Property owner raises access concerns as commissioners approve Lehman Ferry Commercial Subdivision Phase 2

Neighbors and property owners asked how access would be preserved at the Planning Commission’s Feb. 25 meeting before commissioners approved a replat and preliminary layout for Lehman Ferry Commercial Subdivision Phase 2.

Andy Whitehead, who identified himself with addresses on Lehman Ferry Road, asked how Dean Plumbing and three adjacent buildings would access the back of their properties after the replat and whether the designation "commercial" meant a change in use. "What how does what is their access in and out of that particular subdivision?" Whitehead asked at the public microphone.

Marcus (planning staff) responded that the layout would create frontage for the Dean Plumbing lot on Lehman Ferry Circle, but that the city does not negotiate private cross-access agreements: "As that is private property, the city would not get into what that agreement looks like. That would be strictly up between you and the current property owner to configure how you continue to maintain access to your current facilities," Thomas Nunez, manager of planning and zoning services, reiterated later.

Marcus and staff stated the current zoning is Heavy Industrial and the replat at this stage is a subdivision action to create lots and a road loop; no development plans have been submitted for specific commercial uses. Staff also identified Mullins LLC as engineer of record and offered to connect property owners with the engineer to discuss existing access.

After discussion the subdivision committee recommended replat and preliminary approval of four lots; the commission voted to approve the replat by voice vote. No vote tally by name was recorded.

The commission’s approval was limited to the subdivision configuration (lot creation and road infrastructure). Staff emphasized any continued access across private lots and any future development are matters for private agreements and future permitting.