Planning commission approves Las Casas self‑storage PCD after neighbors raise blasting, drainage, lighting concerns

The Murfreesboro Planning Commission on May 7 approved a rezoning to create the Las Casas Storage Planned Commercial District (PCD), a self‑storage and RV/boat storage development on a roughly 14.5‑acre portion of a larger parcel at Old Las Casas Road and Hazelwood Street.

Applicant representatives told the commission the design preserves about 48% open space, protects existing wetlands and tree canopy, and would include a three‑story climate‑controlled building with about 550 units, roughly 10 single‑story units, and approximately 238 RV/boat spaces (73 covered, 65 uncovered). Brian Grover of SEC, speaking for the applicant, said the design aims to reduce blasting compared with residential development and to maintain a large portion of the on‑site tree canopy.

Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing said they were concerned about stormwater and drainage into an existing quarry pond, the potential for blasting on the rock‑faced site, bright security lighting and the effect of the facility on the character of the adjacent subdivisions. Richard Bouchard of Stratford Hall asked whether the preserved wetland and pond could be left undeveloped "for a period of time, 50 years," and raised concerns about runoff. Donna Tacaberry, who said her house abuts the site’s retention area, said heavy rains already push water into backyards and garages; she urged the commission to consider drainage impacts.

Applicant representative Matt Taylor said the project team has discussed stormwater with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and will provide required treatment prior to discharging to the existing pond. Taylor said the pattern book that becomes part of the PCD is a long‑term commitment to protect the preserved areas in perpetuity. On lighting, Taylor said the project will follow the city’s dark‑sky photometric standards and that gates will be locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; keypad access will not operate outside the posted hours.

Several residents asked about blasting. Taylor said blasters are required by state regulations to perform pre‑blast surveys for structures within 300 feet of the blast, to record seismograph readings, and to carry insurance for post‑blast claims. He added the storage plan had been designed to minimize blasting compared with a typical residential buildout and that raising pads with imported material could reduce the need to blast for foundations.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant technical questions about buffers, phasing and the monument lot at the front of the site. Staff requested several clarifications to the pattern book that must be incorporated before City Council review, including clearer references to the monument parcel, clarification on side setbacks and phasing language and a requirement that final monument improvements be developed during site‑plan review and plat recordation.

Commissioner comments during the vote emphasized staff incorporation of the requested clarifications; the motion to approve included the condition that staff comments be addressed. The vote passed by roll call.

The PCD approval authorizes the rezoning and the pattern‑book approach; specific site‑plan approvals, technical stormwater plans and any permits (including required state permits) will be reviewed separately before construction.