Franklin board defers Harlan PUD annexation and development requests after resident traffic concerns
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Summary
The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously deferred four Harlan PUD items — including annexation and a development plan — to March 24, 2026, after the applicant requested more time and nearby residents warned proposed access via Shadow Green Drive would worsen traffic and noise.
The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously Nov. 11 to defer consideration of the Harlan planned-unit development (PUD) package — including a plan of services, annexation request and development plan — to the March 24, 2026 meeting at the applicant’s request.
Planning staff described the proposal as a mixed-use development at the end of Hillview Lane with about 242 dwelling units, more than 30,000 square feet of nonresidential space and 80 hotel keys. Greg Gamble, a landscape architect representing Boyle Development Company, asked the board to defer so that an adjoining 80-acre Ingram property could be annexed contiguously, which would avoid an interlocal agreement with the county. “The advantage here is that it would be a contiguous annexation,” Gamble said, urging the board to postpone action.
Several nearby residents urged caution, focusing on access, traffic and neighborhood impacts if Shadow Green Drive were used as the primary entrance. Jay Palm told the board the road’s curves and narrow condition would increase congestion and noise and could lower property values. Penny Cromwell said commute times and congestion already have worsened and argued Shadow Green is too small to serve as primary egress: “The infrastructure cannot support Shadow Green being the main entrance and egress of this Harlan PUD development because it just isn't big enough,” she said.
Other speakers raised broader infrastructure questions, including whether Mac Hatcher Boulevard would be extended to relieve congestion near Columbia Pike and whether sewer and other utilities could be provided without significant off-site work. Planning staff noted the applicant requested the deferral; the board closed the public hearing and approved the request, sending the entire Harlan package to the March 24, 2026 meeting for further consideration.
Next steps: the applicant may provide revised plans and access options before the March hearing; staff will continue to coordinate required plan-of-services materials and utility analysis for the annexation and development plan.
Speakers (first referenced in transcript): Greg Gamble (landscape architect/representing Boyle Development Company) SEG 675; Jay Palm (resident) SEG 715; Penny Cromwell (resident) SEG 887; Planning staff (Kelly) SEG 652.
Authorities referenced: Franklin Municipal Code (annexation procedures) (referenced by items 12–17).
