[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6358270,"mediaKeyId","2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53","parentId",2212694,"title","Streetscape task force formed to address Poplar and Germantown Road tree canopy and utility corridors","audioSeconds",320,"startMs",4700000,"endMs",5020000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53&start=4700&end=5020","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53/thumbnail_4700000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6358270/Germantown/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Streetscape-task-force-formed-to-address-Poplar-and-Germantown-Road-tree-canopy-and-utility-corridors","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358270-80c5e90f64ce31bc7ee302d25837969a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773635919&Signature=lTryuzpCNhHl~BBcd1zfY2EkuopXYjNPNMx0Oa3CBAXqAlQiGCUWZR9U5rknhvsaZxaT~A0z9X6I~sqyEwAj6zjcsUEqQ-i9jiOqHY9a0Ixd9OkS8wA3oTshBnNJZR5Nvm0hpMyfE3WmJL20SjP7xY6fM0TlOqNkAP4NZCKpsGIfNNd-YNwNszbmcZtButB0CTnoGvwciyYEygrkt8C7S~gI9M1MDCOYYl9xLqSKtRPll3pHfHUYdtWf2BT~id1axEh-ue4Idi3H-0jn6-4S~-kpq3F7I6am~jQOiIp~gC3AeCRRZCRqWGpVk4sfYxusRV~imKOuq4OfUUklJkR0-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Germantown, TN","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioners and staff reported progress on the Streetscape Task Force and related tree and corridor issues at the Jan. 28 meeting, describing an initiative to address the uneven tree canopy along Poplar Avenue and Germantown Road where utility lines affect tree species and pruning.

Why it matters: Tree canopy and streetscape design affect neighborhood character, stormwater and property values. The task force plans pilot-area work and seeks coordination with Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) and city engineering to develop a repeatable approach that balances canopy, safety and utility access.

What was reported:
- Formation and membership: The task force includes commissioners, a tree-board representative (Michael Shelton), staff from planning and engineering, and representation from MLGW (Robert Gates). Alderman Hicks and Commissioner Nischwitz reported active participation.
- Pilot-area approach: The group will identify three candidate locations and conduct a case-study analysis to produce a template for future work. Members will bring candidate locations they consider the worst-performing areas so the team can prioritize.
- Coordination with MLGW: Task-force members noted MLGW’s current tree-trimming cycle (roughly three to five years) and that the utility company may fully remove trees that have been severely trimmed; city staff and MLGW reportedly expressed openness to collaboration on better long-term solutions.
- Goals: The task force aims to develop guidance on tree species selection, placement relative to above- and below-ground utilities, and funding/prioritization for future streetscape improvements.

Next steps: The task force will meet again in February to select pilot areas and develop preliminary designs and policy recommendations; staff said pilot projects may lead to a policy or ordinance template for wider application.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Germantown - Design Review Commission\tJan 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A newly formed streetscape task force reported early work on selecting pilot areas, coordinating with Memphis Light, Gas & Water on trimming and utility-corridor planting, and exploring a template to improve tree canopy along major corridors.","taxTitle","Germantown, Shelby County, Tennessee","taxId",55572,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358275,"Design Review Commission approves final plan for The Square at Forest Hill Heights; project moves to Board of Mayor and Aldermen",907,3278000,4185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53&start=3278&end=4185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53/thumbnail_3278000.jpg","/articles/6358275/Germantown/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Design-Review-Commission-approves-final-plan-for-The-Square-at-Forest-Hill-Heights-project-moves-to-Board-of-Mayor-and-Aldermen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358275-c4ec4144e3d26af4c3e4e0cab03169a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773635919&Signature=fcQHORW9iIprcCT4lUBMbYEmdqOZM~cWZnFrIFyAHOQ72vNolUPr1CqEXAOgq9M0875D-TEzr7iSsx9~1EQ2V1enY-YRQGB-iSFRJnbSiJLSG6I75ZmcHGSHtGW2jf4ziJFAdoaXwBfhQ1y5j57keCUmlB2WRwpiO4b8PZMQnJojyiBf4ewt1aSs3ITm7lGgeCump9KxS5wC7cgaNB9RfCH5FZHl8dbaG9EJH8Fr4TuRnm-QiMSV-nMu0msZKLflQQW1nhwqAH14MFZ2Zf0k2Kyn9Dcd3HSHage18Z3e-299BtBLYSyT~nbkVoVg2Tzpc6Wio4zmVNczdOrNjoWFWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Design Review Commission on Jan. 28 approved the final plan for The Square at Forest Hill Heights (Forest Hill Heights amended P.D.P.H. 18D), a proposed retail center on the south side of Winchester Road just east of Forest Hill Irene Road. The project now advances to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final review.

