SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Municipal Regional Planning Commission unanimously approved annexation, a plan of service and a multi-residential and office (MRO) zoning designation on April 3 for an approximately 11-acre parcel located between U.S. Highway 41 and William Batson Parkway.

Planning staff told commissioners the request covers Robertson County tax map 103, Parcel 9.01, adjacent to the eastern property line of the Springfield Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens and Cremation Center. "The request before you this evening includes a recommendation for annexation, plan of service, and zoning for property located within Robertson County tax map 103, specifically Parcel 9.01," staff said. The applicant, John Warner, was present.

Staff said the parcel is roughly rectangular, contains a power easement and is split between city limits and land outside the city: about 4.3 acres on the northern half already lie inside the city and are zoned agricultural, while the southern portion of roughly 6.6 acres fronts William Batson Parkway and lies outside the city but inside the urban growth boundary. On annexation, the applicant requested the entire parcel be zoned MRO; staff recommended approval, noting the Springfield 2044 comprehensive plan designates the area for mixed use and that the zoning request is consistent with that plan.

Commissioners moved and seconded the measure and recorded a unanimous approval. During the roll call vote commissioners Thomas, Boy, Viv, Sean, Baggett (Bob Baggett), Greg and Portland voted yes; a mover and seconder were not specified in the transcript. The commission did not receive or record additional conditions tied to the approval during the meeting.

In other business, staff briefed the commission on recent and upcoming development items: a site plan under construction for Gupton Motors on Tom Austin Highway that includes an approximately 22,000-square-foot building, 252 parking spaces and two EV charging stations; a final plat at 812 Pitt Avenue intended to allow a duplex; a Board of Zoning Appeals variance permitting a zero lot line rebuild after the Dec. 2023 tornado; and upcoming files for Blackwood Farms and a final plat for Phase 1 of Highland Reserve, which staff said will include the completion of two cul-de-sacs and 15 homes. Staff also said it is reviewing a wastewater treatment plant site plan and is developing an online development tracker for public visibility.

Commissioners also discussed enforcement of property maintenance on undeveloped land after a commissioner raised concerns about an overgrown parcel on a major corridor. The city manager and staff explained the municipal code requires residential yards be kept to 12 inches but said the city attorney has not interpreted that provision to apply broadly to undeveloped parcels in their natural state; staff said changes to that code would require action by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and offered to bring the issue forward for consideration.

The applicant and staff will follow administrative steps required for annexation and recordation. The commission adjourned after a brief announcement about a 15-minute safety training at the end of next month's meeting.