Planning commission approves Kirk Farms amendments and phase‑1 preliminary plat; MDOT access constraints remain a concern

The Olive Branch Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of amendments to the Kirk Farms planned residential development and separately approved the project’s phase‑1 preliminary plat, a 21.83‑acre phase that would create 53 residential lots and four common open spaces.

Staff told the commission the amendment increases total common open space from about 72.44 acres to about 75.14 acres and reduces the total lot count by one (from 603 to 602). The amendment shifts the internal lot mix to favor larger “neighborhood” lots (7,200 square feet) and reduces the number of the smallest 6,000‑square‑foot lots. The perimeter 10,000‑square‑foot lots along Goodman Road remain unchanged. Staff said the change also moves some amenities between phases — for example, a swimming pool originally planned for phase 1 would be constructed in phase 2 to ensure enough residents are present to support maintenance; a pickleball court and public art are also rephased.

Transportation and access were major topics. Staff and the applicant said the Fox Lane extension alignment was…