Commission approves Lakeshore Loudon Stage 1 SPDD with detailed conditions; developers say permits could follow in 30–60 days

The Loudon City Commission voted to approve the preliminary Small Plan Development District (SPDD) for Lakeshore Loudon Stage 1, approving a set of staff-recommended conditions that limit Stage 1 work to right-of-way improvements, grading and utilities while reserving additional approvals for later plan filings and construction permits.

Harold Cannon, speaking on behalf of the developer team, emphasized three priorities: preserving the site's historic reservoir and protecting it from vehicular damage, ensuring the project complements downtown, and providing connectivity through a Greenway and sidewalks to the riverfront. Cannon said the project includes mixed-use buildings with retail fronting Hackberry, a café, and townhomes and apartments in the residential blocks.

Commissioners and staff pressed the team on constructability and the Greenway surface. Staff described the intended Greenway surface as a compacted "PUG mix" (not asphalt) — a detail that generated debate over long-term durability and whether field adjustments would be required once grading and staking occur on site. One commissioner said the alignment and exact finish should be determined on-site with coordinated field layout and staff input.

The staff motion read into the record limits and conditions for Stage 1: preservation and structural review and maintenance of an on-site water tower; specific right-of-way improvements on Hackberry, Union, Green, Gay, Commerce and Poplar; Greenway and pedestrian improvements with a requirement to secure TVA approval for riverfront amenities; required traffic-impact analysis and any off-site mitigations; and that sale or rental of lots or units be prohibited until the final SPDD plan is approved.

Mister Spencer, addressing the commission, explained why staff provided a detailed, worded motion: the Small Plan Development District zoning language differs from larger planned-district zoning, so staff sought to spell out conditions to prevent later disputes and to protect both the city and developer. The development team said the first phase's civil and utility work could take roughly five to six months and estimated the first phase cost at about $16 million; overall project cost was described in broad terms as roughly $30–40 million in "today's dollars." The developers said they hoped to have permitting at the land-disturbance stage within 30–60 days of approval, with construction-permit submissions and state approvals to follow.

Commissioners noted the project would produce a mix of rental and for-sale housing and stressed the city's interest in achieving homeownership and walkability in the downtown core. During public comment, members of the public and commissioners reminded the team to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access and emergency-access needs for riverfront facilities.

With a motion to approve and a second on the record, the commission voted in favor and carried the staff conditions. The approval authorizes Stage 1 infrastructure work per the conditions read into the record; final approvals for sale or rental, building permits and any TVA coordination remain outstanding.