Lebanon council approves annexation and specific‑plan zoning for Summit Development after extended public comment

Lebanon, Tenn. — The Lebanon City Council voted Jan. 6 to adopt a plan of services and annex about 246 acres on Maple Hill Road and Carver Lane into Ward 1 and approved a specific‑plan zoning request from Summit Development, following an extended public‑hearing period in which residents and builders offered sharply divergent views.

The annexation and zoning approvals were taken as first readings and passed on voice votes after Councilor Carmack moved to approve and Councilor Ashley seconded. Council approved Carmack’s amendments, which require pedestrian connectivity to meet code, an additional connection to Carver Lane, a minimum building size of 2,300 square feet under roof, off‑site road improvements at the West Main and Maple Hill intersection, and a type A landscape buffer along the southern and western property lines.

Why it matters: Summit’s proposal covers roughly 246 acres and, according to project representatives, would allow about 311 detached single‑family houses. Supporters said the project will create local jobs, keep construction spending in Wilson County and add sidewalks, greenways and utility upgrades. Opponents said the city’s roads, water and sewer systems and…