Planning commission approves rezoning for 411 Memorial Boulevard

The Springfield City Municipal Regional Planning Commission on Feb. 5 approved a request to rezone roughly 0.58 acres at 411 Memorial Boulevard from Commercial Services (CS) to Core Commercial (CC).

Staff told the commission the site, at the corner of Memorial Boulevard and 5th Avenue, has been vacant for several years and is constrained by underground infrastructure and limited driveway access controlled by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. According to the presentation, CC zoning would allow greater flexibility for building placement and orientation that better matches adjacent development and the city's future land-use map. Staff recommended the rezoning as consistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding patterns and said the applicant intends to construct a shell commercial building with future tenants to be determined.

"The requested zoning would allow development that is consistent with that existing pattern," the Community Development Director said, noting that setbacks and driveway placement driven by TDOT limits significantly influence where a building can be located. Commissioners asked whether the parcel was contiguous with other CC parcels and about parking and driveway placement; staff said the lot is diagonally across from other CC parcels and that TDOT access points will restrict exact placement and parking configurations.

Commissioners moved to approve the rezoning; the motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said no site plan has been formally submitted and that future site-plan review will address specific layout, parking and access requirements.

The commission’s approval allows the applicant to pursue development that staff said is intended to spur infill redevelopment and increase the commercial tax base at a prominent city gateway. The applicant will return with site plans and permitting documents for subsequent review.