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On Thursday the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to disapprove the SP on the property currently occupied by Monroe Harding. In large part, the discussion among the Commissioners centered around the historic buildings and their disappointment that there was not more consideration for the buildings in the development plan.
Although I do have respect for the consideration of the historic nature of the current buildings, I must say that I have concerns about the Commission's decision. If the SP is ultimately disapproved by Council, the current base zoning will remain in place. What that means is that the developer will likely submit a plan to approve a cluster lot subdivision. The standard for approval is mostly legal and technical and it certainly appears that they meet the subdivision regulations. Although this will trigger a Planning Commission public hearing, there is a really good probability that the subdivision will be approved. Without the SP, the protections we have negotiated will no longer be in place.
Therefore, it is my intention to bring this bill to Council under the following schedule:
Planning will send over the bill for filing on 9/21, which meets the filing deadline for introduction on the October 2 Council meeting. Public hearing on the bill will be held at the Council Chambers at 6:30pm pm November 6. That will set up third reading of the bill on 11/20 absent any deferrals. Because of the Planning Commission disapproval, the threshold for passing on Third Reading is 27 votes.
Many of you know that the Fire Station which was operated on Richard Jones Road for decades moved their operation to a new station located on Harding at the Hillsboro Road intersection. The old Fire House property is currently being leased, but that lease will likely end no later than December of this year.
You have heard me state that as a general rule, I am not in favor of selling off public property especially to make short term budget goals. The Mayor's office included the Fire Hall property in this year's budget and we must address that. I am holding a Community Meeting at the Granny White Church of Christ located on Granny White Pike just north of the Lipscomb campus at 6pm on Thursday, September 20. The Mayor's office will be represented as well as the Planning Department to discuss options with us. Please make plans to attend.
TDOT representatives will be with us to discuss the upcoming reconstruction of I-440. They will go over their plan for construction, which will includes dates and projected completion time along with details of how they intend to close areas under construction. The meeting will be held at the Granny White Church of Christ in the Fellowship hall and will begin at 6:30pm. Please make plans to join us. We will also be joined by State Rep John Ray Clemmons.
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