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Kingsport board approves rezoning on Williams Road; traffic impact study required for proposed 274-unit project
Summary
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Feb. 18 approved rezoning of a Williams Road parcel from R-1B single-family to R-3 low-density apartment to accommodate a proposed townhome development; staff said a traffic impact study will be required and any recommended road improvements must be completed by the developer.
Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Feb. 18 to approve an ordinance rezoning property along Williams Road from R-1B (Residential) to R-3 (Low Density Apartment) to allow a proposed townhome development, and city staff said a traffic impact study will be required and any recommended improvements must be implemented by the developer.
The rezoning, recommended by the Planning Commission, drew concern from nearby residents about speeding, increased traffic and stormwater. Jessica McMurray of the city’s planning department told the board the developer will be required to complete a traffic impact study that an engineer will prepare and that study will determine what intersection and roadway improvements are necessary.
“It's completed by an engineer,” McMurray said. “We're looking at volume, type of traffic, hours of traffic. Every use of residential use is looked at in one lens. Commercial use is looked at another one. So all of that will be factored in to generate the anticipated number of trips…peak times would be roadway capacity, level of service at intersections. All that will go into consideration.”
Why it matters: Neighbors asked the city to address safety and stormwater before development proceeds. Planning staff and several aldermen said the traffic study and the site-level stormwater review during development will be the mechanism to identify and require changes before permits are granted.
Key details: The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation, noting the site’s compatibility with an adjacent R-3 district and its role as a transition between industrial/commercial and residential areas. A public hearing notice for the rezoning was published Jan. 27. During the meeting staff said the developer has proposed about 274 townhome units; the size and final unit count will be subject to subsequent development approvals. Stormwater management will be reviewed during the development review process and must be retained on-site, McMurray said.
Board action and next steps: Alderman Phillips moved approval of the ordinance and Alderman George seconded. The board approved the rezoning by voice vote, 6-0. City staff said the required traffic impact study must be completed before final development approval; any traffic or intersection improvements the study recommends must be implemented by the developer as a condition of permitting.
Background and context: City staff noted that even if zoning remained unchanged, a traffic study could be required depending on the number of units that could be developed under current zoning. The rezoning is the first step in the development review process; subsequent steps will include submission of construction plans, engineering review of stormwater, and permit approvals.
Meeting chronology and record: The item was introduced by the city manager and presented by Jessica McMurray of the Planning Department, followed by the board’s public hearing, staff responses to neighborhood concerns and a board vote to adopt the ordinance. The rezoning ordinance was approved on second reading at the Feb. 18 business meeting.