Why it matters: The project sits in the Forest Hill Heights small area plan and T5 urban center zoning; its design decisions (including previously granted Justified Design Alternatives) will shape streetscape, parking arrangement and building façades in a high-visibility corridor adjacent to the Hyatt Place hotel.

Project details approved:
- Location: South side of Winchester Road, east of Forest Hill Irene Road (adjacent to Circle K and in front of the Hyatt Place).
- Site plan: Two buildings of about 13,000 square feet each with a common surface parking lot providing 113 parking spaces.
- Design exceptions: The Planning Commission previously approved five Justified Design Alternatives (formerly called warrants) including reduced building frontage (<70%), additional parking beyond code, parking located in front of buildings and reduced parking screening. Those JDAs remain a planning precedent for the site.
- Aesthetic changes requested at DRC subcommittee: The applicant added more façade detail for the building backs as seen from the Hyatt, added landscape buffering, refined awning and door colors to blend with the brick palette, and provided a dumpster enclosure design and fence treatment similar to examples in other developments.
- Public art: Because the parcel sits in a smart-code area where public art is required, the applicant will pay the fee in lieu of providing on-site public art at this time. Signage will be handled later as a separate application.

Applicant comments: Donnie Singh (applicant) said the team adjusted the rear elevations to reflect successful nearby examples and increased landscaping. He said tenants were not yet signed but that the design changes had produced positive leasing interest.

Next steps: After DRC final-plan approval, the project goes to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final review and then to engineering for construction-plan submission and permitting.","The commission approved final plans for a two-building retail center on Winchester Road (T5 urban center zoning) with landscaping, lighting and a payment-in-lieu for required public art; the planning commission had previously approved five justified design alternatives.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358280,"Design Review Commission approves 57.18-sq-ft wall sign for Urology Group at Wolf River Boulevard",434,2777000,3211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53&start=2777&end=3211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53/thumbnail_2777000.jpg","/articles/6358280/Germantown/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Design-Review-Commission-approves-5718-sq-ft-wall-sign-for-Urology-Group-at-Wolf-River-Boulevard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358280-69767a521441e1003e3a54f4beaeecb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773635919&Signature=O4~BeyJh8zAMlkhizN0q3NIn9eTCnVyTlH8QKkReScAeV5ipqvzNEfTeOkJJiXJJx68fTixHgbrSGnw07-nfRx18vBQz2tJSFcSbpVo4YOCGDWYQUQmw8kCRYpYu5~Lzo0wKlgXx6frO6aRcEObNFW5CeZAFELYt1-ibO3tkGQFQN4V6v-V4BJW51WEBpL1KV9yCbS~8OzsO7f1kXX3iPeMBknDRls6vMKtQtcXu-Jc70YMhj2ijhjVScc9fwXaShWCwfcA7799neyGp2EVRrvxmcKDcbuxf0sYTLauQSrRSK6hdLMZ7RMx6Ldztd7gbPsP-cDCkNlfKZuIGJGju~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Design Review Commission on Jan. 28 approved a 57.18-square-foot wall sign for the Urology Group’s building at 7550 Wolf River Boulevard, after the applicant reduced the proposed sign and removed a logo to meet Germantown code.

Why it matters: The decision allows the medical tenant to add wall signage in addition to an existing monument sign on the property; staff warned the building’s total signage allowance is limited and approval will consume most of that allowance.

