Smyrna council reviews 178.6-acre annexation, developer adds greenway and expands commercial acreage

Smyrna Town Council members heard detailed presentations July 21 on a request from Hamilton Development LLC to annex and zone 178.6 acres along West Jefferson Pike (State Route 266) and Hickory Grove Road, with a revised commercial footprint and a developer-funded greenway.

The request would annex multiple parcels and apply C-2 (commercial) zoning along Jefferson Pike and I-1 (industrial) zoning on the balance, with the developer now identifying roughly 28–30 acres for commercial uses. Jeff Knechstian of Hamilton Development Company told the council the commercial acreage increase is to “add some depth” to allow larger buildings and to accommodate two or more hotels.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing, reviewed a revised concept plan and unanimously recommended approval; staff also recommended approval. Kevin, a planning staff member, said the commission’s revised zoning plan increases the C-2 acreage by about 6.37 acres compared with…