Developers of a proposed controversial sports complex have asked for their zoning request to be withdrawn.

The Blount Today paper [1] reports that they are now talking to the City of Alcoa about locating the project there, possibly on Alcoa Aluminum Co. property. City officials say preliminary talks are still in the "exploratory stages." Blount Co. Mayor Cunningham says, in effect, I told you so.

Curiously, the Maryville Daily Times, reporting the next day [2] on another hearing this week at which the public again expressed opposition, said that the zoning would go up for a vote on June 21st.

Today's paper [3] confirms that developers have withdrawn the request, but says that they requested it be postponed until after June 21 because it would "get lost in the discussion" of the budget, which is up for approval at that meeting. Developers also confirm that they are looking at Alcoa, Loudon Co., and Knox Co., and that "We’re going to build the project. We’re talking to anybody that will talk to us."

If you think about it, the project makes more sense in Alcoa. It's already an urban/industrial area, already has hotels and restaurants that serve the airport, already has water/sewer and other infrastructure, and Alcoa Aluminum Co. has unused land that might be perfect for the project. Maybe this isn't such a bad idea. But maybe the downside for the developers is city and county property taxes?