Wins for local developers at FMPC: its unanimous
Some local developers got an early Christmas present when Farragut Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve their projects, with some conditions, during its meeting Thursday, Dec. 19.
In one action, a variance for the site distance between driveways requirement was approved for Serenade, a proposed Neighborhood/Convenience Commercial District development of 9.2 acres at 421 N. Watt Road, between North Watt and Harrison roads near Town limits.
Likewise, the preliminary plat for Serenade, which is being developed by Robert Campbell, owner of Robert G. Campbell & Associates civil engineering firm, also was approved. It includes 30 residential units and some commercial units with the number of units to be determined at a later date.
The variance was requested because the minimum separation requirement between two accesses is less than the required 400 feet. “The proposed access would be roughly 131 feet from the nearest access to the south, which is noted as Harbin Lane, currently a driveway to a single dwelling unit,” Community Development director Mark Shipley said. “The design engineer (Campbell) noted that the main reason for the proposed location (of the access) was to provide maximum sight distance.
“Should development occur on the 50-acre tract on the east side of North Watt that is currently served by Harbin Lane? The staff will work with that developer to line up the accesses,” he added.
There still are 11 subject-to issues Campbell will have to address before the development has final approval.
On another action, the Commission approved a site plan for two additions to the Weigel’s store at Smith Road and Kingston Pike.
Melissa Clark, real estate director for Weigel’s, said the company plans to add a freezer/cooler space in the back of the building and a kitchen/deli area in the front of the store.
Concerning the back addition, Shipley said a retaining wall would need to be moved.
Clark said the deli area would be where the cash register currently is located, and the cash register would be moved further to the front of the building.
“This is a Generation 2 store,” Clark said. “It’s been around for a while.”
She said Weigel’s plans to keep the store open during construction.
While previously there had been concerns about the addition taking up the sidewalk in front of the store, plans now show two front entrances with a sidewalk.
“I’m excited about this, but I have one concern,” Commissioner Ron Pinchok said. “The parking spaces are close to the pumps.
“If I’m backing out (of a parking space), (vehicles coming from Smith Road) are coming in fast. I’m afraid there will be accidents,” he added.
Clark said the space between the parking spaces and the gas pumps meet requirements.
Commissioner Louise Povlin recommended putting in speed bumps.
In other action:
• Benefield Richters, developers planning to redesign the former Summit View nursing home to an independent living facility, was granted a recommendation for approval for its request to rezone the property at 12823 Kingston Pike from C-1 (General Commercial) to S-1 (Community Service). It still needs approval from Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