What commissioners approved: Staff told the commission the site already has a monument/tenant sign administratively approved in 2010. The applicant’s original rendering included a logo and measured 92.3 square feet; at the subcommittee meeting staff asked the applicant to reduce sign size to not exceed the remaining allowance for the building. The applicant revised the design to 57.18 square feet and removed the logo; the commission voted to approve that revised wall sign subject to staff comments and the submitted plans.

Applicant and materials: Chuck Crawford of Williams Sign Company said the finished letters will be painted to replicate a brushed-aluminum appearance (a painted finish named in fabrication, not actual metal laminate), and explained the address numbers on the building would remain matte black to preserve visibility for emergency responders.

Conditions and staff notes: Staff noted the building’s maximum signage allowance is 120 square feet and that, after the approved wall sign and the existing monument sign, roughly 20 square feet would remain for the building (approximate). Additional wall signs for the standalone building would require separate review by the commission.

Outcome: Motion to approve the 57.18-square-foot wall sign — approved by roll call.","The DRC approved a reduced wall sign for the Urology Group at 7550 Wolf River Boulevard after the applicant removed a logo and reduced total square footage to comply with city code.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358285,"DRC annual training emphasizes open-meeting rules, recusal and conditions-of-approval limits",382,688000,1070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53&start=688&end=1070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53/thumbnail_688000.jpg","/articles/6358285/Germantown/Shelby-County/Tennessee/DRC-annual-training-emphasizes-open-meeting-rules-recusal-and-conditions-of-approval-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358285-f45239d599637c63defcd7a0b8e25711/orig.mp4?Expires=1773635919&Signature=WRBXc0Ig5MtHxFbghoN7rgfEezvLHBbKkhVkP1FCeRsk5I1kq1QCvGBE3HHFiIzNWxhqI6~jLFKDs1inJTgzx8wC~UDvZV89Y8qd8K3g6FepWchnLxkiJCs6EonmcXO-qR7dR-BYkD-pqJGvuPiaVPvkTT17A990p2MSMENUiAFLgY1Z3nza9~D4lNXW-OARJ6K0if-P8-Wrg7V1ciG7suoXWrRr8W1oLdJ-fVp5g2vsdpCIYXSvD0M39iUgSwmffOtRU6gwzSywwdJ3GWkgDtwIO~wRbFJ3yi8GYC5c9CFOadKQTG9miE68VwmZ6IxBANCErKxwGg5AKrh0E4evLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Josh Whitehead, planning and appeals counsel, delivered the Design Review Commission’s annual training during the Jan. 28 meeting, reviewing state open-meetings law, ethics and the legal limits on conditions the commission can attach to approvals.

Nut graf: The training covered three areas commissioners may encounter frequently: (1) Tennessee open-meetings requirements and the risk of pre-deliberation or private communications; (2) conflicts-of-interest, financial disclosure and the proper use of abstentions versus recusal; and (3) the legal standard for conditions of approval — the nexus and rough-proportionality tests — illustrating when a condition may exceed the commission’s legal authority.

Key points from the training:
- Open meetings: Whitehead reminded commissioners that Tennessee’s open-meetings law requires notice and public accessibility whenever a quorum discusses public business and advised commissioners to avoid pre-deliberation in private settings. He said written minutes and publicly archived video reduce risk during later appeals.
- Ex parte communications: As a quasi-judicial body, commissioners should avoid one-sided private conversations with applicants; if such contacts occur, commissioners were advised to disclose them on the record and offer the other side equal access.
- Disclosure, abstention and recusal: The code of ethics forbids votes when a commissioner or a family member has a direct financial interest. Whitehead explained recusal is a two-step process (announce and remove oneself) and suggested abstention as a narrow alternative when a recusal would destroy quorum — but emphasized abstention is not deliberation.
- Conditions of approval: Whitehead described the legal standard that conditions must have a nexus to the development action and be roughly proportional to the project’s impacts. He illustrated the concept with the U.S. Supreme Court’s treatment of similar conditions, emphasizing that disproportionate demands can be invalidated on appeal.

Why it matters: Commissioners frequently make quasi-judicial decisions that can be appealed to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and potentially to court; understanding statutory limits protects both the city and commissioners’ decisions.

