Despite Saddle Ridge feedback, FMPC OKs Ivey Farms’ 1st phase plat

Farragut Municipal Planning Commission approved the final plat for Ivey Farms subdivision’s first phase of development during its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Nov. 19, despite 13 e-mails from Saddle Ridge residents opposing the measure.

Residents cited stormwater runoff from Ivey Farms into Saddle Ridge as a reason not to approve the plat, as well as continued safety concerns relating to an approved connector road between the two subdivisions, which has yet to be constructed.

“The preliminary plat and the current final plat before the Commission today do not comply with the 2012 International Fire Code,” Jeffrey Kendall, Pecos Road resident, stated in an e-mail.

The builder, Goodall Homes, “has situated the property very high, with steep slopes leading into Saddle Ridge neighborhood,” Andrea and Chris Poetzel of Lodgepole Lane stated in an e-mail. “Many of our neighbors are experiencing significant run-off from this.”

“Steep grading of land from Ivey Farms to Saddle Ridge is causing two issues: excessive amount of muddy runoff water and flooding on Pecos, and an eyesore with a new mountain of earth directly beside the properties in Saddle Ridge,” Laine and Andrew Blanchard, Pecos Road residents, stated in an e-mail.

“Were you aware (Goodall Homes) knowingly has not followed portions of the erosion and stormwater runoff control provision on multiple occasions?” asked Pecos Road resident Tim Sayers, who went on to note the company had been fined once for the infraction and alleged, “in actuality they should have been fined multiple times, but the Town chose not to do so.”

Town engineer Darryl Smith said he investigated the history of the adjoining properties, and said it was his understanding the drain from Ivey Farms went through Saddle Ridge originally.

“Just north of Pecos, I suspect (former property owner) Jeff Ivey put in a berm to divert the water and keep it on his side of the property line,” Smith said. “I know people are concerned with the steep slopes, but once everything is stabilized there will be less drainage.”

FMPC vice chair Ed St. Clair said he had been out to the property and agreed it still seemed to need “quite a bit of stabilization because of that steep slope.”

“We are not yet (ready) to grade” in those areas being commented on, Joe Wallace of Goodall Homes said. “As far as Lodgepole and Paladin, we are close to (being) on grade there.

“Is there any timeline for stabilization of those areas?” FMPC chair Rita Holladay asked.

“We have been working on stabilizations over the weekends on that slope ... hoping to have it done in the next two or three weeks,” Wallace said.

“So, the residents should be able to see something in a month or so?” Holladay asked.

“We are very close to being on grade,” Wallace added.

“As long as rain holds off we will be in good shape.”

FMPC commissioner Jon Greene asked if it was true the plans, according to Kendall’s letter, “Do not comply with international fire code? Is that statement speculation or are we in compliance?”

“Our fire marshal reviewed that and made the determination and assessment that we are in compliance,” Mark Shipley, Town Community Development director, said

The item was approved with the stipulation all staff recommendations would be resolved, including completing the drainage improvement measures, coordinating with the Town on planting a buffer strip and letters of credit for maintenance of roads, pedestrians facilities and completion of sidewalks.

Last week, Wallace said in a separate interview “the items involving stabilization have been achieved, and we have matted the sloped areas noted below as well as added the landscaping buffer called out in the plans.”