Branson planning panel approves Longstone 2 preliminary plat for 35 homes on Sunshine

The Branson Planning Commission voted 6-0 Oct. 7 to approve a preliminary plat for Longstone 2, a proposed subdivision that would create 35 single-family residential lots on 11 acres at 622 Sunshine.

Planning staff presented the application and identified the applicant as Kevin Garnett of Meeco Engineering and the owner as Brent Long. Staff told the commission the site is currently undeveloped woodland in a Low Density Residential (LDR) zoning district and that the proposal would result in a density of 3.18 dwelling units per acre, below the LDR maximum of six units per acre. Utilities, including sanitary sewer and water, are on-site, staff said. “The applicant is proposing 3.16 acres of private open space within the subdivision, which is actually more than what is required per code,” planning staff said.

The staff report cited the city’s subdivision criteria in Article 2, Section 94-8, and the open-space dedication rules in Section 94-119, and concluded the applicant had provided responses showing the proposal meets the required criteria. Staff also said the city’s 2030 preferred land use map designates the parcel for low-density residential use, and recommended approval.

Staff explained that park staff conducted field visits and determined the site was not suitable for a public park or for connections to nearby trails. The Parks Board met Sept. 16 and unanimously recommended the city not accept public open-space dedication for this property. The applicant’s private-open-space proposal totals 3.16 acres; staff said the code-required minimum is 2.1 acres.

A nearby resident, Ryan Muir of 818 Lee Avenue, spoke during public comment. He said he is not opposed to the development but urged the city to study traffic speed and circulation on Sunshine and to consider moving a dead-end sign on Lee Avenue closer to the corner. “That road in general is just a disaster with how fast people come through there,” Muir said, and asked the city to consider traffic calming measures such as speed humps similar to those on Cliff Drive.

After closing the public hearing, the commission moved to approve the preliminary plat and voted by roll call: Commissioner Moriale, Alderperson Denham, Chairperson Grohman, Commissioner Ong, Commissioner Sykes and Commissioner Frederickson all voted yes, resulting in a 6-0 approval. The chair noted the preliminary plat will be heard at an upcoming October Board of Aldermen meeting; the exact date was not specified in the record.

In other business, planning staff reported that the separate Elevate project is pursuing an administrative planning process rather than proceeding as a major subdivision, making its near-term return to the commission unlikely. A commissioner asked that engineering staff contact “Mister Mueller” to discuss the project before the Oct. 14 Board of Aldermen meeting.

The commission approved minutes from the Sept. 2 meeting earlier in the evening and adjourned at 6:12 p.m.; the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the council chamber.