Smyrna council defers vote on large Del Thomas Road annexation amid bridge, sewer and traffic concerns

Smyrna — The Town Council voted to defer consideration of a large annexation and planned residential development on Del Thomas Road, citing outstanding questions about required off-site sewer work, road improvements and a nearby bridge that would need widening.

Kevin (staff) outlined a concept plan for roughly 102 acres at 7025 Del Thomas Road that would include about 162 single-family lots and 40 townhomes (about 202 dwellings). Staff said the project requires significant off-site sewer extensions along Rocky Fork Creek, traffic improvements identified in a consultant traffic impact study and multiple easements. The developer’s concept also shows the site would be accessed from Del Thomas Road with a required second entrance connection to an adjacent neighborhood before the 100th house is built.

Council and staff focused on a short bridge near the site. Council members said the traffic study’s recommendation for a right-turn deceleration lane would require widening that bridge. Staff and council discussed whether the town should annex the bridge — bringing it under town responsibility and standards — or leave it in county jurisdiction and require the developer to coordinate with the county. Council members expressed concern that annexing bridges transfers long-term replacement and maintenance costs to Smyrna.

Chris Smith of Goodall Homes told the council the traffic study indicates "this bridge today already needs to be upgraded without our property added on," and described changes his team made to the entrance alignment and turn lanes to reduce impacts.

Councilmembers pressed staff and the developer for more detailed exhibits and financing clarity: an itemized list of road improvements tied to the traffic study, the developer agreement terms for the sewer extension (including the town’s proposed tap-fee credit or participation in upsizing pipe diameters), and TDOT/county bridge inspection or condition reports. Staff said the developer would install sewer but that the town may pay the delta if a larger pipe diameter is needed for long-term capacity.

After extended discussion, Councilmember Jerome moved to defer the annexation/PRD request to the next council meeting so staff could assemble the requested information; the motion carried. Staff said they expect to return with a package of traffic exhibits, sewer-developer agreement drafts and bridge inspection findings for further action approximately 30 days later.

The deferral leaves the development concept unresolved; council members emphasized they want clear, itemized road and sewer requirements and an explicit plan for the bridge before voting on annexation or imposing conditions tied to town standards.