change and the Rosebud Lodge’s website. They have a stack of them just sitting on the counter in their offices… Anyone who’s ever dealt with getting paperwork knows how unique that is. They say since word hit the street about the campground, it’s been nothing but phone calls and people rushing in to get the very latest, most want to know what they can do to stop it

Wednesday, the developer changed his original website and now says it wasn't an accurate depiction of what he wants to build.

"It was all done in haste, the website was," said Gary Foster, an Ohio native and developer. "It presented the wrong idea of what we were trying to do in the first place."

Instead, he says the $2-million campground will cater to everyone. He doesn't plan to specifically cater to the gay community but says they will be welcome.

"Let me assure you, the Rosebud will not be a gay, nudist campground," he said.

Neighbors and others still aren't going to let development happen without a fight.