Panel recommends concept‑plan amendment for East Oakland Avenue site, 6–1 vote

The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission on Dec. 9 voted 6–1 to recommend approval of a concept-plan amendment for a roughly 27‑acre property at 2875 East Oakland Avenue that increases multifamily units from 260 to 276.

Staff (Miss Putney) told the commission the amendment removes one apartment building and six townhome units from the previously approved concept, reallocating units into the remaining apartment buildings with 2‑, 3‑ and 4‑story configurations. The amended plan adds a dog park and a pavilion area and retains required buffer yards and stormwater areas; staff said the increase of 16 units would have a minimal traffic impact and that any additional mitigation required by an amended traffic analysis would be at the developer’s expense. Staff recommended approval and said the amendment would bind the developer to 276 units.

Developer engineer Warren Sugg (Civil Design Concepts) said the project team is avoiding impacts to an adjacent wetland and AE floodplain, and that the site will use on‑site stormwater controls rather than altering the mapped flood area. Resident Rebecca Rowe testified that traffic on Springbrook and Oakland already poses risks to pedestrians and described concern that the project could add hundreds of vehicle trips; she estimated 550 additional cars and urged more traffic mitigation.

Commissioners asked about floodplain risk and possible insurance impacts for future tenants; one commissioner noted concerns that apartments in AE flood zones may trigger federal NFIP requirements and add costs for tenants. The roll call recorded a single no vote from Commissioner Baumgartner; the motion carried with the remainder of the commission in favor.

Next steps: the planning commission’s recommendation will go to the City Commission for a public reading on Jan. 8, 2026, where the amendment will receive final consideration.