Planning Commission recommends two-year vesting extension for Avalon Square development

The Franklin Municipal Planning Commission voted Thursday to recommend that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) approve Resolution 2025-5 to extend vested rights for the Avalon Square BUD Subdivision at the intersection of Cool Springs Boulevard and East McEwen Drive.

Planning staff said, “This request is to extend the vesting period for 2 years or until March 12, 2027 to allow the applicant to secure final approval of the plan, in this case, a site plan, secure any necessary permits and begin site preparation.” The original plan was approved in 2003 and later amended; staff noted the project received a three-year extension in March 2022 that runs through March 12, 2025.

Staff reported that site work has occurred under previous non-vested plans but no work has started under the current vested development plan. Staff also said sewer capacity for the area already accounts for this development and that, if vesting were not extended, the project entitlements would cease and stop-work orders could be issued. Staff recommended the commission forward the resolution to BOMA if commissioners determined continuing vested rights served the community interest.

Commissioners voted by roll call to recommend approval. The motion to recommend the resolution to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed with all present members voting in the affirmative.

The recommendation now goes to BOMA for a final decision. If BOMA approves the extension, the subdivision’s vested development rights would be extended to March 12, 2027; if not, the existing entitlements would lapse and any new plan would be reviewed under current development standards.