Inching closer to Watt-KPike grocery store near new complex?
Developers planning to build a grocery store, as well as a parking lot and an out parcel, next to the Rural Metro station on six parcels along Kingston Pike and Watt Road, continued discussions about staff comments during a Farragut Municipal Planning Commission Staff/Developer meeting in Town Hall Tuesday, Aug. 1.
While the staff was planning to recommend approval during an FMPC meeting, Thursday, July 20, the developer postponed his request at that meeting to address some staff “subject tos.”
“We pulled it just to discuss some of those items and make sure we were OK,” said Rodney Phillips, project manager with Schaad Companies.
One of those “subject tos,” involved the out parcel “because of it’s proximity to Watt Road and Kingston Pike. (It) will need to have … it’s own separate access point,” Community Development director Mark Shipley said.
Regarding the access, “can we show that as a plat note (to show) no external access?” Phillips asked.
Shipley agreed they could have a plat note.
“You’re going to have to replat some things later on anyway,” he added.
Another issue was finding an area to connect a walking trail from the park to the grocery store.
“There’s a walking trail over here on Mayor Bob Leonard Park,” Shipley said. “It’s trying to get a connection … would be beneficial.
“There is a sidewalk on Watt Road, but this (trail) would be more pleasant to walk,” he added.
Phillips talked with Robert Shagan, owner of an adjacent property to the west of the property being developed as a grocery store, and proposed partnering with Shagan.
Phillips said his company would build the walking path on the lot line if Shagan gave 10 feet of his property and Phillips’ group would give 10 feet for the path — but Shagan was reluctant.
“I think there was some misunderstanding, on his part, where (the path would go),” Phillips said. “He was under the impression it would block his access. I don’t think that’s the case at all.
“I think he wants some things I’m not able to give him,” Phillips added.
The project manager said the adjoining property owner indicated he has some “development aspirations” for his property.
“He’s going to have to put in a trail if he develops it,” Phillips said.
“It’s a benefit in my mind,” Town engineer Darryl Smith said about the proposal.
