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Commission presses TDOT over driveway dispute and discusses developer paving problems and private-alleys ownership
Summary
Collegedale commissioners discussed a lingering driveway/access dispute involving TDOT right-of-way, slow state turnaround on permits, an adverse-possession claim, and complaints about recent paving work in new developments during the March 17 meeting.
Commissioners at the March 17 Collegedale City Commission meeting pressed staff on ongoing delays with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) over a driveway-access dispute and raised concerns about developer paving and private-alleys maintenance.
Why it matters: Several property owners and a local business are waiting for resolutions that affect vehicle access and future sales or development; the disputes also raise questions about the city's ability to assist residents where portions of the work sit in state right-of-way or on privately controlled alleys.
Commissioners described a case involving a resident identified in the meeting as AJ Javadi, whose driveway access request is pending with TDOT. City staff told the commission that TDOT reviews for simple driveway permits have taken more than six months and, in some cases, up to nine months; staff said certain inquiries have been routed to TDOT legal and remain unresolved. The city attorney confirmed the timeline is slow and said staff may escalate to state legislative contacts if TDOT does not respond promptly.
The commission also discussed paving work by a developer (identified in public comment as Barnsley) in the Collier Place area; commissioners said recent asphalt work left unfinished edges and water intrusion, and that alleyways in the development remain private and have not been accepted by the city. Staff reiterated that private-alleys disputes are civil matters between the homeowners association and the developer, though the city can withhold acceptance of public streets until construction meets city standards. Commissioners urged staff to re-inspect the work and press the developer to complete the clean-up and proper repairs.
On legal remedies, the city attorney said an initial review indicated AJ had a potentially legitimate adverse-possession easement claim, which is part of why staff are working to resolve the situation. Commissioners requested staff follow up with TDOT and, if necessary, escalate to the city's state representative.
Discussion vs. decisions: This portion of the meeting was discussion only; no formal directive changing policy was adopted. Commissioners directed staff to continue outreach to TDOT, contact legislative offices if responses are not received, re-inspect the developer paving, and confirm whether the HOA has engaged engineering oversight for alley repairs.
Next steps: Staff said it will attempt additional contacts at TDOT and will notify commissioners if escalation to the state representative becomes necessary. The commission asked staff to provide updates on the driveway and the developer's remedial work at a future meeting.
