Fairview approves annexation of Fernville Springs Farm after residents raise runoff, traffic concerns

The Fairview Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 March 6 to annex a parcel identified on the agenda as Fernville Springs Farm at 7740 Cumberland Drive into the city limits and to apply RS 40 (low-density residential) zoning as provided by the city's zoning ordinance.

Neighbors and experts told the commission during a public hearing that annexation could create development pressure with significant downstream effects. The concern centered on stormwater runoff, water and sewer service, and vehicle traffic on narrow roads that residents said are not built for high volumes.

Attorney Jason Holloman, representing adjacent Fernvale property owners, said the annexation would amount to a de facto rezoning and asked the board to deny or defer the request until the city's zoning work was finalized. "Because this comes from the county in a 5…