By Carl Helton, MPC/DRC Board member
The Municipal Planning Commission/Design Review Commission (MPC/DRC) met Thursday (5.17.18) for their regular May meeting.
Several residents were present for discussion of the final site plan approval for the Rainbow Child Care Center located on U.S. Highway 64 and Forest Ridge Drive. Several citizens spoke to the Board expressing concerns of the back entrance from Bramble Bush Lane. The Board explained that will not be an entrance to the daycare for an emergency egress with a crash at the daycare property for emergency equipment only and it will not be an access street for those dropping off or picking up at the daycare. Other concerns were the clearing of the unused lot to be owned by the daycare to the west. Current plan is to prep the site during the daycare construction phase but no immediate plans for development. Board approved the site but the owner will have to provide the required landscape buffer for the adjacent lot between the commercial zoned property and the residential zoned area to the north.
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/771
Other new business items included the final subdivision plats for the second development of Oakwood Grove phases and the second development of Evergreen Manor. Both plats were approved by the Board.
Resident Cat Wright addressed the Board asking for an approval of an eight-foot privacy fence for her property at 4045 Potter Woods Cove N. Her concerns were privacy from an adjacent lot due to the illegal cutting down trees recently on Seed Tick Road. The Board agreed and granted the variance.
Mobil Service Station owners asked for a variance on their street sign. Sign permit was originally issued in January for construction per the DCR design approval. In April, the ground sign was partially installed in accordance with the Sign Permit issued. Shortly after, concerns were raised regarding the sign’s location and visibility due to partial blockage of the adjoining south property. In response, planning staff contacted the owner and requested that the sign construction be stopped for further collaboration. Staff met with the owners to discuss alternative location for the ground sign with an agreement to locate the sign in the green space on the north side of the property at Davis Plantation. To overcome other visibilities challenges with the new location, the owner requested a 10% height variance allowing the sign to be 79” in height where the ordinance maximum height is 72”. Board approved granted the change.
Mobile owners Anis Kapadia and Nizar Lalani told Lakeland Currents before the meeting they are negotiating with Hardee’s to take the place of McDonald’s alongside their gas station. Mr. Kapadia said it will be two to four months before a decision is made. Previously, the owners announced the possibility of Dairy Queen and a barbecue restaurant which didn’t work out.
Heron’s Ridge HOA President Cary Cheston addressed the Board asking for a light variance to install private common area lighting throughout two common open areas with a pavilion, walking trails and reserve storm water detention areas. Residents have received numerous complaints of non-residence parking in the area at night with vandalism visible in the area. Mr. Cheston provided proposed acorn lantern street lights that direct light towards the ground with top blockage without hindering the night sky. Board approved.
Commissioner Wesley Wright made a presentation to the Board on planting the seed of Lakeland’s future look. His concern is that the City would have a Hodge podge look if a plan isn’t set before future development. Presentation provided gave examples of local areas in Shelby Country which have successfully implemented a harmonious design with respect to nature and architecture.
A land disturbance permit was approved for The Lake District (TLD) with the condition that the property be acquired prior to issuance of the permit. Land disturbance includes clearing and mass grading of about 99 acres and removal of pre-existing infrastructure. Yehuda Netanel, developer with Gilad Development Inc., told Lakeland Currents he expects to close on the property with Belz Investco, GP next month. Also required is a mass grading plan to be approved by the Lakeland engineer prior to issuance of the permit.
… Photos by Lakeland Currents.
