Board signals resistance to initiation of Drees Homes’ Jenkins property annexation

Drees Homes representatives returned to a Nolensville work session on March 24 to ask whether the town would entertain annexation of the Jenkins property at 7631 Nolensville Road. Commissioners said they would give the applicant courtesy feedback but several voiced opposition to initiating annexation.

Town staff described the current stage as an early courtesy review: Drees brought a concept plan and asked whether the board would be open to annexation before the company spent resources on a full application and planning commission review. Patrick Achilles of Drees Homes told the board Drees would study sewer options and suggested the project could help fund some municipal services as it develops. Achilles said site constraints — steep slopes and soils — would likely limit ultimate density.

Multiple commissioners said the parcel sits roughly two miles outside the town limit and at the edge of the urban growth boundary. Commissioner Carpenter said the Planning Commission previously voted 7–0 against recommending annexation and reiterated concerns about accelerating growth beyond current town services. Commissioner Cortner and others echoed concerns about police and fire service capacity: Commissioner Cortner said Chief Armour had warned additional officers would be necessary for coverage if outlying parcels were annexed.

Commissioners indicated they would not direct staff to pursue annexation on the town’s behalf and described the question as the applicant’s choice whether to submit a formal annexation petition. Staff said if the applicant proceeds the town would review annexation and any rezoning request through planning commission and the ordinance process. Drees representatives said they seek direction before incurring further engineering and due-diligence costs.