FMPC approves concept plan for Villages at Farragut

Farragut Municipal Planning Commission approved a concept plan for Villages at Farragut, a proposed senior living community north of Farragut Church of Christ.

Goodworks United also requested to rezone about 21.13 acres north of Farragut Church of Christ from residential to service zoning in order to build the development at the same meeting May 19. FMPC discussed but did not vote on the rezoning.

Doug Horne, owner of Republic Newspapers Inc, parent of farragutpress is the owner of this land to be rezoned, which is near the farragutpress office.

Gary Keckley, chief executive officer and director of Development at Goodworks Unlimited, LLC said at the meeting he was committed to closing on the property before the second reading with Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Burney Circle resident Paul Johnson said he approved the plan for Villages at Farragut.

“This is a good example of how planning should take place,” Johnson said. He said he had opposed an earlier proposal to build apartments on the property but supports the current proposal.

“It’s 180 degrees. There is

no comparison,” Waverly Court resident Gary Snyder said regarding the current proposal compared to the earlier apartment proposal.

Farragut resident Harry Moskos said he wanted to make sure none of the remaining acreage would include apartments.

FMPC also approved with architectural changes a site plan for the mixed use Farragut Town Center at the former Silver Spoon site. Paul Schaffer, owner of Middlebrook Properties, spoke about his plans for the site on Campbell Station Road.

“They’re running out of patience,” Schaffer said regarding future tenants of the development. It would include one-story brick buildings with the appearance of two stories.

Farragut resident Robin Hill said the development would be difficult for traffic.

“Virtually unworkable,” he said, regarding his view of how to make the development work for traffic flow.

Commissioner Noah Myers proposed using signs to direct the traffic.

FMPC discussed, but did not vote on an, application by Steve Dedman to amend General Commercial District Zoning to allow for craft breweries. The amendment included a definition for craft breweries such as Dedman’s proposed Chisholm Tavern, which would not need to serve food. Dedman said Chisholm Tavern would rely on catering, carry-in or delivery orders.

Commissioners Rose Ann Kile and Noah Myers said they would prefer on site food at Chisholm Tavern.

Myers said an existing tavern that did not serve food had problems with carry-in and had later requested food trucks.

“This Board right now is not the right venue,” Mayor Ralph McGill said. He proposed talking about the proposal with David Smoak, town administrator.

FMPC also unanimously approved a request to rezone 16.3 acres of property on Turkey Creek Road with a 35-lot limit. Commissioners also discussed a request to amend the front yard setback requirement for the town.