New SJNCS education building, renovated gym has unanimous FMPC nod
After some lengthy discussion regarding traffic along Grigsby Chapel Road, Farragut Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve St. John Neumann Catholic School’s plans to expand with a renovated gymnasium and an additional education building during its meeting Thursday, May 15.
Community Development director Mark Shipley said the site plan calls for a 7,108-square-foot classroom expansion and a 5,005-square-foot gym addition.
“As part of the project, some parking in the affected area will be modified and a turnaround/drop-off area will be provided,” he said. “There will also be some additional outdoor covered areas and sidewalk and landscaping modifications.
Bill Vinson, president of Community Tectonics Architects, originally presented the site plan during a Farragut Municipal Planning Commission Staff/Developer workshop in Town Hall Tuesday, April 29.
“The school addition has a new STEM Class, a science class, a learning class, a gathering area, an office and two restrooms,” he said.
“The gym addition has an expanded gym area with bleacher seating for 406, four offices, a lobby space and men and women’s restrooms,” Vinson added.
The existing gym is about 60 feet by 100 feet. With the addition, it will be about 85 feet by 100 feet.
“The hope is to start the classroom addition as soon as (builders and the school) can get the permit,” Vinson said. “The gym addition is not anticipated to start this year.”
Shipley pointed out one part of the parking turnaround is close to the property line for the parsonage, which is a separate property but still belongs to the church.
Vinson said the church plans to dissolve that property line, making both properties one property.
In doing so, Commissioner Louise Povlin asked about the drive going through the rectory property to Grigsby Chapel to give motorists another access out of the church and school.
Her question came about from residents’ concerns about traffic from the school and church.
However, Shipley said that would have to be a right-out access, making it too difficult to use. Also, by changing the plans, Vinson said that would hold up the project.
Another suggestion was getting a volunteer certified to direct traffic at peak time.
“It does not have to be a police officer,” said Mayor Ron Williams, who also is a Commissioner.