No formal action was required; the session served as refresher training for the commission.","Attorney Josh Whitehead led the commission through Tennessee open-meetings rules, ex parte communications, disclosure/recusal standards and the legal tests (nexus and rough proportionality) that underlie conditions of approval.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358290,"Votes at a glance: officer elections, minutes and planning items approved by Germantown DRC",298,388000,686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53&start=388&end=686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2212694-f6fd2968e23c14a0b8147ea941a34e53/thumbnail_388000.jpg","/articles/6358290/Germantown/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-officer-elections-minutes-and-planning-items-approved-by-Germantown-DRC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358290-3c1e2ac19588e67614a27853547d9602/orig.mp4?Expires=1773635919&Signature=odiO17t0QKrKnUxha2UfKnJ-~N2KAxi--bTngHuVD2zItHhxMtlWd6na5dYBYimjbFnb6KpTRabjn1V6R0FWLUSdTTRzfmhQrhNam1voLI83gdfEZGmpfE9vIoopT8r1oyX3QhvVfcV7sm2eNo38lmJO8CK~p64gkGyZMpIIAhWmG8VlFNd~tKqFHtoQpu03zZ~xyM68xOHni-d47Rvimnhh6DSZxQJNz32IRG2iRDPAxHvkFCIpypB8rlLoYkh3bV~XChDJTwn49cE9Pc7rP0073Vq0EeL7pQJxc5yvUjybhiJaLd2iSS5wDrQd8dIzkRPByVlRzArUJm9cwFUdqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elected officers, approved minutes and several planning motions were recorded during the Germantown Design Review Commission meeting on Jan. 28, 2025.

The commission elected Mr. Schmidt as vice chairman and Mr. White as secretary for 2025. The body approved minutes from its Nov. 19, 2024 meeting. Director Ross presented the Germantown Forward 2035 strategic plan and the commission voted to adopt the plan. Later the commission approved a 57.18-square-foot wall sign for the Urology Group at 7550 Wolf River Boulevard and approved the final plan for The Square at Forest Hill Heights (Forest Hill Heights amended P.D.P.H. 18D).

Why it matters: These routine recorded votes set the commission’s leadership for the year, finalize the record of past meetings and advance projects and policy alignment that will affect design review and future development in Germantown.

Summary of recorded votes (roll calls and outcomes):
- Vice chairman: Mr. Schmidt — outcome: elected (roll call: Mr. White yes; Mr. Schmidt yes; Mr. Carney yes; Mr. Neuschwitz yes; Miss Kimbrough yes; Chairman Brunz yes).
- Secretary: Mr. White — outcome: elected (roll call recorded affirmatives; transcript shows unanimous yes votes).
- Approval of minutes (Nov. 19, 2024) — outcome: approved (unanimous yes recorded).
- Adoption of Germantown Forward 2035 strategic plan — outcome: adopted (roll call recorded unanimous yes votes).
- Urology Group wall sign (7550 Wolf River Boulevard) — motion: approve a 57.18-square-foot wall sign subject to staff comments and submitted plans — outcome: approved (roll call recorded unanimous yes votes across commissioners present).
- Final plan: The Square at Forest Hill Heights (Forest Hill Heights amended P.D.P.H. 18D) — motion: approve final plan subject to staff comments and conditions in the staff report — outcome: approved (roll call recorded unanimous yes votes across commissioners present).

Notes: The transcript records the roll-call yes votes for each of these items. Where a mover/second name was not clearly identified on the audio record, the motion text and the roll call are reported as recorded in the proceedings.","At its Jan. 28 meeting the Germantown Design Review Commission elected officers, approved Nov. 19 minutes and voted to adopt the Germantown Forward 2035 plan; it also approved a wall sign for a medical tenant and a final plan for a commercial center.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Streetscape task force formed to address Poplar and Germantown Road tree canopy and utility corridors

Design Review Commission approves final plan for The Square at Forest Hill Heights; project moves to Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Design Review Commission approves 57.18-sq-ft wall sign for Urology Group at Wolf River Boulevard

DRC annual training emphasizes open-meeting rules, recusal and conditions-of-approval limits

Votes at a glance: officer elections, minutes and planning items approved by Germantown DRC