Williamson County planning panel denies Owen Valley wastewater site plan and concept plan after public outcry over Allison Chapel cemetery

The Williamson County Planning Commission on an order taken during a public meeting denied a wastewater treatment site plan and a related concept plan for the 72‑lot Owen Valley subdivision after staff and residents raised concerns that the applicant had not adequately identified or protected an historic African American church, school and cemetery on the property.

County planning staff told commissioners the applicant’s filings contradicted evidence received from residents and outside reviewers and lacked key studies staff would require before approval. "Staff can no longer recommend approval of the site plan at this time," staff said, citing the need for additional groundwater data, a full archaeological survey, research into historic designation and a title opinion to confirm whether the area had previously been set aside as a separate parcel.

At the meeting dozens of residents, descendants and preservation groups described visible artifacts and family burial sites and urged the commission not to allow a…