The Planning Commission on Dec. 17 voted to set public hearings for Feb. 4 on a proposed annexation of approximately 93.6 acres along Manchester Pike (including about 3,150 linear feet of right of way) and a companion PID zoning request for roughly 87.7 acres to be developed by Scannell Properties.

Staff said the annexation packet includes multiple parcels and that the plan of services will address responsibilities for Manchester Pike, which is a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) right of way. Staff noted discussion of fund exchanges with TDOT and that a traffic signal at the Elam Farms Parkway/Manchester Pike connection was identified as warranted in the developer’s traffic study.

On the PID zoning, staff reported an overall program book proposing about 608,500 square feet of industrial space in several phases, preservation of existing canopy in parts of the site, and wetlands that constrain building locations. Chad Grass with Thomas and Hutton, speaking for the applicant, said the team shifted buffers back to avoid wetland impacts and that they are open to widening Type E buffers or adding screening to reduce visibility from adjacent single‑family homes: "We want to do the right thing," he said.

Commissioners repeatedly urged stronger buffering where the PID abuts single‑family residences and asked staff and the applicant to refine screening options. Staff confirmed the developer has agreed to extend Elam Farms Parkway and will participate in a development agreement; the traffic study indicated a signal is warranted and the city may install it with developer coordination.

Next steps: public hearings on Feb. 4; staff and applicant will refine buffer and screening proposals and provide required materials for the hearings.