Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves variances for unfinished Manor Way house after extended debate with bank
Summary
After extended discussion about whether Wilson Bank & Trust should complete repairs or sell, the Planning Commission granted setback variances for a partially completed house at 124 Manor Way; the motion passed 6–2 and staff will provide monthly status updates.
The Hendersonville Planning Commission approved multiple setback variances and encroachment allowances for an unfinished house at 124 Manor Way, a property now in the bank’s possession, after a lengthy exchange about who should complete the repairs and whether variances should carry expiration dates.
Marty Cook, representing the bank, told commissioners the bank foreclosed on the property and seeks the deviations "so that it runs with the property, makes them be able to sell it, and allows the next owner to do the work that's necessary to bring it within the variances that we're requesting you all approve tonight." Cook said the bank is willing to move an HVAC at its expense and to coordinate with staff on marketing and buyer communication.
Commissioners pressed the bank on whether it would complete the work itself or sell the property to a builder. Commissioner Kerr and others repeatedly asked for enforceable timelines or expiration conditions for variances; the city attorney and planning staff confirmed that the commission can attach a reasonable expiration to variances. Bank chief lending officer Taylor Walker said the bank does not want to act as a long-term builder and prefers to sell but acknowledged the bank had already spent roughly $50,000 to stabilize the property (surveys, HOA fees, taxes).
Multiple proposals to attach a 6–12 month expiration or to condition variances on sale were discussed and failed in preliminary votes. Ultimately Commissioner Evans moved to approve the variances requested by the owner; the motion was seconded and passed 6–2. Commissioners asked the bank to provide monthly status updates; staff noted that a certificate of occupancy would not be issued until the required improvements are completed.
Key figures and specifics: staff said the requested deviations include a front setback encroachment of about 1.8 feet, a right-side encroachment of 0.23 feet, a rear encroachment of 1.9 feet and a retaining-wall encroachment; the bank said it has spent approximately $50,000 to date on making the property marketable.
Why it matters: neighbors and commissioners cited the property as a multi-year eyesore; approval of variances makes it easier for the bank to sell the lot but leaves uncertainty about who will complete the construction and on what schedule.
What happens next: the variances were approved; staff will receive monthly status notes from planning staff and maintain the file until improvements qualify the property for certificate of occupancy.
