Commission approves concept-plan amendment to add 16 units at East Oakland Avenue

Johnson City commissioners voted Jan. 8 to approve a concept-plan amendment for a large multifamily site at East Oakland Avenue and Springbrook that increases the previously approved project by 16 dwelling units.

Planning staff told the commission the site had been approved for 260 multifamily units and the amendment would add 16 units (bringing the total to 276), a change the applicant described as within allowed density limits. Planning staff said the applicant had removed a townhome and one apartment building from the original layout and adjusted building types and internal circulation to accommodate the additional units. Staff concluded the revision remained consistent with the city’s Horizon 2045 plan.

Planning staff noted a revised traffic evaluation identified a need for an extra turn lane on Springbrook; the applicant’s materials show that turn-lane improvement will be provided on site. The applicant’s civil engineer, Warren Sugg of Civil Design Concepts, told the commission staff "did a great job of describing it" and said the team planned to move quickly if the commission approved: "Pretty immediately per the client." He also said geotechnical findings (rock) discovered after the prior approval prompted some layout changes.

A staff presentation said neighborhood concerns raised at outreach meetings included stormwater runoff and traffic; staff reported only a handful of neighbors attended the meeting. After brief questions from commissioners, one commissioner moved to approve the amendment, it was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote.

The approval was a concept-plan amendment and not a site-plan approval; the project will return for any site-plan reviews and permitting required by city code.