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Planning commission approves Sparta Highway retail and storage site plan
Summary
The Crossville Planning Commission approved a site plan replacing a previously approved multifamily project with two retail buildings fronting Highway 70 and multiple climate-controlled storage units behind, subject to TDOT driveway and stormwater permits.
A city staff member told the Crossville Planning Commission that developers submitted a new site plan for property on Highway 70 (part of the area identified as Park Station 3) that replaces a previously approved multifamily apartment complex with two retail buildings facing Highway 70 and a cluster of climate-controlled storage units behind them.
Staff provided approximate building sizes and unit footprints, saying the two retail structures would each measure about 10,000 square feet as originally drawn, and listing proposed storage building footprints roughly between 3,400 and 27,000 square feet. “Staff does recommend the approval of the site plan,” the staff member said, noting the proposed driveway, utilities and stormwater design remain the same as the prior approval.
The staff presentation addressed traffic concerns that had circulated on social media. The staff member said the city had completed a traffic study in 2021 and that, under current conditions, there is no warrant for a traffic signal at Holiday Drive; without a warrant the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will not permit a signal. Staff also said that, because much of the project will be climate-controlled storage with limited parking demand, the development is expected to generate less traffic than the previously proposed apartment complex.
After a brief clarification about parking (estimated at roughly 15–20 spaces for the retail portion), the chair moved to approve the site plan. The motion passed by voice vote. The commission and staff emphasized the approval is contingent on required external permits: a TDOT driveway permit and applicable stormwater permits must be obtained before final implementation.
Commissioners and staff briefly discussed developer posts and photographs on social media, with the staff member characterizing the storage units as smaller, climate-controlled buildings rather than large warehouse-style storage. The commission did not impose additional conditions beyond the usual permit clearances.
The approval advances the developer’s plan to substitute retail and storage for the earlier apartment proposal; required permits from TDOT and stormwater authorities remain outstanding and must be secured before work proceeds.
